From quiet-quitting to loud layoffs.

Person with hands on face in an emotional state of uncertainty.

From quiet-quitting to loud layoffs.

People are stressed about losing their job and workers are anxious about their job security.

In my new book, Happy Money Happy Life, I wrote a chapter dedicated to finding happy work.

“Here is an uncomfortable truth: you are not as valuable as you think in your job. You are replaceable. You are not as secure in the career you have. You are a reorganization away from layoff. You are indispensable, a valued employee, and an important work member until you’re no longer needed.

It’s vital you work on your financial health as you work on professional goals.

Having financial security offers you peace of mind to deal with layoffs, allows you to quit toxic workplaces, and enables you to find meaningful work. And there will be a time you simply may want to take time off.”

I’ve learned there is no such thing as job security. What we can focus on is financial security to help us weather the storm of the many things we cannot control: to lessen the financial stress of a layoff.

So, what are your top tips for those scared of being laid off and those who have?

If you’ve been laid off…

• Assess your current finances (financial health) — Go through the budgeting process to understand your income (severances, unemployment benefits) and expenses.
• Cut back on expenses by reducing, negotiating, and eliminating services.
• Take the time to reset and relax (mental health) — Getting let go takes a mental toll, and it’s possible that even prior to that, you’ve been exhausted.

If you’re scared of layoff…

• Have an emergency fund (financial health) — emergencies happen, not a matter of if but when, and being laid off is an emergency. Having savings of 6–9 months to cover basic living expenses will help.
• Make adjustments to expenses — start making adjustments to your spending. This is good practice even if you’re not hit with a layoff. It gives you a sense of control.
• Create a list of accomplishments (mental health) — This helps with your mental health to understand how valuable you are in the company and at a new employer.

How to turn around a bad situation (layoff) and make it into something positive?

In the happy work chapter of my new book, I talk about the mental shift:

Regain back time: There is never enough time to do the things we want to do, a layoff gives back our most valuable resource–time–to pursue those goals. I’ve heard people who are gainfully employed say they don’t have the time to do what they want and after losing their job, the conversation shifts to not having the money to do what they want.

Refocus on what’s important: Our minds are often filled with work priorities and projects. By the time we get home, we’re mentally and physically exhausted and unable to be present with our partner, kids, and hobbies. A layoff can be an opportunity to shift back into what’s essential in life: connections, community, and purpose.

Reset the body: Following a work schedule, whether 9–5 or shift work, takes a toll on our body’s resting cycles. For a long time, I never felt I could catch up on sleep because I had work during the day and, in my free time, needed to work on household chores and errands. Turning a layoff into a positive, I was able to reset my sleeping patterns, which improved my physical and mental well-being.

Rediscover yourself: Our identities are tied to titles and salaries. It’s devastating to lose that part of oneself. But shedding that work identity can lead to finding better work that aligns with our core values. Use the time and energy towards a renewed sense of self.

Checklist before applying for jobs.

1. Prepare your resume — focus on adding skills and experiences to the job you want to have, not what you’ve lost.
2. Update your LinkedIn profile — use keywords in your profile bio and make sure your work history is updated.
3. Check in with yourself — you want to have the mental and emotional strength to do well in interviews. Try journaling and writing down your thoughts: it can help you calm your mind. And go outside and take a walk which can help shift your emotions.

How can you tastefully let professional contacts know you’re looking for a job?

There are two things you can do:

• Enable the OpentoWork feature on LinkedIn. Show your network you’re open for work.
• Create a positive post about your career accomplishments. Highlight the experiences and tag key people who have helped you in your career journey thus far. This helps with reach and awareness.

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Hi, I’m Jason, author of Happy Money Happy Life: A Multidimensional Approach to Health, Wealth and Financial Wellbeing. In the book, I discuss your eight dimensions of wellness (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social, environmental, occupational, and financial) through the lens of money.

Make a choice today and get yourself a copy of Happy Money Happy Life. More details can be found here: www.happymoneyhappylifebook.com