Michigan

Carnegie Coach: Working Worried

Dear Carnegie Coach:

I am absolutely terrified of my future. I've been with my firm for more than 20 years and I just found out that the office will be closing in a couple of months. I've never had another job and I am afraid of what happens when my office closes, as I am so comfortable here. I don't even know how to look for a job because I have been here since graduating from college many years ago. I don't know if my skills will transfer to another company. I am the provider for three children and my wife. My peers tell me I won't have trouble in the job market but I am very worried, given the lack of jobs in the market today.

Frank

Dear Frank:

First of all, get a handle on your worries. It's not doing you any good to invest so much worry into the future. I'll bet it's taking a toll on your current work performance as well as your personal life. Here are some strategies for helping you through the next few months and to get that new job once your office does close:

Cooperate with the inevitable. Your office is closing. You'll need to find a new job. Those are facts you can't change so there's no sense in getting too worked up about them. Remember that everyone has unexpected changes in their lives. This isn't a disaster, it's just a normal part of living.

Keep yourself busy. You're lucky to have three months notice to collect the information you need in order to get a handle on your future. First, create a list of all the people at your current job who would give you a good recommendation. Then, evaluate your skills and what you would like to be doing in your new job. Search for available jobs in listings, through contacts, and any other resource you have, so you can get all the information possible about current openings and what skills are currently in demand. You may find you need some courses in computer skills, for example, to become more employable by a new firm.

Carefully analyze your situation. Once you've come up with a plan for finding a new job, you'll likely find there isn't much to worry about. You are a very capable worker or you wouldn't have been with this company for 20 years. Certainly you have skills to offer other companies. In addition, you may find that you have more time to find this job than you think. Take this opportunity to take stock of your resources. Are you getting severance pay or unemployment compensation? Do you have savings to get you through? Is there a good market for temporary employment with your skills? Chances are you'll find you have much longer than three months to find that new job.

Live in "day-tight compartments." There's no question that some days will be tough. When you feel overwhelmed with stress and worry, remember to take one minute at a time. Deal with each situation as it arises and get through the moment.

Of course you do have some things to worry about, most importantly supporting your family. However, your family can be flexible as long as you don't show too much anxiety about a situation. With a methodical approach to finding a new job, you will alleviate their tension and get yourself on the path to finding a great new job!
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Read more principles for reducing stress & worry in Dale Carnegie's Golden Book.