It’s a wonderful time of year to take a break, take stock and get ready for a new year full of possibilities. Even for those folks who’re with overwhelming family groups, there’s still space to get away from the daily concerns and disconnect for a while.

Peter Fitzgerald
CareerSherpas.com

Have a great Holidays and be ready to rock and roll in 2009!

Regards,

Robert Stanke
http://robertstanke.com
http://tcngonline.com

It’s tough times out there for a lot of people, but for anyone with the opportunity to help out those who have been laid off it’s also a great opportunity to make positive connections. It’s never a bad thing to share whatever you can, and you never know where anyone you help might end up.

Good luck!

Corlese Todd
Salary.com

Now I know better.

I always tell people to build your network now so you can utilize it when you need it. Most people don’t start networking until they lose their job. It doesn’t matter if it is in your Outlook application, Gmail, ACT, or an Excel spreadsheet - start getting your contacts organized!

Robert Stanke
http://www.robertstanke.com

I also agree that networking is a good way in which to tackle the situation. When this happened to me and everyone around me sympathized, the words of Eleanor Roosevelt came to me: “No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent”.

I started to blog about my experience but within days it turned itself into a blog about the way forward and the tools I use in the recovery process.

It is actually an exciting ride. Hope it stays that way!

Your posting was worth the wait.

Surviving Drastic Changes and No-brainer day resulted in my personal reflection. The journey I have been on started with the loss of a job. Looking back and discovering a different world I see my termination was a gift. I offer you these five factors that either assisted me or I wish I had done.

#1. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster:
The job is not the only thing being taken away. I lost my identity. The days, weeks, and months that followed were similar to the mourning process.

shock and disbelief; The couple days immediately following were full of celebration. I knew I was going to leave the company at some point. Preparing myself for better opportunities I was in the middle of my second college class.

full awareness of the loss; After the party ended I didn’t get out of bed unblessed forced to for nearly three weeks. The reason for my success was my team. I embraced the role of manager and in many cases as mentor. I realized it wouldn’t be my number they called for guidance.

recovery or re-balance; About a month after being terminated I focused on school and new opportunities. If I kept up my current pace I would complete a bachelors degree in just over two years. This is for me the transition period I am thankful for.

#2. Reflect on positives and negatives:
Take a look back over the years and identify happy and sad times in your life. Work has a huge impact on our personal lives. In many cases the state of our personal lives is the direct result of our professional life. Use this to guide your early stages of reentering the workplace.

#3. Seek professional assistance (Career Coach, Recruiter):
This is un-chartered territory for most of us. The challenges faced during this time are different than most situations I have been involved in. This is their world so find somebody to guide you through it. In addition the information provided by these professionals might have more of an impact. Instead of coming from the nagging spouse. Even if the same message is being attempted.

#4. Make a contribution;
Bottom line is we only lost the title or position. We still have the power to impact lives. Continue to share your knowledge and offer assistance. The reward is the rebuilding of self-esteem because of feeling valued.

#5. Become involved in new things;
Personally I joined a networking group for the first time. By taking on some of the tasks of the group I was also able to make a contribution. When I lost my job I realized I was not connected to anybody outside of my previous world. I will not allow myself to be in this situation in the future. I also have gained new friends and many different view points on business.

I like what you have started here. I will be following your posts and offering my contributions when I can add something of value.

Good luck,
Bill Biggerstaff