Got a call recently from a former associate who told me he was being laid off at the end of the month. At the time of his call, he had 2 weeks remaining on the job, and he was just starting to reach out to his network. Because he works for a nonprofit organization, I thought maybe the agency had suddenly lost a funding contract and was forced to let staffers go because there would be no money to pay them.
I was only half right. Yes, the agency had indeed lost one of its funding sources, and staff was being laid off, but the announcement of funding loss was not sudden. The announcement was made over three months ago. Why did this guy wait so long to ask for help?
Sure, it makes sense that he may have been in a mild state of shock about the impending job loss, but waiting 3 months? Sheesh! This fellow lost valuable time and resources because he chose to wait until the last minute to ask for help. The state of the current economy not withstanding, with 3 months before the lay-off occurred, he had ample opportunity to start networking, redo his resume and begin an active job search, and maybe secure another job. Allegedly it is easier to find work when working than when not!
Yes, the agency that’s letting him go will provide some outplacement and job search assistance, but this guy short-changed himself in not getting a running start in looking for work as soon as possible after being told his job would end. Now he is most likely faced with a longer period of unemployment and more stress, some of which could have potentially been avoided.
Because you never know what tomorrow will bring in work-world, it is always a good idea to keep your resume/cv up to date and ready. You never know when a good opportunity will avail itself to you so you must always be ready for a little self promotion. And stay in touch with your network, and don’t hesitate to reach out to them immediately after learning your job will end, so they can help you in the most timely manner. Your network can’t be of much help if you don’t communicate with them regularly to keep them informed of your interests and efforts.
What are you waiting for?