5 Ways to Prepare for a Layoff

Stressed businessman
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When there is a downturn in the economy, it is not uncommon for many companies to begin laying off employees. Generally, companies begin laying off people who have been there the shortest time. Often, this means that people in their 20s are the hardest hit demographic when it comes to layoffs.

Consider looking for warning signs, such as a decreasing client base, no annual raise, or not getting paid on time. Even when times are good, you should be ready to handle a possible layoff. There are five specific ways to prepare for a layoff that are relatively easy.

Follow a Budget

When you are faced with a layoff, it can devastate you financially if you are not prepared. It is important to make a commitment to follow a monthly budget and make every effort to get out of debt. You should also carefully consider any loans that you take out, and what would happen if you were not able to pay them back.

If you were to lose your job and already have a budget, it is much easier to make changes to keep your finances under control while you look for a new job.

A layoff can happen to anyone at any time. Make sure to take the proper precautions, such as budgeting, honing your skills, and establishing a network of contacts to assist you in transitioning to your next job.

Keep an Emergency Fund

Set aside extra savings for emergencies. Your emergency fund should cover three to six months of your expenses as it takes most people between three to six months to find a job. Even if you do not have the entire amount saved when you lose your job, you will be able to make your severance and any other unemployment stretch much farther because you have saved that money. It will also help to protect any money that you have saved for retirement.

An emergency fund is just one step in disaster-proofing your finances. It is a safety net that can protect you financially from unexpected life events such as layoffs. When starting an emergency fund, you may want to save money before you pay off debt.

In the event of a layoff, prepare yourself emotionally. Being told that you are no longer needed at a company can be shocking and hurt your self-esteem. Make sure to not take the decision personally, as it's a business decision likely based on the need to reduce expenses by cutting salaries. Take care of yourself and focus on finding a new position that to advance your career.

Advance Your Skills and Licensing

You should continually be looking to improve your skills and certifications. Take advantage of any additional training or certification offered at your company. You may receive the job over another candidate who has more years of experience but is lacking in the certifications or newer computer skills that your job requires. These additional credentials can also help land you a higher paying job in the future.

Build a Network

Additionally, it is important to continue to network at all times. As you build relationships with those at your company as well as others in the industry, you will establish contacts who can help you find a new job. Most job hires come as a result of network contacts. It may be that you hear about a job through a certain person, or you can use someone as an additional reference.

According to a 2015–2016 survey conducted by The Adler Group and LinkedIn, a select group of job seekers, ranging from active to passive, were asked how they found their jobs. Eighty-five percent of respondents said networking helped them gain employment.

Keep a Positive Attitude

While you are employed, you should stay positive and do your best work with focus and commitment. This may protect you from being laid off, and can also help you to receive good referenceswhen you are looking for a new job.