Can A Layoff Be A Blessing In Disguise?

What do you think of when you hear the term layoff? Most people think of a situation that is less than desirable. Loss of income, loss of security, and sometimes loss of identity are primary things that enter the mind of a person who has just heard the dreaded message, “You no longer will have a job here.” How can you consider a layoff to be a good thing? Believe it or not, there is good that can come out this seemingly scary situation. First of all, it causes, rather forces, a person to stop and think. Too often, we live life on auto pilot, doing the same things over and over again without taking the time to pause and just think about our life. We don’t look to see where we are headed and don’t pause to ponder about our future. We get stuck in a rut, and the sad part is, sometimes we don’t even realize that we are stuck. When I was laid off a job, I was scared at first but then I realized this was the very thing I needed to get me back on track to reach my career goals. I had been content doing a job that was comfortable for me but was no longer a challenge. Being laid off was the wake-up call I needed. I took action by applying for positions that would be a challenge for me and in line with the future that I had planned. To make a long story short, I ended up in a position that gave me the experience I needed to move forward in my career. Perhaps the best thing that can come from laid off is landing a better job you had previously. Judy Madden, a laid off employee from Micron, was interviewed by the Idaho Statesman newspaper recently. She said she is now working out of her home remotely for a nonprofit company making more money than she made at Micron. In my situation, I also landed a job that paid more than my previous job and was supported by a wonderful boss. Are you guaranteed to receive a better paying job after a layoff? The answer is no; however, if the experience causes you to reflect on your situation, make new goals, or gets you back on track for the goals you already had, it is a blessing in disguise. Photo Credit: Shutterstock