08/12/2025
If you should happen to be a victim of a Reduction in Force (RIF) or unceremoniously asked to leave your post at your workplace for whatever reason, treat the event as if you’ve come across someone who has gone into cardiac arrest.
Surprisingly, the instructor who taught me in the most recent American Heart Association’s Basic Life Saving course I took had advice that was sage enough to be applied to many life-altering events.
Similarly, just as you would jump into action to perform Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on a heart attack victim, it’s essential to respond immediately, in the case of a job loss, and perform Career Production Resuscitation.
As we practiced on our tabletop dummy, our instructor, Oscar, with Ready, Set, Save CPR, prompted us with vital principles and these three resonated with me as principles that could be applied to many situations.
First, be aggressive with your actions. We might break a rib bone during our CPR attempts, but we will save a victim’s brain by ensuring a flow of oxygen and blood.
Second, if you’ve discovered that you’ve made an error in how you’re treating the victim, remember, self-correction is key. Immediately adjust your approach and continue working towards a positive future outcome.
Thirdly, if you discover yourself having a cardiac event and you’re alone, make every effort you can to get outside where your chances of being found by someone who can help you increase.
Just as these essential principles of CPR guide us in saving a life, they can also serve as a roadmap for navigating the challenges of a job loss, empowering you to take proactive steps toward recovery and future success.
Should your position be eliminated or your manager discharge you from your position, then ensure a future positive outcome by applying the same CPR principles to your Career Productivity Resuscitation plan.
First, be proactive as soon as possible and realistic about the effort required to network within your community and complete the tasks of applying and interviewing for a new position. Accept that filling out applications is a tedious task, and you’ll need to surrender to the idea that however many you think is a lot won’t be enough.
Second, whatever errors you made in the past may require examination, but only with the focus on self-correction and for the achievement of future goals. Hey, you can’t (and if you’re honest about it, you likely won’t want to) go back to that previous employer. Understand your past, but don’t dwell on it. It will be a nonproductive use of your time, which should be devoted to your current activities and future outcomes. This is your journey, and you have the power to steer it in the right direction.
Thirdly, don’t conduct your job search journey alone. There’s nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Change is a part of life, and a job change is only one feature of the parts of life you’ll be participating in. If a job loss occurs, present yourself on public forums in a professional manner so that people can offer their assistance. Remember, your online presence is your professional identity, so maintain it with care. If you do this, then your chances of career survival will increase, and you’ll have a story to tell others that could help them feel reassured if it happens to them.
