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Facing 8 Main Issues Helps Dislocated Workers
Move from Shock to Reemployment
Numb. Shocked. Immobilized. That’s how many dislocated workers feel as they pack up their desks and lockers, say good-bye to co-workers, and carry out personal belongings. They walk out the door into a world of worries: What do I do now? How will I pay my bills? Who will hire me in this recession?
As the anxieties after job loss mount, the newly unemployed may have difficulty sorting through their questions, options, and fears. Creating an action plan for their next steps may be overwhelming. The situation may cause delays in seeking help and being proactive on job search, financial, and personal fronts. After losing a job, “frustration can set in if you are not in a proper state of mind,” said John Graham, a dislocated worker from Pennsylvania. “After a layoff, folks may be too deep into anger, self-pity, or denial.”
While the troubles of the unemployed are numerous, their concerns fall into eight categories, according to the workforce resource developers who created the Layoff-to-Employment Action Planner (published by Career Action Resources, LLC). “By addressing these eight main issues, laid-off workers find that they reduce stress, gain a sense of control and direction, and focus on a reemployment plan,” according to the publisher's research.
Broad Points That the Unemployed Need to Rank
Based on input from workforce development professionals, interviews with dislocated workers, and a review of the related research literature, here are the broad points that the unemployed need to consider as they face daily life without the benefits and structure of a job:
• Finances
• Emotional issues
• Social/Health/Family concerns
• Time use
• Next career options
• Need for more education and training
• The job search
• Use of government and other services
Yet each jobless worker ranks these matters differently and has a unique combination of work-related and personal needs to deal with in order to move forward. Prioritizing these issues can help the unemployed put their biggest problems in perspective and face them with a clear head. For example, if an individual tries to start a job search but hasn’t defined her next career choices, she may flounder and quickly get frustrated. Or if a person can’t seem to take action on writing a resume or networking, he may need to acknowledge his lingering shock or the importance of managing his time by creating a job search schedule.
Gaining Clarity and Staying on Track in the Job Search
“Anyone who has lost a job needs help in sorting out what to expect and what steps to take to feel secure until returning to the workforce,” said Virginia Wooden, a dislocated worker from Indiana who was part of a review group for the LEAP.
Laid-off workers who address their key concerns can get clarity on their situation, learn about available resources, and be more active as they seek new jobs or investigate training for promising careers.
“After standing in line at the unemployment office this week and asking for assistance, I realize that I need to assess the anxieties I have been dealing with and how important it is to stay on track,” said Vicki DeLira, another dislocated worker who provided input on the LEAP.
Workforce professionals may receive a complimentary sample of the Layoff-to-Employment Action Planner, which helps the unemployed sort through eight key issues and develop a personal reemployment plan. For more information, visit www.CareerActionResources.com or call 1-800-398-6615.
