Seema worked in the IT sector. She had been working hard for several years and had built up a good reputation in the company (or, she thought so). However, one day, her company underwent some changes and had to lay off many employees, including Seema.

She was devastated and didn’t know what to do. She had devoted so much of her time and energy to her job, and now it was all gone. She felt lost and alone.

At the same time, her friend Manjeet, who also worked in the same company, got promoted. Her heart was full of hatred towards the company and, to some extent, against her friend. But she knew that on many occasions in life, such things occur, and one needs to learn to deal with them. But how?

We all work tirelessly to build the reputation of the company and contribute to its success. Giving a massive part of life to companies cannot be compensated with any salary, yet, layoffs, at times, become mandatory for companies to sustain.

How to avoid it?

• You can build a strong relationship with your supervisor and colleagues. Show them your value and how you contribute to the company’s success.
• Stay informed about the company’s financial situation and performance. Try to understand what’s happening in the industry and how it may affect your company.
• Be proactive and take the initiative. Look for ways to improve processes, increase efficiency, and save the company money.
• Continuously improve your skills and knowledge. Stay current in your field and learn new skills that are in demand.
• Be a team player. Collaborate with others and help create a positive work environment.
• Show flexibility and willingness to take on different roles and responsibilities. This will show your supervisor that you’re willing to go the extra mile to help the company.
• To be honest, I have seen many coworkers doing nothing at work. But they keep sending emails. They are so visible that I, who often is stuck at work until late at night, can’t compete with them. I am not asking to be like them but take advantage of every opportunity to highlight your great work.
• Ask for visibility if you are still waiting for it. I have seen managers who ask you to do work separately, and once it’s done, they forward it to clients, their managers, and other stakeholders. And you guessed right; they don’t include you in the email trail or anywhere. Be bold and ask for visibility.

Perhaps, even all of these things cannot guarantee anything. But it sure helps in a big way to make you indispensable to the company. Still, there are times when nothing can be done, and one has to go. But don’t lose heart.

How to cope?

Recently I read about an amazon employee who posted anonymously that he approved a bug in a coworker’s code because he was getting laid off from the company. I don’t think it’s the place to take revenge, and on top of it, it’s not professional. There can be many reasons a company has no other option but to lay off employees.

Dealing with a layoff can be complex and emotionally challenging. Here are some ways to cope with the situation:

• Allow yourself time to grieve: It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, and frustration, after a layoff. Allow yourself time to process these feelings, meditate, and don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for support.
• Take care of yourself: It’s important to take care of your physical and mental well-being during this time. Make sure to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
• Stay positive: Try to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the future. Look for the opportunities that may arise from this situation.
• Be financially prepared: If possible, ensure you have enough savings to cover your expenses for a few months. This will give you the time you need to find a new job.
• Network: Reach out to your professional network and let people know you are looking for a new job. Attend networking events, and update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
• Consider new opportunities: A layoff can be a good opportunity to reassess your career goals and consider new opportunities. Think about what you want to do and where you want to work.
• Seek help: If you are struggling to cope with the emotions of a layoff, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide support and guidance during this difficult time.

Remember that a layoff is not a reflection of your worth or abilities. It is essential to stay strong, stay positive and be proactive in your job search. It may be difficult, but there are always new opportunities waiting for you.

A layoff can be a difficult and emotional experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the road. It’s important to stay motivated and focused on the future. Remember that a layoff is an opportunity to reassess your career goals and explore new opportunities. Use this time to think about what you really want to do and where you want to work. Reach out to your professional network and let people know you are looking for a new job. Attend networking events, update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Remember that it’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you get back up. Stay positive, and don’t give up. The right job is out there waiting for you, and with hard (and smart) work and determination, you will find it.