Layoffs can be a very worrying time and as an Instrumentation Apprentice/Technician, it can happen often. Layoffs generally depend on the type of industry you are in or the job position. Jobs such as doing commissioning or working in industries that are boom or bust like mining or Oil and Gas can provide a lot of layoffs. I wrote this article as I was dealing with layoffs and I’d like to share some helpful tips to overcome this stressful situation.
#1 Make yourself Irreplaceable
It’s pretty simple, they can’t lay you off if they can’t replace you. Try and get as much specialized training as your work is willing to give you. This can be stuff such as getting certified in fiber optic splicing, getting specialized training on an important piece of equipment, or maybe some training on your company’s PLC and DCS software. It especially helps when you are the go-to person when a job comes up. Check out our article for more tips on being a top Instrumentation Apprentice/Technician.
#2 Create an emergency fund
It is recommended to have savings equivalent to 3 to 6 months of expenses. Ideally, you won’t be waiting that long to get a new job however it is still very important to have. This isn’t always possible to have as a backup plan but make sure you still have something to fall back on.
#3 Communicate with your partner
During layoffs, you may feel as if your life is changing a lot. You may be worried about your financial future, about starting all over at a new place, or about how you will get a new job. You very well might have to make some big decisions. It’s very crucial to have your partner on the same page. It’s not always easy to have this kind of discussion with your partner but it is very beneficial. It allows you to solve this problem and make these big decisions together. They can also help ease the burden emotionally.
#4 Network
This is something I recommend a lot but it’s for a very good reason. It’s very difficult to be out of a job when you have a great reputation in the field. Don’t be afraid to call up old colleagues and ask if there are any open job positions where they are now. You’d be surprised how well this works out. Even check out trade shows. It’s not often you get to meet so many experienced people in the field.
#5 Don’t Panic
It can be very overwhelming but most importantly don’t panic. The trades, especially Instrumentation will always be in demand. There are greater job positions than actual technicians. These events happen and it most likely won’t be the last time you will deal with them. Just make sure to stay calm and follow the above steps.
