I have spoken with several colleagues recently who were lucky enough not to lose their jobs when their news organizations went through rounds of layoffs. I was happy they hadn’t gotten laid off, but still worried.
If you are one of these “lucky” journalists who has survived a series of layoffs, know you are not alone in feeling the following emotions:
- Increased anxiety because of a greater workload
- Fear of the looming possibility that you are next
- Uncertainty due to poor internal communication
- Nervousness about your own abilities, your health and exhaustion
- Survivor’s guilt
- Lack of sleep or the inability to fall asleep
- Betrayal of the company you’ve committed your efforts to
What to do about it?
A recently published Associated Press article has some good pointers. Michael Barr of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, who is quoted in the story, recommends asking these difficult questions: “Am I on the list? How would I know? Would I get severance?”
After a round of layoffs, clarify and confirm with your boss what your new duties will be and how you will prioritize them with the work you now have.
Focus on work that matters so you can show your boss you are needed in the daily production of work. The AP quotes Stuart Sidle, director of the University of New Haven’s Industrial-Organizational Psychology Graduate Program, who recommends becoming an expert in crucial organizational tasks that most people are too lazy to learn.
Remember that relationships are the foundation for networking and that most jobs are found through connections rather than through resumes on career sites. You have heard time and again to build and maintain your network. It is good advice.
My parting comment to a friend on the phone the other night was “take care of yourself.” Exercise boosts your serotonin and improves your mood. Eating right and getting eight hours of sleep a night (ideally uninterrupted) are wonderful for recovery from stress. And have a support group you can turn to when you need to talk.
