What do you do if your job is at risk due to a layoff in Higher Education?

When news of potential job cuts arises, it does not necessarily mean that one will lose their job, as the information usually circulates for several months before any official announcement. In my experience, people tend to get upset not by the news but rather by the uncertainty that comes with it. So, I would calmly approach the situation, knowing that calmness leads to a clear mind and the ability to think critically. I will gather information to fully understand the problem and determine if I am at risk of losing my job. I will assess my abilities and contributions carefully to determine if I can retain my job. If the chances are slim, I will put together a plan of action while maintaining my exemplary performance in my current role.

I would want to know what is going on. I would reach out to peers to understand why and if. Having a backup plan is always great and analyzing your skills matrix is crucial at this point.

If facing job loss due to a layoff in Higher Education, I suggest: Assess financial implications: Evaluate savings, benefits, and potential unemployment benefits to plan accordingly. Network and seek support: Connect with colleagues, mentors, and alumni for job leads, references, and emotional support. Update skills and credentials: Pursue professional development opportunities, certifications, or additional education to enhance marketability. Explore alternative career paths: Consider roles in related fields, consulting, freelancing, or entrepreneurship. Maintain a positive outlook: Focus on resilience, adaptability, and seizing new opportunities amid uncertainty. Remember to believe in yourself and trust in a higher principle.

As said above, "Knowledge is power" and the ultimate knowledge is that almost everyone's job is at risk for layoff right now, especially in higher education. Worrying about whether or not one will have a job tomorrow does no one any good. In today's world, we have to brand and market ourselves. One must stay relevant, and dialed in at all times. Perhaps my view is extreme, but to depend on, or even expect, any one organization to fulfill a lifetime full of financial, medical, and retirement benefits is no longer a reasonable expectation. Tenured professors with three decades of experience are being terminated. This topic arising, in and of itself, says it all. We are responsible to layoff-proof ourselves best we can. Calvary is not coming.

Having gone through this on many occasions , I have always looked to take on new challenges and used the opportunity to upgrade my skills. See what opportunities are available and try to adapt.

Highlight the projects that you have worked on. In my experience doing this can create two areas of consultancy 1. Project Management 2. Higher Education

Rather than focusing on updating my resume alone, I would do this simultaneously with my LinkedIn page. Personally, I would prioritise updating my LinkedIn profile and leverage my connections and network. I would also use the open-to-work badge to increase my chances of securing another opportunity. While doing that, I will leverage other ways like word of mouth as ‘You’ are your resume (personal pitches are always a win). So, sing out what you can do at every chance to showcase your abilities.

In addition to trying to make yourself indispensable, updating your resume and leveraging your network, consider various ways to apply your skill set. I've had to pivot my career in response to layoffs, and the new directions always ended up being positive developments in my career. Look beyond your job responsibilities and consider your strengths. Do you excel in leadership, managing projects or interpreting data? What other roles besides your current one would make good use of your abilities? What else have you always wanted to do? If you struggle to think these topics through, consider speaking to respected colleagues, potential mentors or a career counselor.

Facing layoffs in higher education can be challenging. To cope, focus on building relationships, learning new skills, and staying informed. Be financially prepared, stay flexible, and take care of your mental health.