How to Handle the Stressful Uncertainty of Company Downsizing or Outsourcing

For a variety of reasons, many companies are downsizing their employees, leaving some loyal workers jobless, and others wondering if they'll be next. Others are taking their companies overseas, leaving all their domestic employees in the lurch. During this time, the uncertainty of it all can make stress almost intolerable for everyone involved. Hours get cut, and those left over may work more to make up for the lost employees not being there. Tempers flare, and people become disillusioned with their jobs as they sense the company winding down. How can everyone cope? What to do? Even if it feels like it, this is not the end of the world. It takes not only being good to oneself, but planning for the future as well.

It's better to be proactive instead of just reactive

Instead of giving up, it's best to get busy. It's easy to feel worn out; stress can make us slow down and want to do nothing We all need our time-outs, to rest and recuperate, but don't overdo it or it can become a habit. Give yourself a set amount of time to feel all those feelings of anger, frustration or stress. Then, get up, dust yourself off, and take action. Looking for jobs, networking with other people, writing a resume is always good to do - just in case the worse scenario happens and your job is ended. It's better to be prepared than to wait until it actually happens, because then panic can set in, and make things much worse. Sit down and write out a list of what kind of job you want, what kind of benefits you need, and what type of company you want to work for. Be as specific as possible. Just write it all out. You may or may not need to get another job, but in the meantime, writing helps to clarify what you want, and dispel some of that stress. When job hunting, don't expect to get everything on that list, but use it as a guide in choosing between positions that you find interesting. Choose one that most suits what you're looking for.

Don't let company loyalty hold you back