Life is good.  Money in the bank, kids are happy in school, the wife has a great job she loves.  Terrific friends. The future looks good until you are summoned to your boss’s office late on a Friday afternoon.

The future looks good until you are summoned to your boss’s office late on a Friday afternoon.

John G Self

Restructuring, termination, layoff – the term is not that important.  It is the consequences, that matter.

Now what?  You have a hefty monthly mortgage and private school tuition.  A six-month severance won’t go far. Replacing your job in the local market will be tough.

What is worse, you do not have a plan for such an event. Hadn’t even crossed your mind.

Career Rule Number 1:  Always have a plan for the unexpected career detour.  This must include ongoing strategic networking that will help accelerate your job search when, not if, but when such a crisis occurs.

Absent 12-months of ready cash in the bank, having a career plan is your next best option.