Job Etiquette: Did A “Wrecking Ball” Demolish Your Job?

If a wrecking ball has a twitter page and is seen on numerous YouTube video parodies, I guess it can be the cause of a job loss or change, metaphorically. There are many causes for this to happen such as company closures, restructuring, acquisitions, mergers and sometimes your inadequate performance coupled with negativity can be your own wrecking ball.

What can you do if the “wrecking writing” is on the wall? Sometimes when there is a potential change on the way you can see signs :

• There fewer company communications or shared communications.
• The environment gets quiet.
• The lunchroom / cafeteria is quiet.
• People eat at their desks more often.
• There are frequent closed door meetings.
• You might observe more visitors at the site.
• Often the visitors are well dressed men and woman with cell phones in hand or on ears.
• Sometimes these men and woman look extremely serious.

Does this always signal trouble? No, but you should be aware of subtle changes in your environment. If it’s nothing, it will pass. if your organization is changing in some way, you will receive a communication, hopefully in person. Hopefully, it is good news; maybe an acquisition of a company, technology or raising funds!   Changes are not always negative!  If you notice differences, ask questions and if there remains a lack of information, prepare yourself for some type of news. Be ready.

Then what?

• Remember sometimes the situation will change but you will be invited to continue in your position or perhaps a new one.
• Sometimes you will receive an offer to stay but relocate to a new city or even country.
• Some people will lose their jobs because of redundancy.
• Some people will lose their jobs but be asked to spend an extended amount of time with the company.
• Many will receive a severance package including compensation, and some other benefits (depending on company policy or practice).
• Many are offered help with outplacement; if so, take advantage of that offer.
• Update your resume and make sure to reconnect with your contacts.
• Try to view change as a positive (as difficult as it may be.)
• If the company has a resume book, make sure your resume is in it.
• Or maybe, get ready to celebrate your company success.

Often the change forces you to move in a way that may become your new career or  a new approach to using your skills. If outplacement is offered, don’t skip it. It allows you a physical location for an office with use of space, equipment and counseling. You might say that Miley Cyrus used it to make a statement in her career development. You can too. It is not uncommon to view these changes on resumes now.  Use your experience to strengthen your position and try not to be a “wreck”.

Good luck!

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: “Jobnado” – Coming To A City Near You?

Jobnado II Coming soon?

Imagine a new disaster film coming to a theater near you!  Perhaps that hurricane swooping up jobs isn’t far away. It may be a surprise you never saw coming… or did you?

Extreme storm warnings in the “Jobnado” area include:

• Mergers
• Acquisitions
• Restructuring
• Closings
• Poor Performance

When companies merge there is always the chance that redundant jobs disappear. That is not always the case but it could be a reason to be on storm alert. Sometimes the job is not swooped away but the location of the position changes to another state or city. The same can be said about an acquisition but this will sometimes depend on whether or not you are an employee of the company acquired, or are you an employee of the acquirer.  Typically the acquirer will retain it’s employees but again that is not always the case. There may be relocation of employees as well.

When a company restructures for financial purposes, depending on the change in the business goals, jobs may be affected. Sometimes entire departments will no longer be needed for the new company focus or directions. This can result in lay-offs. Sometimes because of unmet goals, competition or severe financial losses, companies close.  The only threat you have a chance in redirecting is your own performance in a job. If you have been warned by your supervisor informally or in a formal manner, you have the choice to ask for help and try to turn around.   Heed warnings seriously if you care about the job and staying employed.

How can you prepare for the “Jobnado” disaster?

• Make sure your resume is current
• If you are able, consider a relocation
• Think about how your skills might fit into the newly (merged/acquired) company and let the employer know.
• Take your job seriously.
• Take a course or attend seminars that will keep you current in your job or one that you would like.
• Let your employer know you are contributing to it’s success by what you accomplish (large or small).
• Take advantage of out placement services.
• Keep networking.
• Buy extra water and clean your basement, just because those are good things to do!!

You never know, maybe the next Jobnado will help you turn a disaster into an opportunity!

Talk soon.