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Nigeria is in a recession right now, and every other day, we hear about one organisation or the other laying off staff. Being retrenched can be demoralizing, as it affects not just your bank account but your emotions, mind and even your body. However, it doesn’t have to be the end of your world. In fact, it can signal a new beginning that will lead to greater things. Here are some things you should know about retrenchment.

  1. It can happen to anybody.

There’s a perceptible stigma attached to being retrenched because people assume it’s somehow a sign of your incompetence, but this isn’t always true. Even if you’re young, capable, enthusiastic, likeable and motivated, and you have a good degree, you can still get laid off in a bad economy because it usually isn’t a function of these things. Organisations are letting staff go because they simply cannot afford to keep them on the payroll. I know of a company in the last recession that had to let go of 70% of their staff because they simply couldn’t afford salaries and didn’t want to owe, not because of anything the employees had done wrong. It’s a sad reality.

  1. Building your self-esteem is your responsibility.

Even though you understand the economic reasons behind retrenchment, you may still find yourself unable to shake the feeling of unworthiness. After all, if you were really that good you’d have been one of those the company held on to even in the difficult times, right? This is simply not true. There are many other technicalities companies consider when selecting candidates to let go and those to keep, so actively avoid self-pity and bitterness. You need your confidence to get another job, so do yourself a favour and focus on building your future instead of letting negative emotions eat away your self-esteem.

  1. You need to be prepared.

If you still have a job, you don’t want to be caught unawares. True, nothing can actually prepare you for the reality of losing your job, but there are steps you can take for a softer landing. At the first hint of retrenchment in your organisation, you should swing into action. Update and send out your CV, and start scanning the vacancy sections of the leading newspapers. Cut down your spending and boost your savings. If other openings had come your way before, reopen the communication lines and find out if any positions are still open for you.

If you’re new at your organisation and they’re downsizing, you’re particularly at risk. When companies find themselves in a position where they have to retrench staff, one common pattern is “last in, first out.” Many have left their old jobs for new jobs, only to be among the first to be dropped when things got rough. If you just started a new job, you need to be prepared for this possibility.

If you’ve lost your job, please take these tips to heart, and know that staying positive is important when it comes to getting another job. It’s the fuel that will drive everything else you’ve put in place. Should you decide to go into business for yourself instead of, or while waiting for, another job, do check out our entrepreneurship articles. All the best!

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This article was first published on 6th September 2016

jehonwa

Joy Ehonwa is an editor and a writer who is passionate about relationships and personal development. She runs Pinpoint Creatives, a proofreading, editing, transcription and ghostwriting service. Email: pinpointcreatives [at] yahoo.com

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