Safety isn’t a Job Title
Figuring out your plans post-layoff? Know someone who is? Here’s where to start.
I’m checking in with an important question:
If you got laid off tomorrow, could you make money on your own?
Be honest. Most of us don't actually know the answer.
A client of mine recently became a mom and had a realization that entirely changed how she thinks about work.
She's a few months postpartum. And she realized her employer was never going to provide for her family better than she could.
My client didn’t come to this realization instantly. Instead, it was a series of quiet signals, of inner warning bells and late night thoughts – slowly and consistently ringing in her mind for months.
Then her baby was born. And the life-altering, messy, imperfect experience of getting thrown into motherhood confirmed it for her:
When it comes to her baby…
When it comes to her family…
When it comes to making money…
When it comes to making good decisions…
She is the safer bet – not her employer.
This is not a quick or easy conclusion to come to.
Many of us have been assured that our employer will be loyal to us.
Promised that we’ll be treated like family.
Taken care of.
Be safe.
And yet? Everyday we hear about more layoffs, about our positions being made 'redundant', about being squeezed and having to do more with less.
I know this scenario all too well myself.
Before I started my business, I got laid off and suddenly had to figure out how to make money, and fast. As a young mom, I also knew I needed flexibility, autonomy and control over my decisions and calendar.
My path to safety was self-employment. That might also be your answer, or it might not.
For you, feeling safe – being your own, safest bet – might look like returning to the office after maternity leave with new boundaries and a new commitment to your own goals and plans.
It might look like keeping your resume updated.
Speaking up when someone interrupts you in the meeting.
Experimenting with a side hustle or outlining a back-up plan.
Taking classes to advance in your field.
Being on your own side.
The "safe" choice is never the job. It’s you.
This is true whether you’re returning to work after time away, if you’ve just been laid off, or if you’re starting to dream about what’s next for your career.
And – if you happen to be navigating a layoff, or know someone who is, I made something for you:
“After the Layoff: Regroup, Reflect and Redesign Your Future” is my on-demand video workshop for anyone working through the logistics – and the emotions – of getting laid off.
In this 51-minute workshop, you’ll learn:
The connection between your thoughts, your actions and your results – and why this link matters as you make your plans post-layoff
How to embrace the story of your layoff and discern your unique competitive advantage in today’s job market
You’ll also complete “My Personal Inventory,” a set of 6 powerful reflection questions that will unlock new insights about who you are and the unique contribution you’re ready to make in the world.
Part pep-talk, part inspiring roadmap – “After the Layoff” is the kickstart you need to jump into action after getting laid off.
Remember: Safety isn't a job title. It's knowing you'd land on your feet without one.
Get started right now.
Onward,
