Nourishing Beyond: Turning Layoffs into Opportunities

Can you Layoff proof yourself?

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A recent survey at the #PetalTalks revealed that 33% said they were facing an imminent layoff and 67% said they had faced one or more layoffs?? With this high percentage, and albeit from a very small cohort what does this tell us about how the vocation landscape might be challenging and coupled with new technologies and a drive towards green economy?

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During a short stance as Pastoral practitioner and Wellbeing coach in 2018 in a college for Six Formers in 2018, I quickly learnt a powerful lesson about engaging with young people which was being real.? What mattered them was not the title or what I could do, but who I was and what I was passionate about.? Sitting in my office did not draw in anyone to come and have a chat, but once got into their space and started to share what I was curious about they also got curious.? The study room then developed into a weekly groupwork facilitation space and my only issue was how many croissants and doughnuts to buy for all.? Up to around twenty students used to turn up and they created the space where the academic and other pressures didn’t feature in that moment, where they grew in confidence and grow in faith about what they might be able to actualize.? ?They loved proverbs and the first one we looked at was the one about the best time to plant a tree and shortly after the groupwork sessions, did I start hearing the knocks on the door for the one-to-one sessions.?

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Isn’t it interesting that doing one thing can remind you of another?? In approaching this article and thinking of #layoffs, I came across this Chinese proverb, “Dig the well before you are thirsty” Are you familiar with this proverb and if so, what has been your interpretation of it?? When I read the proverb, it make me think of how self-initiation is vital in our personal development and nourishment and the principle around the compound effect.?

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I had the pleasure of collaborating with the wonderful NORA M. Kelly at #PetalTalks at the end of March.? For the past 15 years Nora has been working in employment services and more recently doing literacy education and in these 15 years has worked with a lot of people that are in the space of being in between jobs. Some of whom have been laid off, whilst others have been fired, are new to the country or new to the workforce.

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“When I think of layoffs I am thinking of where people need to draw on their own resources around resilience”.? ?When I was laid off the first time, it was like, okay, this does not feel great. You feel like you have never been in this situation before and without income. So, one of the biggest learnings I had was what can I create?? Whether it was to create my own business or doing freelance work. And that's been my voice in freelance work and helping others in the work space” – NORA M. Kelly

I love the holistic approach that she takes when helping others in the workspace and the focus she places on resilience and looking at the whole person and the different things around them. Some of the key points she raised were around:

? The emotional impact and the different responses people have

? Surrounding yourself with supportive people

? Engaging in meaningful conversations

? Staying active and engaged in various activities

? Maintain a sense of purpose and growth

? Importance of adapting and finding new opportunities

? Communicating the value you bring

? Interview skills and Approaching job interviews

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For me, it’s also about knowing the distinction between the cost of something and the value of something.? The #layoff may be to do with a cost decision by the organization and that must not cloud the value you bring to an organization.? And every decision we make is a value-based decision and the more responsibility we take for our lives the more empowered we become.? And when you comfortable in your role and a layoff not in sight, what decisions are you making around getting better and being of more value?

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My advice is that don’t worry about the layoffs and the destination and instead focus on the now and the future will take care of itself.? Focussing on the now will include being your number one supporter and what you are doing to be more effective.? Below are some things that will help you be in a position no matter what, to provide value and to have confidence in that:

• Commit to your own upskilling and continuous learning
• Keeping abreast of industry updates
• Keep up with emerging technologies
• What enrichment activities can take part in
• Offer Mentorship
• Seek mentoring opportunities
• Networking
• Flexibility
• Open mindedness

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Remember your uniqueness and willingness to give something a go and continue your individual stepping out of the comfort zone journey which reminds me of Richard Branson, “if someone offers you an amazing opportunity, say yes – then learn how to do it later”.?        

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At your best:

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* What do you believe about yourself in relation to your professional capabilities and capacity?

* What new opportunities or re-direction can you create?

* How can you re-purpose your wealth of experience, passion and expertise to create a platform of thought leadership around yourself?

*What do you put your faith in?

#PetalTalks and #nourishingbeyond is where places of struggle meet places of success and acknowledging the growth in our unique journeys. The Chronicles was launched in February 2024 and I would like to thank you for your readership and engagement and contribution of what life has taught you. Let us continue to foster a sense of community and a safe space to pause, recalibrate and continue to search for meaning in our experiences that will help shape us, others and create greater impact together. This means sharing your thoughts and insights and adding to conversations worth having.

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