Voluntarily Laid Off?

Question

In my yearly review, I discussed with my boss that after seven years at this job, I feel more than ready for a promotion. She agreed to discuss with the higher-ups. Fast forward to the company owner calling me and saying that they don’t have the funds for promotions and will instead be doing a round of lay offs soon. She gave me a choice to be voluntarily laid off in 5 weeks or continue doing the same thing I’ve been doing without any potential for promotion in the next 3 years. I chose the 5 week option, but now I’m panicking that I made the wrong choice. I’m afraid that I won’t find a new job soon enough. At the time I made my choice, I was worried about how it would look if I kept my job but quietly kept looking for a job just to leave them in the lurch. I didn’t want to burn bridges with this company unnecessarily, and thought doing my job search above board would be more honorable. This whole thing is just making me nauseous.

Marie N · Answer

Part of me wants you to jump at the opportunity for the voluntary lay-off.  Perhaps find out what the severance package will be.  Now might be the perfect opportunity to promote yourself into a better or different type job.  You have years of experience that other companies may actually pay you for.   Scope out the market in your area, start using your network, you never know what opportunity will pop.  Do you really want to do the same thing with the same pay for an undetermined time period?  Or perhaps take the jump?  Good luck with your decision.

Rachel Fogel · Answer

Oy. You're in quite the pickle, there, and I really feel for you. Is there any way that you can work with a Career Coach to speed up the job search process? Sometimes just a few sessions with a coach to clarify your goals (and tangible to-do's) can be extremely helpful.

Anonymous · Answer

I think you are being too hard on yourself! What you did reflects a lot of integrity and it sounds like you were just unlucky in timing. Or maybe you can look at it this way: the timing is actually good. Because they were going to conduct layoffs, you could have been one of the people laid off and even if you weren't, you would have probably experienced a huge morale change and been part of everyone looking for a job. You'er right that you may have had more than 5 weeks but what's done is done. Best of luck with the job search (particularly now that it's paid-for and therefore guilt free!)

Jennifer Swayne Njuguna · Answer

I applaud you for making the choice you did - it was courageous and reflects you betting on yourself. Look for work/roles that interests you, notify your network that you are looking, and if you find that you do not land something as quickly as you'd like, look into temporary, part-time, and contract opportunities to hold you over. Wishing you all the best and I know that you will land somewhere great!

Tammy Hager · Answer

I said good for you for acknowledging that you are bored in your current position. Its easy to become stagnant & not grow because you are 'comfortable' with familiarity.. not sure what your role or career path is but how about if you register with a few temp companies to find something quickly. Or update your resume and do a lot of networking. Whatever your choice is I wish you good luck

Donna Macdonald · Answer

In this climate, I would not disclose your job hunt plans.  I would ask if you can remain in the position for the security and look for something new.   They had no compunction in basically laying you off just when you felt ready for a promotion.  Ask nicely if you can stay on without the potential for a promotion and quietly conduct a vigorous job search.  I wouldn't recommend the 5 week lay off.  Looking for a new job can sometimes take a while.

Janie Zinn · Answer

I understand how this can be a scary thing, but there is a saying, Your “gut” choice is the right choice.  Remember everything is negotiable.  If you are not being told “no” you’re not asking for enough. Lol. Here are a few questions to ask: Is your company offering severance packages with the lay-off? Will the company pay your cobra insurance coverage for 6 months?   Will you be eligible for Unemployment?  All in all, a “lay-off” is better than just leaving or getting fired.  It leaves you with more to negotiate.  You can even offer to stay on & train someone else to do your job, in exchange for a larger severance.   There are many options.

Cheryl Magen · Answer

It is terrifying but there is help! I am a certified executive coach and specialize in career transitions and would be happy to help! cherylmagen.com

Voluntarily Laid Off?

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