Women today face a lot of challenges in the work place, and one of the issues that mainstream media and many outlets don’t want to talk about is how female employees are often times first to get laid off or fired. Of course, this is a matter of debate, but it’s evidenced by large companies that let go of their female staff in droves, while keeping many men on the payroll. Even if it were a level playing field, women can feel downtrodden and shocked when they are let go from a position. There are a few things that one can do to fight back, or rather brace yourself for the inevitable blow that everyone has to go through at one point or another. No matter how you feel about your job, you should always have a backup plan in case life throws a curveball.
Keep An Updated Work History and References
While you’re working your 9 to 5, make sure that you go home and update your work history and references every few weeks. This may seem excessive, but you never know when you may be let go for any given reason. You may already be on the chopping block, and not even know it. When you have an updated history of work, and references that actually answer the phone, you will be able to go from being laid off to applying to jobs within a few hours. You do not need to let this bring you down, and if you play your cards right, you will showcase a sense of confidence and grace that could very well earn you a recommendation from the job you’re being let go from. This is crucial. Over reacting, crying, or exchanging words is not advised. Hold it all in, and walk away with your head held high, and don’t let them see it bother you, knowing full well that your resume is powerful and you’ll land on your feet because you did the leg work ahead of schedule.
Always Keep Track of Job Openings
Even if you’re not applying to new jobs, take 15 to 20 minutes out of your 24 hour day to look at job openings in and around your area and anywhere else that you may want to work. This is extremely helpful in knowing what is out there, and it never hurts to apply to a place that you really want to work at. You may find that an opening at your favorite brand opens up and you fit all the qualifications. Sending an application doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to quit, but it hedges your bets against getting laid off or fired when the company you’re currently at is struggling. Furthermore, you could end up working within an industry that doesn’t open up with jobs all the time. In the end, this doesn’t hurt and if you do get fired or laid off, you already know the job market well enough to reduce anxiety or panic.
Apply For Unemployment Within Hours of Change
Women often times feel at a greater disadvantage in the work place, and will even feel anxious about applying for unemployment. This is in place to help those that lose their jobs through various means, and requires immediate action. Do not wait, within hours of losing your job, apply for unemployment and fill out the paperwork properly. Even if you land a job in the same week, you will hedge your bets in regards to financial rollover.
Above all else, women have to take control of their career even when things are going smoothly. You’ll never see when your name is on the chopping block, which is why you should always keep tabs on your job, present and future. Women that stay on top of these things, are more likely to navigate the hardships that are present with losing a job.