Uncertainty around your employment status is no joke! For many, even one missed paycheck can be detrimental, so any question about that potential can be extremely overwhelming. And with much of the workforce gone remote, the lack of personal connection with supervisors and coworkers can enhance feelings of job-loss anxiety.
Sitting around stressing certainly won’t do you any good…so what CAN you do?
Get some clarity
Assuming you are getting fired from a job can absolutely have an adverse effect on your behavior and performance. So before you throw in the towel or start telling everyone in the office what you really think, it might be wise to get some clarity around your fears.
Set up a meeting with your supervisor, and be transparent. If you worry you aren’t adding value to the team, making that known could be your saving grace! Be prepared with some ideas to use your strengths in a way that may change that, or ask your employer what you can be doing to add more value. This shows awareness, initiative, and a commitment to the betterment of the business.
Explore your options
Without alerting the media, you can still conduct a bit of research in what your best options might be. Truthfully, even before you are in fear of losing your job, it is always a good idea to know your worth in the job market, and where to turn should you need to plan your next move. Depending on your industry, it can be as simple as scouring the internet and job boards, and updating your resume.
But for many of us, job postings and the sites associated with them are simply too vague. It becomes very important to have someone advocating for you who truly knows your industry, and has a relationship with the companies looking. Not only does working with a recruiter ease the pressure of a job search, but working with an agency that specializes in your area of expertise means no time wasted on pointless applications or interviews.
A bit of research will give you an idea of agencies that specialize in your industry. For example – at Living Talent we fill high level technical positions in software development, data science, cyber security, etc. You will find others who work strictly within healthcare, or education, and so on.
So to summarize:
1. Talk to your supervisor.
2. Don’t tell anyone off!
3. Speak with a recruiter about your best options.
We hope everyone stays safe and happy in their careers! And if there’s ever a doubt, remember there are trusted resources out there you can rely on.
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