This post was inspired by a conversation I overheard. I was riding an elevator, on my way to the metro. Riding with me were two young women with toddlers. One of the women was begging the other to babysit her child so she could look for jobs. This got me thinking, what else might be hindering this woman in her job search? From there I got to thinking about what would be good Christmas presents for unemployed folks? Here are a few suggestions.
Childcare Services
Check with your local daycare services and see if they offer drop-in childcare services. If they have a prepaid option purchase some time for a friend. Are you a stay-at-home parent? Offer to babysit the child for a few hours a week or month while your friend looks for a job.
Public Transportation Pass Card
Bus and subway costs can really add up. Having a pass card loaded up is a help. Knowing that you have a way to get around town is a big stress reliever. A pass card is also convenient. It eliminates the need to have change when riding the bus.
In the Washington, DC metro area the pass card is called "Smartrip". I use it all the time when travelling in the area.
Gas Card
Gas costs can also add up so money to purchase gas is also very helpful.
Big Box Store Gift Card
Many unemployed people are receiving some form of public assistance. But the benefits are limited and don't cover all costs. For example, someone on Food Stamps can only purchase food with the benefits. Food stamps can't be used to purchase things like bath soap, toothpaste, toilet tissue, laundry soap, etc. A gift card from a store like Target, Walmart, or K-mart can help with these items.
Salon/Hair dresser gift cards
It's important to present a neat, well-groomed appearance when job hunting. This includes having a neat, professional looking hairstyle. Maintaining your hair is a challenge when money is tight. A gift card for salon services will ease the strain.
What do you think would make good Christmas gifts for an unemployed friend?
Alright...you've sniffed out the layoffs and made your preparations at work. Now its time to prepare at home. Or as some would say "Set your house in order." Here are some suggestions.
- Know your rights. Check with your state employment office to find out what is required when someone is laid off. Find out how much notice is required. Are there requirements for a severance package? Find out what they are. If your company offers less than what is required tell them you know the law and expect them to comply. Also find out how unused vacation is to be handled.
- Know your rights - special note to clergy. If you're associated with a denomination that has a congregational polity (i.e. Baptist) review your contract, agreement, policy manual, etc. If you're associated with a denomination that has a connectional or episcopal polity (i.e. United Methodist) review your book of discipline or book of order regarding assignments/appointments to a church. Let your personnel committee, session, judicatory, etc. know that you are aware of the procedures and that you expect due process. If you are in the midst of a complaint or any other administrative action have an advocate or advisor. DON'T GO THROUGH THAT PROCESS ALONE!
- Communicate. Let your friends and family know about the coming layoff. A layoff will affect your family just as much as it will affect you. If they know what's coming they'll be more understanding about the needed changes to your finances. Friends and family can help you with your job search by providing leads to new opportunities.
- Prepare your personal finances. Find ways to cut back on spending and increase your savings. For example, cut out cable and eat out less often. Do you have an expensive car note? Perhaps you can sell the car and purchase a less expensive one.
- Prepare your personal finances - note to clergy. If your church is providing housing which you will be expected to vacate then start saving for a security deposit on an apartment or home. Negotiate time to look for another place and to move. Begin packing your house so when the time comes, you'll be ready. Another thing to consider, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Most religious organizations are exempt from paying UI and don't pay. Find out and be prepared.
- Set up a non-work email if you don't already have one. Connect it to your Linkedin profile. (You do have one, right?)
- Create your own personal business cards. Pass them out to friends, acquaintances, and other people you meet. All that is needed for contact information is your name, email address and a non-work phone number where you can be reached.
- Communicate. Be sure to communicate with your family about the coming layoff. Talking with them in advance will help soften the blow. Also, let your friends know. Then you can start collecting leads for your job search. This leads to my next point:
- Begin to look for new employers. BUT DON'T DO THIS ON YOUR CURRENT JOB! Don't use company resources or time in your job search.
What other steps would you take to prepare for a layoff?
Preparing for a layoff - home Susan P. Joyce
Layoff Preparation Guide: Steps to Protect Yourself K. W. Calhoun
So...you've been feeling the tension at work. You've noticed the executives having secret meetings. You've googled your company and the news is not good. The signs are there, layoffs are coming. Now, how do you prepare yourself?
- Start expanding your on-line presence. If you don't have a Linkedin account get one. Linkedin is a good way to network with people in your industry. There are lots of user groups started by Linkedin members. Find one related to your industry and join.
