I was recently laid off due to restructuring.

I was recently laid off due to restructuring. I have hired a resume writer and a career coach to help me through this transition.

Long story short, I returned to corporate America after a long break to raise my children. I had part-time jobs along the way, but went full time after my husband was diagnosed with cancer.

This lay is a huge blow to my confidence. Any advice on how to put this in the past and not take it personally?

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6 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    It's good to remember what you've accomplished along the way and the challenges you've faced and overcome. These are not small things and you have a full and vibrant life.

    Every life is full of hurdles. Being laid off is one of those hurdles. It's not personal nor is it permanent. You have been faced with far greater obstacles in your life and survived.

    Focus on each day rather than weeks and months and all you are looking to accomplish. I've found that making a list of things to focus on for just a day at a time creates a less stressful life and allows you to build momentum much easier. Just keep your goals and plans focused a day at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself and get too ahead of your plan for the day. Life is success one step at a time. Take good care if yourself and family and enjoy the small wins. Your confidence will improve along with your outlook and as your life unfolds with opportunities you'll find a strength in yourself and optimism.

  2. Margrit Patel

    You said it yourself ... you were "laid off due to restructuring" and not because of performance issues.
    Also, you raised your children, while managing a part time job and now handling your husband's situation. You are a rock star - nothing less!

  3. Paulla Fetzek, MSEd

    First of all, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband.

    Second, it's not always easy to blame yourself when you're laid off. It happened to me at my last job. I was delighted in a large sense, because by that point I hated my career. Nonetheless, I also felt like, "If only I'd have done such-and-such maybe they'd have kept me..."

    As you and Martit stated - it was due to restructuring. Likely nothing you could've done would have kept you. The company likely had all the names/positions picked out.

    Keep your head high and know that you're a valued employee. Company restructuring doesn't change this. Wish you all the best at finding a new opportunity soon!

  4. Robyn McCabria Kelso

    It's hard NOT to take it personally even if it is restructuring - it's something I've struggled with. Then someone recently told me they'd have a job posted before your obituary hit. Adjust expectations accordingly and while I still struggle, this really gave me pause. Good luck with your job hunt and good thoughts to hubby.

  5. J Acharya

    It's hard, but I think you have the answer in your question - you were laid off due to restructuring, NOT through any fault of your own. It can be very difficult not to take it personally, but ultimately you know the reason you were laid off and you have to remind yourself that it had nothing to do with your personal circumstances.

    Give yourself time to mourn and then look to the future. It sounds like you are already doing that. Be realistic about your job prospects and about your state of mind - if you're having a bad day or feeling down, don't go into denial/power through mode but ask yourself what you really need to get through it

  6. Jackie Ghedine

    Think about all you accomplished over the time you were there. We, as humans, have such sever negativity bias we easily forget our success or actually don't take any time to remember them and appreciate them.

    Spend time going through all you did, write it down, reflect on it.

    Remember, being part of a layoff isn't a reflection of you - it's reflection of the company and the direction they are going.

    I know you have worked with a coach before, but reestablishing a relationship with a coach who can share with you how to up your worth belief would be extremely beneficial.

    If you want support, join our group, Modern Gen X woman on Facebook. It's a gamechanger!

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