Move on well and quickly after termination of employment

Companies and organisations have an ongoing need to adapt and trim their organisation and adjust it in relation to strategy, finances, and tasks, etc. This means that we as employees can be dismissed. It can be a big shock to be fired, and it can lead to an unpleasant train of thought and a lot of worries about the future. In addition to the work being economically necessary, it can also be part of our identity.

It is perfectly normal to react the way you do when you experience a big change like an involuntary termination. Changes out of our own control are often experienced as a threat, as we thrive best in a state of security and stability. 

Pharmadanmark's career guidance has gathered these good advices on how to get on as best as possible after termination. 

Give yourself time - Different stages of reactions
How people react in a crisis differs from person to person. For some, a termination is a happy opportunity to move on and thus less anxiety-provoking, while for others it feels unsafe and critical. 

Typically, as humans, we go through four phases when we experience such a change.

The shock phase is the first phase, which lasts from minutes to a few days. Here it is natural that you are confused and upset. What has happened is unreal and incomprehensible. Physical symptoms can be headaches, stomach aches, restlessness, and tremors. 

After this, the reaction phase begins, which typically lasts for a few weeks or perhaps a few months. In this phase comes the realisation of the change you are exposed to. You may be unhappy, or you may feel anger and futility. Maybe you try to find explanations and place blame. It may also be that you react physically with pain and muscle tension, just as insomnia is a natural reaction in this phase. 

The processing phase often starts after a few months and lasts perhaps half a year. Here you begin to process your experiences and your disappointment and anger at having lost your job. You may react with anxiety and vulnerability, but often you will begin to gain a forward-looking view of your situation.

The reconciliation and development phase is the last phase and often occurs after a year. You've learned to live with what happened, but you can still be vulnerable. Situations may arise where your emotions are affected, but now you have learned to control your emotions and know how to deal with the situation.

The best thing you can do in this situation is to give yourself time to let the situation sink in and accept that you are reacting emotionally to it. 
We recommend that you do not apply for the first and best job while reactions and emotions are running high, because then you risk even more disappointments if you end up in the wrong job.  

Accept sparring - Professional career sparring
Many who are laid off need advice when deciding where they would like to work in the future. Many of Pharmadanmark's members are offered an outplacement course by the company, and it is a good idea that you accept the professional help. If you do not get an outplacement course, you can always contact Pharmadanmark's career guidance, where we have professional career counsellors ready to help and spar with you. They have extensive experience with outplacement processes. 

With an outplacement course, you get individual help in all phases from clarifying your job-related future until you have to go to a job interview for your next job. In this way, you can help manage the situation yourself and regain control of your career.

In addition to an initial meeting where you hear more about the possibilities, you will have a number of individual meetings. Here, together with a professional consultant, you will be clarified about your wishes and motivation, and you will be given tools to move forward. Our experience shows that the sooner you become sure of what you want and start looking, the greater the possibility of getting a new job. 

Clarification about your next job
Once you've recovered from the layoff, it is time to start working toward the next job. It may well be that you have a long notice period, but time goes by faster than you expect. Be careful that time doesn't just disappear, and you haven't thought anything through. We are actually at our best as humans when we feel like we are on our way. So even though it may be difficult, try to see the positive in your new situation. Be active and use your network, your career counsellor and keep yourself busy. You can now look for another job and perhaps even an industry where you can deal with the tasks or skills that you find most exciting. 

When you are working towards a new exciting job that suits your individual needs, start by clarifying your professional skills, your personal skills and not least your motivation. The goal must be clear, and you must be able to put into concrete words your knowledge, your personality and what motivates you. You then continue to work on the preparation of a strategy for the job search. When you create a strategy, the ultimate goal is of course to get a job, but consider setting some sub-goals. Break up your daily routine so that you specifically work on job hunting at the time of day that suits you best. Take breaks and remember to take evenings and weekends off. So does the labour market. 

When your clarification and your strategy are in place and you know in which direction you should apply, focus on getting a targeted job search material prepared. This is when your active and targeted job search process begins. It is because it is easier and more manageable to start writing your targeted material for a position when you have control over your skills and driving forces. Remember to use your outplacement consultant or the career guidance in Pharmadanmark if you need advice.

New job - so what?
Congratulations – you have been offered a new job. Well done by you. Always remember to contact our professional advisers in Pharmadanmark's legal department. They can advise you on salary and have extensive experience in reading contracts through.

We also know from experience that starting a new job can be difficult. Therefore, it is always a good idea to have a few ongoing conversations during your start-up period, where you can get sparring on how things are going and, not least, address any concerns you may have in the "new". 

Contact the career guidance in Pharmadanmark
Karriere@pharmadanmark.dk
Phone: 3946 3630

Contact for legal advice in Pharmadanmark
jura@pharmadanmark.dk
Phone: 3946 3605