My Job is Leaving the Country, What now?
CONNIE’S CAREER CORNER
My company is moving out of the county. Now What?
Dear Connie: My company is moving jobs to Mexico and downsizing in the United States. I know I am going to lose my job. I have not been officially told when I will lose my job, but it will probably be within the next six months. I do not want to quit, but what can I do now to prepare for this loss?
Dear My Job is leaving the Country: This is the perfect time to start preparing for your future job change. You can accomplish a lot of the preliminary work and be ready to move quickly with your job search when you receive notice of your last day of employment with your present company.
It is very difficult for many people to leave a job they enjoy. We like for the changes we make in life to be the results of our own choices. If you were leaving your present position to accept a better job, you would probably be very happy. When we have to make a job change that is a result of someone else’s decision, it can cause us to feel angry, sad or lose our self-confidence. These feelings are normal parts of the grieving process resulting from your upcoming loss.
Choose positive ways to deal with these feelings. You might want to write in a journal about what is happening to you or try daily exercise. Many people find exercise relieves tension, so consider playing basketball, walking, jogging or a game of tennis. By dealing with your feelings in a positive way, you are less likely to misdirect your anger towards those you love.
Concentrate on the things that you can control, and you will feel much better. Start your transition by letting friends and family know your intentions. Let your network of acquaintances know that you expect to be back in the job market and explain what type of job you are looking to find. You now have multiplied greatly the number of people who are keeping their ears open for a position that may fit your needs.
It is very important that you NOT let your anger or disappointment rule logic during these last days of work at your present position. Try to find out if you will receive a severance package. In your case, you will probably be able to draw unemployment, which provides you with a small income to assist you while job searching. If you quit your job, it is not very likely that you will be able to receive unemployment benefits. Perform your job to the best of your ability until the very last day you are employed. You will want your co-workers and supervisor to tell prospective employers what a great asset you will be to their company.
Now is the time to plan your backup budget. Consider how much income you will have and how your expenses can be adjusted. You want to have a plan so you do not damage your credit or lose your assets. This is a good time to agree with your family on exactly how much you are willing to put on a credit card. You do not want to deal with financial crisis from misuse of credit when you start your new position.
Now that your personal affairs are in order, it is time to do some job market research and prepare a resume to sell your skills.
Connie’s Career Corner is your source for career information. E-mail questions for future columns to ConniesCorner@Nashville.gov .
