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Downsizing is a harsh reality which majority of professionals face sometimes during their work life. But the way you look at downsizing makes all the difference. Downsizing can either demotivate you or downsizing can make you stronger. Know how to handle downsizing:

Step 1:

Don’t let downsizing dishearten you. The fact that you were part of downsizing does not mean that you are no good. It just means that company and you were a misfit. If you delve deeper you will invariably find reasons that have made you part of the downsizing. In most of the cases you would have also taken the same downsizing decision had you been on the other side of the table.

Step 2:

Look at the economic reason behind the downsizing. In a majority of cases the decision of downsizing is driven by economic reasons. So if you try to see the economic rationale behind the downsizing you will feel better.

Step 3:

Negotiate a severance package if you face downsizing. Most of the times during downsizing, the employees are too shocked to even consider negotiating a severance package. Such negotiations may not always materialize during downsizing but you can give it a shot nevertheless. Atleast you can ask for a letter of recommendation (if downsizing is not based on performance). Downsizing might also be the right time to discuss the future of your stock options, if you have any.

Step 4:

Ask for references post downsizing. If the downsizing is not due to bad performance, your employer will be more than eager to help you find a new job. So don’t forget to ask for references post downsizing; you can even ask your boss to inform you of any openings that he might know of at other places.

Step 5:

Leave on a good note post downsizing. In professional world the news spread very fast, especially if it is around an employee misbehaving during downsizing. So NEVER misbehave. Moreover, you never know that you might be seeking employment in the same organization after a couple of years.