Surviving Job Loss from the Auto Industry

Between General Motors, Delphi Corporations and Ford Motors, thousands of auto workers have accepted buyouts or early retirement in exchange for financial packages. None of this is good news for the automotive industry. Additionally, large scale workforce reductions and job loss like these are not good for families and don't inspire workers' confidence in the U.S. economy. Unfortunately, and understandably, many perceive these changes negatively and won't necessarily see all the great options available to them right away. The fact is, I know several people who were laid off, downsized or furloughed from a job who ultimately thought it was the best thing that ever happened to them.

Here are some positive career and job options to explore as you make your way through the next several months.

Expand education - Go back to school after job loss.
Early retirement or separation from your job might be just the opportunity you needed to go back to school, part time or full time. Seize the opportunity to learn new skills, explore a hobby, finish a college degree or just expand your knowledge to start a new career.

Train or teach in job skills programs.
Many people seek additional education and go back to school after job loss to retrain for their own jobs . However, instead of going back to education as a student, consider going back as a trainer or teacher. If you already have the education and the work experience, the classroom needs you. Inventory your job skills and find community colleges, tech schools or vocational programs where you could be an asset.

Volunteer.
If teaching or training is not an option, and you can afford to stay out of the labor market after a job layoff, consider volunteering. Call up local high schools or community centers to find out about programs that need volunteers and could use your specific job skills. You never know what new programs will be in place in your neighborhood schools as these buyouts take root.

Look for "Green" jobs.
As the economy continues to go "green", there could be options for you in related industries after a layoff. Think of parlaying your auto industry job skills and knowledge into a growing number of "green" jobs. For example, consider looking for jobs that manufacture solar panels, weatherization products or jobs related to environmental recycling and reuse.

Relocate for a job in the same or a similar field.
Consider relocation to continue employment in the same type of job or a similar industry post layoff. Relocation is difficult, no question, especially if you have children, family or close friends in your existing neighborhood.

A job layoff is a good time to reframe your perspective, shed your specific job title and move towards broader, more inclusive definitions. For example rather than labeling yourself as an autoworker, consider labeling yourself as an employee working in the transportation sector. These broader definitions will give you more options to look for work in rail, airline, trucking or the transit industry.