I’ve just been told I’m being laid off along with many others at my firm. Management would like us to keep working during a transition period before we collect our severance. My heart isn’t in working just to help out a company that fired me. But I also don’t want to burn a bridge. Should I stay through the transition?
Go home and vent your anger and frustration to the mirror, to the dog or to a sympathetic loved one. Go to the gym and do a long, hard workout. Then go in to work the next day with a smile on your face and a good attitude, and work for as long as they will have you.
Don’t think of it as just helping them — think of it as helping yourself. The longer you work, the longer your pay and benefits stay intact before the severance kicks in, and the longer you have to look for a new job while you still have a job — which is much less stressful than the alternative.
This period also gives you an opportunity to impress your current employer by displaying maturity and professionalism, which will serve you well when it comes to obtaining a favorable reference. It also leaves the door open for a possible return at some point — it happens. Regardless of how you feel about your employer, this is smart business for you.
I’m 55 years old and afraid that my age is preventing my resume from getting serious consideration. Is there a way to create a resume that doesn’t highlight your age?
Sure — don’t list a fax number and an AARP email handle under your contact information. And if you have a Personal Interests section avoid listing things like shuffleboard and afternoon naps by the fireplace.
You should never lie about anything, and that includes dates of employment or education. And leaving off dates only raises questions. However, there is no need to list every job you’ve had since college — only the part of your career that is most relevant to the job is necessary. By the way, since 50 is the new 40 — 55 is still prime time.