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Dear Steve & Jon, The rumor mill has started around my company that lay-offs are coming. Seems I have three choices: look for a new job, stay and hope my job holds, or be laid off and collect a severance. Which is better? Signed: Preemptive |
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Dear Preemptive, Whatever you do, don’t quit your current job without a firm job offer in hand; companies much prefer to hire individuals currently employed. Certainly, you should update your resume – actually, you should always have an updated resume – and begin to circulate it discreetly. Consider what you can do to make yourself more marketable – e.g., certification through your professional association, computer classes or other courses related to your discipline or industry. Even if you avoid the first round of layoffs, you will be better positioned along your career path. |
Dear Preemptive, No matter what I say, inertia will probably cause many in your situation to choose no action until the ax falls. Confidentially looking for a new job, while you have a job, can give you options. If you find alternative employment then you must make a decision to accept it or ride with the odds of your current job remaining stable. ‘Double dipping’ while you are on severance may sound tempting but the economy has many employers apprehensive about hiring and it may take you longer to find that next job than you anticipate. |