Surviving a Layoff: Tips for Job Seekers and Those Affected

Companies may lay off employees for a variety of reasons, including financial difficulties, changes in market conditions or company direction, or a shift in business strategy. In some cases, layoffs may be necessary for a company to remain financially stable or adapt to industry changes. Layoffs can also occur as a result of automation and technology replacing jobs that were once done by humans. Many MNCs like Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, HP, Twitter, etc have laid off hundreds of employees in the last few months. 

According to India Today, Thousands of IT employees are becoming jobless and struggling to land a new job. But even the ones who are fortunate to get hired are on the verge of losing their job again, just like a techie who got laid off 3 times in the last 4 months from companies like Snap, Amazon, and now Google. 

Recently Google fired 12,000 employees across the globe, Amazon and Microsoft also laid off around 10,000 employees. Many other tech companies have currently stopped hiring and are employing people for critical roles only. 

Companies are now refocusing and restructuring their company strategies and making technological advances that can lead to the automation of certain jobs, which can result in layoffs for employees who were previously performing the same tasks. 

Overall, layoffs are often a result of a combination of these factors and are a difficult but sometimes necessary decision for companies to make.

Tips to survive through layoffs:

1. Stay informed: Try to stay informed about what's happening with the company and the reasons behind the layoffs. This can help you understand the situation and be prepared for what's to come.

2. Update your resume and work on upskilling: Make sure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to the type of job you're looking for. Keep your skills updated, if you have the time and resources, take online courses or attend workshops to improve your skills. Don't rule out volunteering as a means to stay in touch with the business environment and as an opportunity to upskill.

3. Prepare emotionally: Layoffs can be a difficult and emotional time. It's important to take care of yourself emotionally and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed. A positive attitude can help you stay motivated and focused during a difficult time.

4. Take advantage of resources: Check if your company offers resources such as outplacement services or career counseling to help employees find new jobs or even freelance opportunities. Reach out to your professional network and let people know you're looking for a new job and set up your profile on freelance platforms. Work on your career transition aggressively.

5. De-risk your career through diversification: Build a side hustle or second income stream through freelancing in areas you are skilled at and passionate about. This is a great way to keep your skills relevant to market needs as well as provide a career anchor should your company lay off people. Today freelancing platforms like www.gigvistas.com provide project-based opportunities in multiple skill categories that could help you de-risk your career.

Remember that a layoff is not a reflection of your work, try not to take it personally and look forward to the new opportunities that will come up.

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