A LinkedIn notification nudged me to contribute to an article on ‘How to handle layoffs’. Over the past couple of years, several folks I know have had to face the bitter end of that experience. So here are my two cents, in the hope that it helps you through a difficult time, should you have to face it.

Reality bites. It can be a tough one to come to terms with, but you will come out of it intact. If you have been asked to go despite good work performance, take a hard look at what’s changed while you were busy toiling away at your desk.

Maybe the skills you have are no longer in demand. Maybe the industry or function you have experience in are on their way out. Course correction requires an objective assessment and acceptance of the (sometimes, harsh) Truth.

Once you have some idea of the need-gap, you can get started on the way to recovery, as long as time and age are on your side. If not, make the most of the opportunity and plot an alternative path e.g. working with non-profits, giving back to society, or dusting off those old projects you never made time for!

As a side note, even if the prospect of a layoff is not looming ahead, it’s never too early to reflect on your life goals and take corrective action. After all, we spend too much of our lives chasing invisible targets and milestones that others have set for us. Isn’t it time we fixed that?

“Always be a work in progress.” ~ Emily Lillian