I asked the question to an AI Tool, “What’s your take on layoffs, over the years and recent ones?”

“As an AI language model, I don’t have feelings or opinions, but I can provide you with some information and facts about layoffs”, AI model replied.

Like Netflix’s “Manifest” series, if you ask an individual among several protagonist ‘why are you doing this?’. Answer would be lame, “I had a ‘calling'” —  the above statement of AI-language -model” might sound very similar by someone, in position, taking decision on and of layoffs.

Even if you are not part of it the word ‘layoff’ itself impacts you. In a sense I find its’ a negative word – it inherits struggle. And I personally never liked the word struggle – even when at the start of my career I had a lull time without job – but I was never ‘struggling’ – I was an Engineer; just had not had work!

Layoffs are a common occurrence in the business world and can happen for various reasons, including company restructuring, downsizing, and financial difficulties. Layoffs are often a result of a company’s need to cut costs or improve efficiency.

Over the years, there have been many instances of layoffs in different industries, ranging from technology to manufacturing and retail. For example, during the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s, many technology companies had to lay off large numbers of employees. During the 2008 financial crisis, many companies across various sectors had to lay off employees due to economic difficulties.

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread economic disruption and has led to many layoffs across different industries. Many businesses were forced to shut down or reduce their operations, leading to job losses for millions of people worldwide.

Overall, while layoffs can be a challenging and distressing experience for those affected, they are sometimes necessary for companies to stay competitive and survive in a rapidly changing business environment.

What should a person do when he is laid-off and still has a long career to go?

If a person is laid off and still has a long career ahead of them, it can be a challenging situation to navigate. Here are some steps they can take to move forward:

Take time to process: Losing a job can be a significant emotional and financial setback. It’s essential to give yourself time to process your emotions and adjust to the new situation before moving forward.

Review your finances: Losing a job can affect your financial stability. Review your savings, expenses, and any severance package to determine how long you can sustain yourself before you need to start looking for a new job.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up to date, highlighting your skills and experience.

Network: Reach out to your professional network, including former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts, to let them know you are looking for a new job. Attend networking events and join relevant professional associations.

Consider retraining or upskilling: If your previous job was in a declining industry or a job that is becoming obsolete, consider retraining or upskilling to learn new skills that are in demand in the job market.

Be open to new opportunities: Consider taking a temporary or part-time job, freelancing, or consulting to keep your skills sharp while looking for a new job.

Take care of yourself: Losing a job can be stressful, so take care of yourself by eating healthily, exercising, and getting enough rest. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional counsellor or therapist if needed. You can also post in the Ask for Job Guidance and referrals here and someone will be around.

Remember that being laid off is not a reflection of your skills or worth as a person. It’s a setback, but with the right mindset, approach, and support, you can bounce back and find new opportunities that align with your career goals.