Career Change: The 3 Times to Move On (Part 1: Downsizing)

Career Change Due to Downsizing

Copyright 2004-2010 G. A. Puleo

Recent studies suggest that American workers will change fields five to seven times before they retire.  As a result, career change has become a reality for a large majority of the workforce. 

But what causes career change?  External forces such as your employer's acquisition by another firm can lead to restructuring to avoid job duplication -- the acquiring company will usually keep their own people and lay off those in the same position in your company.  Internal forces can include consistently being overlooked for promotions in your current company or feeling overwhelmed by exhausting 70-hour workweeks. 

This article looks at the first of these situations:  career change due to downsizing. 

An unfortunate reality in today's work environment is the attempts by corporations to improve short-term profits by cutting payroll expense through downsizing.  Downsizing is an external force that often precipitates a career change, but also can lead to feelings of victimization and loss of control in those employees who have been affected.  Often conducted unceremoniously and with little warning, outplacement services may be offered to downsized workers to allay their feelings of depression and uncertainty. 

Whether or not you receive the help of a career coach through outplacement, you need to realize that your internal emotion response to being downsized will significantly affect your current mental state as well as the energy and focus that you bring to your job search. 

The shock of downsizing often creates a sense of loss, so give yourself time to grieve -- but don't wallow in self-pity.  Focus on finding employment that is better that your previous job.  If your industry is in decline, search for new industries and employers that can benefit from your unique blend of experience and expertise. 

View your job search as the primary focus of your workday.  Too often, downsized professionals feed their feelings of victimization and anger by staring passively in front of a television or plotting revenge on their former employer.  But such reactive behaviors blind you to newn opportunities while trivializing your previous accomplishments.  Don't succumb to these self-defeating activities! 

Follow these tips to take charge after you've been downsized: 

• Develop a dynamic resume and powerful cover letter
  
• Actively build and develop your network
  
• Learn all you can about your field and targeted industries:  read books or attend seminars and workshops
  

In Part 2 of this series, we'll focus on career plateaus.