How To Deal With Stigma Around Layoffs

Layoffs are one of the most traumatic things people can experience. Especially when most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, unemployment benefits and part time jobs are unlikely to cover their expenses, and a job search can easily take 6+ months. But it's not just the financial trauma. It's also: - losing colleagues who have become friends - losing access to an office and community that you may have spent more time in than your own home - not quite knowing who you are when your identity was wrapped up in your employer and job title - feelings of shame wondering why you were selected, as well as how your family that's counting on you will react There's a plethora of research on the trauma of layoffs, some finding that it's more stressful than the trauma of a divorce or death of a friend. Yet those who are laid off are expected to just "get over it" and to jump right in to finding another job often without having time to even really grieve and process what happened. There's probably some systems-level stuff that could be done: requiring more notice, mandating severance packages, increasing unemployment benefits. Perhaps there could be more funds akin to PPP loans (but better managed) to help companies get through the ebbs and flows without needing to do layoffs. Imagine if a layoff included access to therapy and job search assistance. And as a part of the workforce, we can: -try to "layoff proof" ourselves through secondary income streams, maintaining networks and resumes, and essentially being job search ready at all times -maintain an identity that goes beyond that of "employee at company" so that we have other spaces where we can feel connected and like we belong that won't be so fleeting -offering the kind of support we would to people who have been through other forms of trauma - this could be reminding them that it's OK to grieve and they don't have to jump right into their search on day one, offering meals or other kinds of care we might offer friends impacted by more "traditional" trauma -and of course, we can help by making referrals, sharing opportunities, and shutting down false narratives around people impacted by layoffs to diminish the stigma.

People who are laid off exist. Frankly, they get ignored by events, vendors, companies, etc., because they are not going to provide any immediate return on investment. All of this contributes to the embarrassment and shame for those people who are laid off. They are not alone. When I created CruiseCon, I created it for everyone, including those who can't attend, because they may not have a job. These are the people who need the help, support, and guidance the most, but again, people don't address them. To that end, I reached out to 🐐Steve Shelton 🐐 at Green Shoe Consulting to provide some guidance for those laid off, may be laid off, or anyone who just wants to support them. We will have Steve on a future CruiseCon in a Careers track to cover this in person. The video summary is: Ira interviewed Steve, an expert on career issues and burnout, to discuss how cybersecurity professionals can cope with layoffs and the emotional impact of involuntary job loss. Steve emphasized strategies for regaining control and building resilience, including focusing on personal values, seeking community support, and maintaining a daily routine. They also discussed overcoming embarrassment and shame associated with job loss, suggesting support groups and reframing negative thoughts. Details Addressing Layoffs in Cybersecurity Ira interviewed Steve, an expert on career issues and burnout, to discuss how cybersecurity professionals can cope with layoffs, a prevalent issue in the industry. Steve noted that Green Shoe Consulting is conducting the industry's first evidence-based research on stress and burnout specific to CISOs, with findings to be published in August. They highlighted the emotional impact of involuntary job loss, emphasizing the need for a mourning and grieving period. Strategies for Regaining Control and Building Resilience Steve advised focusing on controllable aspects of life, starting with understanding personal values as a foundation for identity. They also stressed the importance of community support to combat loneliness and maintain mental resilience, encouraging networking and leaning into one's social circle. Creating a daily routine and engaging in hobbies were also recommended for personal well-being, along with considering career coaching and envisioning the ideal future role and environment rather than just taking the next available job. Overcoming Embarrassment and Shame Ira raised the challenge of embarrassment associated with job loss, and Steve expanded on this, noting that shame can diminish confidence and inhibit action. Steve suggested having a support group for venting feelings and emphasized the importance of accepting the situation while reframing negative thoughts. They concluded that negative feelings like embarrassment or shame do not always reflect how others perceive the situation, and encouraged individuals to consider how they would help others in similar circumstances. To get related content, please follow CruiseCon.

