The Secrets to Surviving and Understanding Job Layoffs

Knowing that your company is about to issue job layoffs can be a frustrating, worrisome experience. I have "survived" probably around six rounds of layoffs and have actually gotten laid off twice in my life. Once it happened while I was vacationing in Hermosa Beach, California and found down the company closed all it's offices.

There was nothing I could do about it at the time, so I extended my vacation and dealt with it when I got back. Fortunately I had solid contacts and marketable skills. So, I was able to get a new job within a week.

Looking back, there were many yellow flags I should have been aware of well before the company closed it's doors.

The second time I got laid off, I saw the signs and decided to stay with the company. I decided to start a business if I lost my job.

Keep in mind, layoffs are not always logical. Just because you deliver high value to your employer, it doesn't mean your job is secure. People do things that do not make sense to you. On the other hand, consider that the right people don't know the value you bring to the company.

So, let's take a look at the signs that your company is going to issue job layoffs.

Yellow Flags to look for at the corporate level:

• Unexpectedly weak earnings. If your company has a 'cut-throat' culture, there may be a greater chance of losing your job.
• Your company is looking to outsource work. I've met people who were asked to train the people that are going to replace their jobs!
• Company announces pay cuts, hiring freezes, cutting expenses for anything from travel, office supplies and your cheap coffee.
• Company starts implementing procedures/processes that seem a bit odd. Ranging from shuffling people around and increasing security without explanation.
• Your company is in a dying industry. Like traditional newspapers, CD audio sales, etc.
• Your company has hired outside consultants working closely with middle and upper management. They could be working on changing the direction of the company and re-evaluating employee performance goals.
• There are rumors that your company is being bought out and notice a flurry of secret meetings with executives.

Now lets take a look at the Yellow Flags regarding YOU:

• Your boss asks you to take a pay cut or take a furlough leave
• Your workload gets smaller, even after asking for more work. If you are openly surfing the web and playing games the whole day on a regular basis, you may want to re-evaluate your position. This has happened to me.
• Your boss changes your title/position without asking.
• Your boss gets demoted or changes to a different position without notice
• Your co-workers suddenly give you a cold-shoulder, it can be subtle.
• You are not invited to strategic meetings that you are usually involved with

It's not always going to be obvious that your company will be issuing job layoffs. Looking back you will likely see some signs. If you work for several companies, you may begin to see a pattern.

[Sidebar]

Have you seen the indie film, Office Space? It's a fantastic funny film on corporate culture.

[End Sidebar]

Now, If you do feel job layoffs are coming and you really, REALLY want to stay, here are a few ideas to help keep your job:

• Advertise that you are delivering solid results, especially upper management, they are usually the ones calling the shots.
• Find ways to generate additional business, even if you are not in sales/marketing. The hardest part for companies is usually making sales; make it easy for them.
• Network, socialize and even 'brown-nose' with people your boss looks up to and the decision makers if possible.
• Volunteer for a pay cut if you know layoffs are imminent. It shows that you're a real "team player".
• Solve problems that are outside your core expertise
• Stay on top of your core expertise. Become THE expert that everyone comes to for solutions. It creates the perception that you are irreplaceable.

The tactics above may not work if you are a lower level employee of a Fortune 500 company. The decision makers may not be accessible or even known. If that's the case and you decide to jump ship, you may want to look for a new job or start your own business.

Just remember, when looking for another job, keep it quiet as possible within the company. Your boss won't like it if he/she finds out you are looking around.

Also, you are perceived as more valuable to other companies if you are employed. That can help you land a new job easier. It's just the way it is, people want what they can't have.

Again, there are no clear cut answers for dealing with possible job layoffs. Keep an eye out for the signs, and figure out what you want to do. Good luck!

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