Can a Layoff Turn Out To Be A Positive Experience?

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Stacy Harshman, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

When you hear about a layoff happening, do you think of it as a positive situation? The majority of people probably think of losing their jobs as a very negative experience, however; it could be just the thing that causes growth and forward movement.

Getting Unstuck-The process of losing a job causes, rather, forces people to re-evaluate their goals. Often we become comfortable in our day-to-day duties and don’t take the time to assess where we are going and what we would like to accomplish in the future. In my own situation, a layoff was exactly what I needed to get myself unstuck. I suddenly realized that I was in a rut and that I wasn’t going in the direction that I wanted to go. I began to pursue a position that was more fulfilling to me. Had the layoff not occurred, I probably would have spent a lot more time doing something I didn’t enjoy and would have delayed being in a position that fulfilled my career goals.

Moving Forward-Often when we are comfortable in our jobs, it is difficult to have the courage to try something new. It is when an event takes us out of our comfort zone, we really begin to grow. Amber is a good example. She was working as an accountant at a large corporation and was suddenly laid off without warning. Amber had dreamed of owning her own business and had even started working out of her home before the lay off occurred. Losing her corporate job was the impetus for her to realize her dream. She began pouring all of her energy into her new business and at the end of a year, she was able to work full time out of her home. She said that when she looked back, the layoff was really a blessing in disguise as it gave her the push that she had been afraid to take.

New Possibilities-An unexpected event such as a layoff, can cause us to become creative in a way that opens our eyes to new possibilities. Harry was able to create a job from that type of creative thinking. He was working in a job that was okay but didn’t cause him to “be excited about Monday morning coming”. His true passion was creating and performing magic tricks which he did as a hobby. When thinking how he could turn his hobby into a career, Harry began thinking about how to market what he did. He started performing at children’s parties and also business events such as conferences and trade shows. He also sold his tricks to others in his field. With a little ingenuity and persistence, Harry was able to make his passion his full time career.

If you are facing a layoff situation, remember that it could turn out to be a very positive result. The event could get you unstuck, move you forward, and/or cause you to see new possibilities. It could very well be your blessing in disguise.

Your Fulfilling Life Career Coaching was founded to assist individuals experiencing career transitions. Whether you have just been laid off or you don’t know “what you want to do when you grow up”, career coaching can help you move through the process successfully. You will first learn to discover your passion and clarify your goals and career aspirations. You will then work toward pursuing your vision by utilizing specific job search techniques that are customized to your situation. The end result is that you are living out your passions, in other words, a more fulfilling life. Contact Stacy Harshman for more information at Stacy@YourFulfillingLife.com or visit the website at www.YourFulfillingLife.com.