The biggest challenge a person faces after being downsized is the wide range of emotions that follow. Over the past 15 years, I’ve observed many individuals deal with this unfortunate circumstance, and I wanted to share what I’ve seen others do to cope. I genuinely hope this helps you or someone you care about.

When someone is downsized, they typically go through emotional stages that are similar to grieving - from shock to anger to depression to acceptance.

STAY BUSY

When one is going through grief, most well-intentioned people will encourage them to stay busy. And I would encourage the same thing for those who have been downsized. But what should you stay busy doing?

WHAT NOT TO STAY BUSY DOING

First, let’s talk about what NOT to stay busy doing. The natural reaction to being downsized is to immediately start applying to jobs. As we discussed in the last video, fight that urge. In the weeks to come, avoid spending too much time skewering the job boards. That may seem counter intuitive, so here is why I say that.

HOW MUCH TIME TO SPEND ON JOB BOARDS

Jobs don’t open that frequently, so if you looked on the job boards every Monday and Friday, you would see that very little has changed if anything at all. And if a job opens on Tuesday, you won’t lose anything by finding it on Friday. So, don’t drive yourself crazy by being glued to the job boards every day. A watched pot never boils. That will only add frustration and stress to an already stressful situation.

FIND JOY, FULFILLMENT, ACHIEVEMENT

Instead, use this free time to do something that you’ve put off because of employment. Find things that brings you enjoyment or gives you a sense of accomplishment, which are important when you’re fighting the feelings that come with being downsized. Maybe there is a home improvement project you’ve put off. Perhaps this is your chance to take that trip or visit someone special. Even if you don’t travel anywhere, this might be the quality time you longed for to reconnect with your immediate family.

Think about it. You’ve been working your whole adult life. This might be your first extended break since high school. Knowing you, you’ve poured yourself into your work, but that came at a cost. Don’t look back on this short period of time with regrets. Using this time to do fulfilling activities will help fight the negative feelings.

FOCUS, BUT DON'T FIXATE

Now, don't neglect activities that may lead you to a new position, just try not to fixate and use all your time in this way. And lets face it, we are in a candidate driven market, so it’s likely that you will be on interviews in short order. This leads me to another bit of advice.

KEEP TO YOUR CAREER STRATEGY

Even when a person is downsized, they should still be discerning about the roles they pursue. The hound who chases too many rabbits at once catches none. Even though we are between jobs, we’re still looking for a long-term on-strategy role, if possible. What I see sometimes is that a downsized candidate will interview for everything, and they spread themselves too thin to really prepare for and get the job they want. So, only chase the rabbits you’d want to catch.

THIS ISN'T YOUR FAULT

Some of the candidates I’ve helped guide through this time have expressed to me that they felt some embarrassment that they now find themselves between employment. Remember, this was not your fault. The downsizing wasn’t about your performance and in no way is it a reflection on your worth.

With that in mind, a question that often comes up is if a downsized person loses some of their leverage in an interview. Has their value now diminished? Should they try to hide the fact they’ve been downsized? Let’s make that the topic of our next video.

I hope this advice about how to manage the emotions of being downsized has brought you value, and if so, I’d love to hear from you. If this is shareable content in your opinion, please do so and I hope that it is a benefit to your net

~Michael Pietrack

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About the Author: Michael Pietrack is a leading executive recruiter in the Pharmaceutical Industry and arguably the top recruiter in the Medical Affairs space. His specific expertise is recruiting in Field Medical Affairs placing Medical Science Liaisons, and therefore, he has been dubbed “The MSL Recruiter” (www.TheMSLRecruiter.com).

What is TMAC Direct?: TMAC Direct is an executive search agency that serves the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries. This boutique firm fills critical staffing needs on a retained, partially retained, or contingency basis. TMAC Direct is the direct-hire recruiting division of The Medical Affairs Company, commonly known as TMAC. Together TMAC and TMAC Direct, provide an unmatched staffing service in the Medical Technology arena, whether the hiring needs are on a permanent placement or outsourcing basis.