ALT-4 Careers Staying Focused during Layoffs
Layoffs can be horrible for all those involved. Not only can they mean a horrible financial crunch for the families that are involved, but it could make a big difference on the local economy as well. This means that not only are you out of a job, but the local job market might be dried up as less money is entering the local economy.
Layoffs can be an incredible strain on any family, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The drop in income could mean the difference between a family having a home or having to move in with family. Even the way that family sees the basics such as food could be completely changed as they are forced to consider government options in order to feed their family. This not only impacts the overall health of the family but can be a major blow to the providers in any family that is used to being able to provide for their family without looking to anyone else for help.
Staying Focused
It can be difficult for everyone in the family to look past the layoff and budget crunch, especially when they are living it each and every day, but the biggest thign that a family can do is stay positive. If everyone in the family is able to band together and try to help one another throughout the layoff it makes a bad situation much easier to handle. By sticking together the family can find ways to support one another, especially the family member that is laid off so that they can stay focused and work towards either gaining new employment or getting back to work in their old position.
One of the most important things that anyone that is laid off can do is stay focused. The more time you spend sitting at home, the worse the situation becomes. Those in your family are going to look at you with resentment if you aren't actively trying to better their situation. Because of this, it is important that even if you think you might be laid off for a short period of time, that you look for another job to supplement your income. This doesn't mean that it has to pay as well as your original job, because remember, you are just laid off and should be receiving a percentage of your previous income anyway. The main thing is that you are getting out of the house and bringing in more money that will help to support the family and it's needs. This means that sometimes you should be willing to take whatever is available at the time, even if it means sucking it up and taking a job that you would normally find to be below you. The reality is that you won't be there forever and it will keep you sane, out of the house, and will maintain your financial stability and family well being all at once.
Another thing that you can begin doing is working out. There is no greater stress relief than healthy living. Start going for walks in the morning, start playing basketball with your kids, walk with your wife on the beach, doing things with the people you love, will help to reduce the stress level, especially if you are doing activities that require little to no money in the process. By doing this, you are keeping everyone busy and their minds off of the situation at hand. In doing so, you are increasing a much better situation for everyone affected.
You can also use this time to work on projects that you have put on the back burner because you have been too busy to do them. You could mow the yard, clean the attic, clean the garage, trim the bushes, plant a garden, everything that you have wanted to do, you can now do with more than enough time for completion. This can be a huge release of stress and energy, while keeping your mind off of the situation at hand.
Another thing that you could do is attempt to write a novel. Many people while laid off or shortly after a major life change have been pushed to writing a book. This can be one of the most relieving things anyone can do, but would also be a means of producing additional income for the family if the book is well written and does well. In fact, if it's good enough, it could lead to a major career change altogether.
The main thing to remember is that if you are creative and you find ways to keep active and entertained, without spending more of the money you don't really have, you'll be able to find ways through a layoff. While they can last a while, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of creativity to keep you on your feet, and to keep yourself and your family happy through the hard times.
Anyone that has ever been laid off knows just how important it is to the mind and spirit to focus on the positive things in life and not focus on the layoff. By looking towards other forms of entertainment that don't cost much money and trying to take the mind off of the situation it can make a major difference on the mental outlook for anyone going through a layoff situation. Those that are able to stay focused and positive are going to be the ones that aren't going to let it control them. Tough economic times are going to come and go, it is all about staying mentally strong so that we can push through them. It is all about using these times to teach us how to be tough so that we can push harder during the good times.
