How to Deal with Being Displaced

Everyone is having to make adjustments because of the economy. Many of us have reduced spending and are carefully evaluating every detail of our financial lives in order to make a decision. I recently purchased a one way airline ticket because it was cheaper than making a 3 hour drive in my car! Organizations all over the world are not exempt and are making decisions to save money in an effort to sustain stability. Cost cutting measures are a priority for companies and this sometimes equates to a reduction in the number of employees. Being displaced is a fear that so many people have and it's one of those things that are clearly out of an employee's control. None of us really know in advance that we are going to be displaced. I have spoken to a number of people who have been displaced and the announcement comes as a surprise to the recipient, who oftentimes ends up distraught. I mean what do you do when you've been faithful to your employer, when you've worked hard; when you've been dedicated only to find out that your services are no longer needed? As disheartening as the news can be, there are some things that you can do to help you deal with the possibility of being unemployed. Not only do I try to encourage my clients, I also share the following in hopes that the additional resources will provide options for them.

- You can contact the Employment and Training Administration. There is a dislocated worker program sponsored the US Dept. of Labor which has several resources and programs in place to assist those who are looking for employment.

- You can speak with a counselor. Organizations sometimes include assistance programs as a benefit to employees which allows you to speak confidentially to someone who can offer solutions. These programs have local resources that can assist you with managing your money as well as discussing any emotional/mental health challenges associated with being displaced.

-You can research local educational programs and there are some institutions that provide free training for displaced workers. If you are interested in a specific field of study or perhaps contemplating the idea of becoming an entrepreneur, you may find free programs in your area to help you gain education and/or experience. If you are interested in going back to school, perhaps you should visit Opportunity.gov to learn more about educational grants.

-You can share your displacement news with others. Although the conversation may be tough initially, it is important to have the support of those you can trust and depend on. Sometimes sharing with others that you are seeking employment allows them to advocate on your behalf. If a member of your support system hears about a job opening, they can let you know that a potential employment opportunity is on the horizon.

Life has a certain level of uncertainty and we can't begin to predict unexpected events. Being displaced isn't something that many of us are prepared to handle, but there are options to help cope with the loss of a job. From government programs to support systems involving friends and family, finding another employment opportunity can be closer than you realize if you remain resilient, steadfast, and determined.

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