- Build a list of references. Ask for references from your supervisors, managers, colleagues, and subordinates. Return the favor and be a reference for others. Be sure to get your reference's personal contact numbers.
- Quietly remove personal items from your place of work. Remove items like family photos, certificates, awards, personal decorations, etc. If the axe falls you may not have a lot of time to pack-up your personal items. In some cases you may not have any time. After receiving notice of termination you may be escorted off the premises by security. The company will then have someone else pack your personal belongings.
- Create your own personal parachute. Find out what kind of severance package your company offers. See if any outplacement assistance programs are available. (If you live in Maryland check out the Professional Outplacement Assistance Center at www.dllr.state.md.us/poac.)
- Contact your state office about unemployment benefits. (This is especially important for workers in religious organizations. Many of them are exempt from paying unemployment insurance. You may find that if you are laid-off you will be ineligible for unemployment benefits.)
- Get your resume ready.
- Check out your health benefits. Find out what your COBRA costs would be. Attend to your health while you have benefits. This is the time to get any needed medical procedures done.
- Buy a flash drive and download any personal files and anything you have written. Download any letters or memos you have written. If you've developed any Excel spreadsheets or programs download these also. BE SURE NOT TO DOWNLOAD ANY PROPRIETARY DATA.
- Update your skills. Look into your local community college for any courses you can take. Or look for projects that you can work on that would help you learn new skills.
The work world nowadays is a difficult place. You are responsible for your own career and professional well-being. You may not be able to control when a layoff is coming or if you get laid-off. But you can take steps to make sure your landing is as soft as possible.
Information for this article was taken from the following sources:
Layoff preparations at work Susan P. Joyce
How to Prepare for a Layoff Cubicle Curtis
Many people have experienced at least one layoff in their careers. And in this struggling economy the experience is becoming more common. Losing a job can be financially and emotionally devastating. Is there a way to tell when a layoff is coming? Industry experts say yes. You just have to know the signs.
So, what are the signs of an impending layoff?
- A Google search of your company or organization turns up negative news. You will see reports such as the company is in financial trouble or that the company has lost profits.
- You read that the value of the company stocks has declined steeply. Also along these lines, the executives in your organization are dumping most or all of their shares.
- Speaking of executives, if they are in a lot of secret meetings it could mean that a layoff is coming.
- Your organizations has been acquired by another one or is being merged. These events usually result in duplication of positions. This is not cost effective so......
- Your organization begins instituting cost cutting measures. Routine expenses are cut. Projects that were planned are put on hold due to budgetary constraints.
- The organization institutes salary freezes or salary cuts.
- Your friends in the industry are experiencing layoffs.
Any one of these signs doesn't necessarily mean a layoff is coming. But if you see several signs that should be a warning.
SIGNS IN NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Now the previous signs primarily apply to for profit organizations. However, several of them are indicators of a pending layoff in a non-profit organization.
For example:
- Your non-profit is instituting salary freezes or cuts.
- Routine expenses are cut.
- You hear news that your organization is having financial difficulties.
- Projects, programs, or initiatives are put on hold.
- There is news of impropriety by the chief executive officer.
As was stated before, the presence of one of these events isn't necessarily an indicator of a coming layoff. But if most or all of these signs are present, beware.
SIGNS IN RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
If you work in a religious institution, particularly a church, there are three times when you should be alert.
- The church is having financial challenges. In this case signs of an impending layoff would be similar to the signs in for profit and non-profit organizations.
- The church is having strategic challenges. The church may be changing its direction or missional focus. Oftentimes when this happens some positions are eliminated
- The church is in the midst of a pastoral transition. The incoming pastor may have different priorities or a different vision for the church. Current staffing may not fit in with the pastor's vision. Positions may change or be eliminated to align with the change in direction.
Like it or not, layoffs are a part of our working lives. Situations, that we have no control over set the stage for a layoff. All we can do is be alert so that we can be prepared. So keep those resumes polished.
What other signs of an impending layoff do you know of?
Information for this post was taken from the following articles:
Signs of a pending layoff Susan P. Joyce
Heads will roll: 17 signs of impending layoffs Brian Satterfield
Is your job in jeopardy? Impending layoff warning signs
Randall S. Hansen, Ph. D.
When layoffs loom John R. Throop
