Create an Emergency Layoff Plan for Your Family

Create an Emergency Layoff Plan for Your FamilyCreate an Emergency Layoff Plan for Your FamilyFamilies are prepared for a fire or hurricane. Take the same measures to ensure youre also prepared for an emergency job loss.Many families have an earthquake, hurricane or disaster plan, but how many have a layoff plan? A job loss is a time when the Earth unexpectedly moves from beneath your feet, so it should require the same preparation.Though were living in a time of great upheaval in the American workforce, people are still unprepared for a layoff. I knew my employer welches having a tough time, but I didnt think it would affect me is what many people still say when handed their pink slips. In January of this year, even amid the huge layoff numbers already posted, a study by Sausalito, Calif.-based Glassdoor.com showed that only one in five employees thought they might be laid off. Obviously, with the layoff statistics of 2009, these results suggest that people simply resist frightening facts.Of course, living in the doom and gloom of maybes is not the answer, but just-in-case preparedness can give you a sense of peace - and power.Here are a few points to consider to ensure you could handle a worst-case scenario1. Dont avoid the void.Thinking of a possible layoff can get you down, so most people avoid the discussion. Getting into the mindset of how youll deal with it, rather than the negativity surrounding it, will actually pick you up - because youll know you can handle whatever comes.2. Know your mates job-loss mentality ahead of time.The time to know how you can rely on your partner to share the load of raising a family is before you have one. Similarly, the time to know how youll both endure the stress of job loss is before it occurs. Does she actually love what shes doing now? Would he want another job just like it? Or would an unexpected layoff give him the opportunity to go a different direction - or even start his own geschftsleben? Discuss possible opt ions before youre faced with them.3. Fortify your belief in one another.If your partner loses her job, it can lower her self-esteem and that lowered esteem can impact the dynamics of the relationship (such as not being the provider). Though you cant always know how someone will actually be affected unless and until it happens, earthquake-proofing your relationship for possible esteem shakeups can create a deeper connection when it counts. Work together to create an inventory of all the skills, talents and aptitudes you each possess, and remind each other of those truths - when you need it most.4. Create a job-loss financial plan.The scrambling and differing opinions about how to deal with finances when an unexpected layoff hits can create friction when you need to pull together the most. Come to an agreement about how youd deal with the loss of income, what things would take priority and to what degree either of you could hang on for the right job before just accepting any offer. P lan ahead to make the most of stretched resources.5. Create a job-loss emergency checklist.Agree on what rules will be followed in the case of an actual job loss. Think about everything fromhours to be spent in the job searchgetting out of the housecommunication strategiesexercise programHelping each other to be effective while keeping family life stable will go a long way toward a peaceful household in a time of transition.