“My last layoff led me to my current employer.”

Last week, I asked this question repeatedly, “Have you ever lost a job, and then discovered that the loss turned out to be a favorable change to you?” While a job change can be nerve-wracking and damaging to one’s income and self-esteem, a number of colleagues told me, “yes.” Even when one is fired, good things can happen.

Quinn told me that he was fired from a job that he hated.  “My old job didn’t value me, I dreaded going to work.  I felt demeaned and demoralized.” After he lost the job, he started new work in a new state.  The change was “totally heavenly. I was treated with respect again.” I could hear the enthusiasm in Quinn’s voice, his job loss made his life so much happier! He saw the change as a release from restricted work that left him feeling weaker.

Another job changer decided that her job loss provided the moment to look for a better job, and the time to start work on an advanced degree. Deanna found that the change gave her the opportunity to work on her doctorate.  She hadn’t planned on losing her job, however the turn of events gave Deanna the impetus to reflect and expand her options. Forces in the world sometimes push us in a positive direction, even if we did not ask for the push.  Deanna saw the big picture, and gave herself more options. She’ll be Dr. Deanna quite soon!

Several of my colleagues told me that they had lost their job, and haven’t found a new one yet.  Nevertheless, they are happy for their crossroads situation.  “I was afraid that I would be stuck in this job forever.” Karla had been planning to start a business for over a year.  When her job folded (the company closed) she spoke about the fear of going forward, and yet felt this was her time to break out with her plans. 

Naomi is still working for the government, and expects that she will be eased into retirement in the next two years. She told me that having a prepared mind allows her to think about starting her own business and securing the resources she needs. I believe she has replaced fear of the unknown with a strategic design for her life.  Smart thinking!

Losing a job usually moves us to emotional upheaval. Some people respond to the insecurity of a 21^st century career by finding a better job, launching higher education, starting a business. Take reassurance that you do have options.  You are blessed with a mind that can assess your strengths, expand your range of choices, gain new expertise, and prepare yourself to do new things.  Look at each new period of your life as one ready to be created anew, your old experiences offer you a launching pad for working in a new context.  

Certainly, assess your resume of experience carefully. Add to this the optimism that good things happen to people regularly.  Lead with a positive attitude.

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