Layoffs are enormously painful for the workers who lose their jobs, and they can be terrifying to those who stay behind. Many in the financial services industry are reportedly turning to local churches for help handling their stress. Employees often feel as if they're walking through the halls "with a bull's-eye on their back, expecting to be laid off," as one woman described workers at Nortel Networks in Ottawa, Canada, in a Canwest News Service story.
It's remarkable, however, to discover how many people rebound and find better work after losing the job they have. That may be little comfort in a market swollen with job seekers—but for people who are willing to pick up and move to a new town, switch industries, or try a whole new career, a layoff can indeed present an opportunity.
Consider Nortel employees as an example. From Canwest:
Yet while most may not believe it, there is life after Nortel. Caputo went on to co-write her book after getting laid off and helped found a consulting firm called Big Picture Institute.
"For me it was the greatest opportunity that I have ever gotten in my life," she said. "I've gotten to do things I never dreamed I would ever do. Those opportunities only came into being because of being laid off from Nortel."
Rolly Renaud landed a job at another respectable Ottawa technology company, and James Graham opened his own business.
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