| Most executives, sometime in their lives, will be | | | | not just a paycheck. Let them know that things |
| faced with the loss of a job. This can be seen as | | | | might be different for a little while (or forever) |
| a disaster or an opportunity. Regardless, there are | | | | and that you need their support as this is difficult |
| some common-sense things that anyone faced | | | | for you. Don't pretend to go to work each day, |
| with job loss should and should not do. Here are | | | | as some people do. This is very dysfunctional. |
| the most important ten things to help you survive | | | | 7). Take time...but not much. Don't try to crank up |
| right after termination. | | | | your job search the week after you've been |
| 1). Respond, don't react. Before you do anything, | | | | given the pink slip. Don't send out a résumé |
| take a very deep breath. Then, with dignity, | | | | to anyone for a while. You need to get your |
| shake hands with the person who laid you off or | | | | ducks in a row before actually beginning a search. |
| fired you, thank him or her for the time you've | | | | Conversely, after your first two weeks |
| worked at your company, and ask what needs to | | | | post-layoff, do not go on vacation or be |
| be done at that point. Remember that these | | | | unavailable until you've been employed for at least |
| people will be giving you a reference. Leave them | | | | six months You need to be available as |
| with the impression of a professional. | | | | opportunities arise, and make the most of your |
| 2). Do not do any "parting shots," like putting a | | | | starting time. |
| virus in the computer system that plays Johnny | | | | 8). Evaluate what you really want. Too many |
| Paycheck's "Take this Job and Shove It" the next | | | | executives take the first thing that comes along |
| morning when the boss logs on. Leave everything | | | | without evaluating what they really want in life. |
| in order and cooperate in turning over any | | | | See this time as a gift to allow you to truly |
| unfinished projects and any other necessary | | | | evaluate what you want. Talk with your family, |
| information. | | | | advisors, your clergy, and, if necessary, a |
| 3). Check your zeros. Check to make sure that | | | | professional career advisor or therapist and decide |
| your severance check has the right amount of | | | | if you really want to return to the same world |
| zeros in the correct places. Also make sure that | | | | you were in. Many people don't. Now's the time to |
| you understand all of your severance package. Do | | | | make that change, if you want to. |
| not sign a release form (or severance package | | | | 9). Plan the rest of your career. Too many |
| form) the day you're fired or laid off to get a | | | | executives are blown to and fro in their careers. |
| check. Take the form to a lawyer or advisor and | | | | This can cost them literally hundreds of thousands |
| have them look it over first, so you know what | | | | of dollars in the life of that career. Take this time |
| you're signing. | | | | to plan, not only this move, but the next couple, |
| 4). Negotiate as you're leaving. To get the release | | | | as well. |
| signed, your ex-company may well negotiate | | | | 10). Crank up your support group. Now is the time |
| some perks for you, such as a skilled executive | | | | to reach out to your network, your friends, your |
| transition coach, more severance pay, use of | | | | loved ones, and any one else who can support |
| some corporate resources and so on. While most | | | | you. Do not be afraid to speak to your family |
| executives don't get a golden parachute, you can | | | | doctor or a therapist if you're feeling very anxious |
| at least get a working one. Don't let the | | | | or depressed. These are common reactions to |
| depression of being terminated keep you from | | | | unemployment, and there is help for these |
| asking for help to survive the transition and get | | | | feelings. |
| re-employed. | | | | Being let go is a very emotional time. Your |
| 5). Be calm. Contrary to what you might have | | | | judgment is impaired, and you might do things |
| heard, there are plenty of jobs out there even at | | | | that are unwise for your career. Trust your |
| the CXO level. They're just flying under the radar. | | | | support group's judgment, especially right after |
| You're not going to starve. No panicking! | | | | termination. Soon, you'll be employed again, all the |
| 6). Tell your family. You are, theoretically, | | | | wiser for this experience. |
| someone your family loves and wants to support, | | | | |