Coping With Layoffs and Downsizing

Few stresses are more dramatic than facing a layoff. Being laid off is a frightening, emotionally
painful experience. Your well-being is threatened; your self-worth can seem questioned; and
your very emotional equilibrium can be seriously thrown off balance. The following are
important ideas to consider:

Take Action
•Whether or not you were prepared for the layoff, begin taking action. Allow yourself a
couple days to weather the shock, make a plan and follow through.
•Have a plan. Structure your time; plan what you are going to do for the day, and follow
through. If it’s finding a new job, plan time for updating your resume, and do it.
•Contact the unemployment office. Educate yourself on what community resources may
be available, such as a food bank or job services.

Taking Care of Self
•Focus on your health by watching what you eat, getting adequate rest and exercise.
•Don’t use of alcohol and drugs to cope.
•Don’t blame yourself. Remember that layoff is not a personal failure. It is a situation
caused by circumstances beyond your control.
•Develop Support Systems. The best way to fight stress is to talk with family and friends
about what you are going through.
•Stay positive about yourself. Identify at least one practical and useful thing you have
done to address the situation each day.
•Practice Stress Management techniques.
•Focus your thoughts on what you can do.