“Don’t take it personally, it’s just business.” Anyone who has been laid off has heard this platitude at least once in their healing journey. I’m respectfully asking folks to please stop using this phrase. Layoffs impact EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE (financial, emotional, relational), so of course it’s personal. Trust me…it’s one of the lessons I learned the hard way going through it myself for the first time six months ago. The platitude doesn’t have any real meaning toward being helpful toward those it’s intended. Here’s the reality… Everyone’s layoff situation is unique. Rejection is still rejection, but the reasons behind the layoff vary significantly for everyone. Each person’s story matters. Most on the outside have very little insight into the dynamics around someone else’s layoff situation. As a society we’ve put everyone in this bucket of ridiculousness believing their layoff was just a business transaction. There are many different reasons why people find themselves on the other end of a layoff. And we owe it to each laid off individual to provide supportive commentary vs. poor societal advice. Let’s change the narrative on the responses we give to those who have been laid off. Here are three simple ones: 1️⃣ Offer genuine support by asking if there’s anything you can do to help. They may just want to vent and need to talk about how they are feeling. 2️⃣ Offer to write a testimonial or review on LI based on your time working together. If not a direct colleague, offer to make an introduction to someone in your network. Again, starting conversations is a good thing! 3️⃣ Offer simple kindness by saying, “I’m sorry this happened to you. You have every right to feel all your emotions as you process this transition. I’m here to help.” All three would be welcomed support vs. “Don’t take it personally, it’s just business.” I’m asking you to take it personally. It’s not just business. It’s being human. We need more of that in the world today. —— Hi! I’m Laura. I’m fulfilling two passions in 2024: 👩🏻💼I coach sales reps and first line sales leaders with EASE: Everything is Attitude, Skill, & Effort. I love mentoring sales professionals. Let’s chat! 📖 I’m writing a book called “The Layoff Cooties: It’s Them, Not You.” It’s part of my healing process after an unexpected layoff last year. Publishing in Fall 2024!

Here’s why I post about being #laidoff so often: 1) There is still a ton of stigma against laid-off talent. I have a large platform and a dump truck full of privilege, so I’d be remiss not to say “I’m a laid-off person too. Laid off talent isn’t necessarily low-caliber take talent. I’m awesome at what I do, and I’m part of the demographic you’re talking 💩 about”. Yes I’m in a full time role again, but at one point my name was on a spreadsheet too, someone pointed to my name, and cut me. So what? 2) I wasn’t laid off for very long, but HOLY COW that gap between roles was terrifying and stressful. I’m a single parent and provider for my kids (and pets 🐶 🐈⬛). Job seekers often feel alone and defeated, and deserve to have advocates + allies speaking up on their behalf. Speaking candidly, I lost a friend to (*I’m not sure what terms I can use on here but their life was ended by themselves). If one post reaches one person who feels hopeless today? Great. 3) I would like to encourage everyone who’s NOT currently unemployed to consider how they can lift up, support, and actively help those who are hurting and looking for work. What can YOU do today to help a job seeker or 2? For me, that’s sharing job hunt tips and resume advice; insights from inside the world of hiring, etc. 4) Don’t forget to join my paid channels, follow me on toktok, buy the merch in my bio, and … … JUST KIDDING!!! I don’t have any of that. But! Why only post or message on LinkedIn when you need something? Use it to connect with folks, share value, help others, create community. My friends and network on here had my back 💯after I was laid off. I can never repay that kindness, and people will show up so much for you if you’ve been showing up for them. So there’s you’re “What’s in it for me” aspect of giving on LinkedIn 😎 Frankly, it keeps me giving too on days when I’m tired: if I were laid off again, would I still have a network? Did I give more than I took, so that when it was time to ask for help, people would pitch in again? One way to start is to post something like: “hey all, I have 1 hour free this week and can do 4 short coffee chats with new grads. First 4 folks to DM me I’ll set up time with!”. Or… something else- there are so many ways you could make LinkedIn / the world a better place, and I promise you won’t regret the investment. And lastly, a meme, because I work for Reddit so you know I always have a stockpile of these 😂😂😂