Turn economic anxiety over coronavirus into action
Dear J.T. & Dale: With the coronavirus in full swing, there is a lot of talk of massive layoffs and increased unemployment. How worried should I be about the economy? — Zoe
DALE: Really worried, but in a good way. What I mean is that this is a time to turn anxiety into action. It’s true in any economy that there are companies that will thrive and those that will decline, and now that is being accelerated.
Part of my ABL logic (that’s Always Be Looking) is being wise about being ready to move yourself into a thriving organization. You have to treat your job search like you would treat a stock market investment — an employer isn’t a good prospect for you to invest your career unless it’s a solid company in an expanding sector. Then, you have to work at refreshing and expanding your contacts and, at the same time, making yourself job search ready.
I’d start with J.T.’s free resources on her career site: workitdaily.com/ resources.
J.T.: I actually started my career coaching company as result of the Great Recession of 2008. I saw people completely unprepared for getting laid off, and then looking for work in a very disrupted economy. Based on what I’m hearing, we are about to see the same, if not worse.
My suggestion is that you get basic career tools in place now, even if you have a job that you love. Get these ready: your résumé, LinkedIn profile, cover letter and bucket list of employers you would like to work for. Doing so, you put yourself in a baseline position to look for work if you lose your job unexpectedly.
Also, I would refrain from any large purchases.
Meanwhile, spend some time doing online learning and research, investing in resources that can help you improve your job search skills, interviewing skills and networking skills. School has taught us everything except how to look for a job and grow our careers. Then, when people lose their jobs, they are already in an emotional state, and this makes it even harder to get themselves in gear and to learn what they need.
Be proactive so when things change, you feel ready.
Dear J.T. & Dale: I went on a job interview yesterday. As I was sitting in the waiting room, my current boss walked out of the meeting. So now I know my boss and I are actually interviewing for the same job — how awkward! When I got to work today we didn’t say anything, but obviously it was uncomfortable between the two of us. Is there anything I can do or do I just need to work through it? Because now my boss knows I’m looking for a job, but I know she’s looking for one, too! — Andrew
J.T.: Honestly, I blame the company that you were interviewing with for this. What a terrible thing to do, having you both come in back to back.
DALE: But, let’s face it, this is an opportunity, right?
J.T.: It’s an opportunity to have a one-on-one
conversation with your boss. Since you both know that you are both looking for work, maybe you should discuss why you’re both doing so. It sounds like things must not be good there. And who knows? If one of you gets the job, then that person could help the other land a job. Otherwise, I would say it’s business as usual. Your boss knows that if she says something about you looking for work that gets you fired, you would be able to tell management that she’s looking for work, too. So I wouldn’t be too worried about that.
DALE: Then there’s the other opportunity, to make sure you’re the logical replacement if your boss leaves. Even if the company isn’t a great longterm fit, making the jump to management could be a great advantage for your next career move. So play this smart: Let this be a chance to become allies with your boss, both at the current employer and in future ones.