By Sandy Johnson, Senior Consultant and Executive Coach
In early December, this announcement came out.
Omnicom will cut 4,000 jobs following the IPG acquisition and retire agency brands FCB Global, DDB, and MullenLowe Global. Omnicom also announced its new structure and leadership team on the heels of completing its $13.5 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG).
This is the kind of message that triggered an earthquake-like tremor of emotions, ranging from concern to panic, among everyone in the advertising industry.
If you’ve lost your job, even if you’re not in advertising, you’re likely experiencing the fallout as an individual.
You might be thinking, how could this happen to me?
“I’m smart, I deliver, and I produce results. I contribute in a valuable way. I’m senior. They need my skills. I make a difference. I’m well-liked. My team needs me.”
If you’re having any of these thoughts, you’re right. They’re true. And yet, here you are, unemployed. Aftershocks may still be happening.
It’s alarming how quickly and significantly your life, both personally and professionally, can change.
Layoffs are part of a business decision and likely don’t reflect on your performance at all. But when someone else makes the decision, it’s so much worse than choosing to move on yourself.
If you’re still trembling, and it’s understandable that you are, keep reading.
No, this isn’t going to be advice on your resume, LinkedIn, or a networking strategy, although we’d be happy to help you with that later. This is about getting a grip on what’s next.
Take a pause. Above all, don’t panic. Experts will tell you that a plan is paramount.
Now, if someone offers you a job and it’s what you want, absolutely, accept it and be on your way. But if nothing’s forthcoming right now, consider what you want first.
It’s a lot easier to find something if you know what you’re looking for than the “I’ll know it when I see it” approach.
While you didn’t wish for this to happen, it’s an opportunity to assess what you want in your next role and be the architect of your next move.
Consider the following when creating your ideal role:
- Which skills would you like to take with you?
- What do you not want to do?
- How will you be spending your time?
- What do you want to learn?
- What kind of value do you offer?
- What will be the biggest challenge? What’s exciting or scary about this?
- What do you want to learn?
- How would you describe this stage of your career?
- Who will the next role allow you to be?
You may want to land a new job as soon as possible. You may want to take some time before making your next move, or you may be at a point in your career where work is no longer necessary financially.
Whatever your situation, you owe it to yourself to consider what you want next and what you have to offer.
It’s an opportunity that’s always available yet too often overlooked. As the ground starts to settle, it’s your move.