A seldom discussed impact of being a part of a layoff.

It is normal to become invested in your job and your company regardless of the company’s warts.

When you are impacted by a layoff, that personal investment is essentially ripped away leaving a hole, a strong sense of loss, even though you may not realize it at the time.

Many of the job search experts will tell you to volunteer and to join a networking group.? This advice may be more important that one would initially think.

I have found that, in a similar fashion, being a volunteer allows you to invest yourself in that activity.? You become a part of something, which actually is pretty important.?

The same goes for a networking group.? Everyone there is focused on finding their next job or helping you find your next job.? I am there to help you and you are there to help me.? We become temporarily invested in each other and share each other’s pain and frustration.? This can be very powerful positive in your life.

This was not apparent to me until a couple recent events brought this to clarity.

My current volunteering activity is coming to its natural closure.? As a result, I felt a very strong sense of loss. (Because that layoff hole is now reopening.)? And yes, I will be looking for a new volunteering activity next week.

Due to a couple circumstances, I have been unable to attend the last two weekly networking events and I have experienced a sense of emptiness.? This will thankfully be remedied when I attend the next meeting on Monday morning.

So, my strong recommendation to all who are dealing with a layoff event; Volunteer and find a supportive networking group.? Both activities are strong positives in a time of personal uncertainty and frustration.