Aren't You Glad You Don't Work at Microsoft?

According to Slate.com, Microsoft recently announced that it will be laying off as much as 18,000 workers. It is being viewed as one of the biggest layoffs in tech history. That is 18,000 families that may have children or other loved ones who depend on them financially who are now left in limbo. That is 18,000 mortgages or rents that maybe in danger of not getting paid on time and 18,000 car notes and utility bills that may fall in arrears. So who is to blame in this scenario? Is it Microsoft or is this business as usual in our "new economy". 

We Aren't In Kansas Anymore Dorothy

I would argue that we are in the midst of the new economy which really isn't so new. Microsoft isn't an isolated case. I am sure we can all learn from the nightly news on a daily basis or hear from a friend about the latest big company layoff. The days of working at a company for 50 years and retiring with a pension and a gold watch are as dead as dinosaurs. So as terrible and tragic as this is for people to lose their jobs and their source of stability there are some great takeaways. 

Takeaway #1-10

We should always be assessing where we are at in our career life. This means taking a moment to examine  how happy we are with what we are doing in our work life and where we are working and what we are receiving in exchange for our contribution: money. If there is an incongruence then it is time to brush off our resume and start tweaking it and applying for new opportunities. No one should rest on their laurels and think they are "safe" at their job. This isn't paranoia but a chance to stay on top of our game by taking classes, networking and volunteering to stay lucid on what is going on in the world and in the business world and where we fit into it. If we are always working on our "A" game then getting laid off at Microsoft or any other company may not sting so bad. If we are continously working on creating new opportunities and not letting our eggs rest in one basket then a layoff may come as a welcome gift instead of a terrible nightmare.  What do you think of the recent layoffs at Microsoft and how have you been staying on top of your "A" game?

Be Do Have!