Preparing for the Inevitable
"The manager of our editing group asked me to come into her office and bring the article I was working on," Marlene said. "It wasn't an odd request, and I didn't expect anything unusual. When I sat down, she closed the door and said, I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but the company has decided to lay you off.'
"She went on talking about revenues and how exceptional my work was and that she'd write me a great reference letter, but I didn't hear any of it. My heart was pounding and I felt I was choking. I remember seeing the pages of my article on the floor, and I wondered if I should pick them up. My boss was saying something about two weeks' notice when I left the room, went to my office, and sobbed for fifteen minutes."
In some situations, you may not have a chance to make your case. Even if you have been watching for the early warning signs of a layoff, sudden, sweeping announcements may preclude any discussion. On the other hand, even if you present a clear and coherent argument, it may not have its desired effect. If the company is desperate enough, they may even use your ideas and lay you off. In any event, you should be prepared for the worst.
It is most important for you to think clearly and plan ahead so that you negotiate the best situation you can to provide your family the most security possible.
When interviewed after a sudden layoff, most people say that their first reaction upon hearing the news was shock, followed by disbelief, anger, confusion, or any of a host of disabling emotions that make it difficult to navigate one of the most treacherous business situations. By carefully reviewing your family's financial situation and carefully planning what you think you can reason ably get in terms of a severance arrangement, you will be better able to deal with the situation.
If you can, role-play a layoff scenario with someone you trust. Just hearing the words, "I'm sorry, we're going to have to let you go," spoken out loud will be enough to jolt your consciousness into action. Take the role-play seriously and imagine your boss actually telling you you're about to lose your job. The role-playing experience may be uncomfortable, but it will allow you to be sure of how you will react.
One other important note on preparation; If you think you are about to be laid off, find out everything you can about your company's attitudes toward and past arrangements for severance agreements. Most companies provide some sort of severance pay for laid-off employees. What you receive may depend entirely on your ability to negotiate for it. In that respect, you need to know what has been done in the past to ascertain what the company considers fair and equitable.
Talk to fellow employees who may have survived previous layoffs. Talk to people who have been laid off previously. Find out all you can about what to expect. This will help you get the best arrangement you possibly can.
