South Africa is currently going through a retrenchment crisis, with thousands of people facing unemployment. If you find yourself on that dreaded “retrenchment list”, here’s what you need to know:
First of all, don’t panic. You’re not the first and you won’t be the last that this has happened to.
Take stock and consider your options. Do you want to find another job, make a complete change such as buying a business or a franchise, join a consulting firm, or contract for a while?
Consider your financial position, and work out what you can do to minimise your expenditure during the period that you may not be earning. You may well get a retrenchment package, so prepare a budget and work out how long you have before the money runs out. If you plan to start a business, start to budget accordingly. Make sure you have a clear, achievable plan.
If you wish to apply for another job, update your CV. Include a list of action-based achievements, using phrases such as, ‘I improved…’, ‘I succeeded in…’, and ‘I redesigned…’. Network as much as possible, and keep a well-documented portfolio of your achievements.
Don’t become so specialised that you can’t fill any other position. Get to know “everything about something and something about everything”. Spend time and money on your development – improve your computer skills, or take that course you’ve always dreamed of.
Adopt the attitude that you’re being prepared for greater things, and always go the extra mile so as to stand out from the crowd when retrenchments are in the pipeline.
Look after yourself, and minimise your stress levels. Sleep well, eat correctly and rely on your family support mechanisms.
Change is inevitable, but how you handle it and what you make of it depend on your unique ability to rise to the occasion and market yourself and your skills.
Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about retrenchment.
© 2009 LifeAssist