Are you concerned about potential job loss? Who isn't these days? fwm Expert Contributor Debra Owen is posting a wonderful series on managing change on her djocreative blog. While Deb typically works with business owners to create training & coaching programs, she's been tapping into her 20 years of experience to offer help to those affected by or facing job losses.  Deb hopes to put her HR background to good use by putting information out there would be helpful to those going through what is one of the most stressful changes we can face in our lives. Here is the first in her series:

Layoffs reported are up 19% in October over September, according to outplacement firm reports. So while we wait for the Department of Labor's report on Friday, it isn't looking good.  In fact,  job losses are expected to continue into next year. Some statistics estimate that as many as 75% of employees in the U.S. are worried about losing their jobs. What can you do if you're still in your job but worried about possible future layoffs?

Well there's one thing you definitely don't want to do. You don't want to bury your head in the sand and pretend everything is fine.

1) Begin to save (or pay off those credit cards) now. Don't wait to react after getting a pink slip. Be proactive now. Take stock of your current financial situation and begin to look for ways you can cut expenses and save. If you are laid off, you'll be able to deal with the transition easier if you already have a clear picture of where you are financially and have made a plan.

2) Talk about it with your family. Talk about concerns and build a plan together that will help you be in a better position in the future. (Let's face it. If you begin to do some of these things now, and you make it through the layoffs, you'll still be in a better place financially. So it can't hurt.)

3) Take care of your health. Get enough sleep. Work out. Eat right. (Leave out the alcohol. Don't over-indulge in TV. Definitely don't over-indulge in the news.)

4) Come up with solutions for your company. Helping recognize areas that could be stream-lined or identifying even small cost saving measures can help position you as a someone who can help lead others and your company through tough times. (This may not prevent a lay-off, but it will help you continue to make a contribution and be seen as a valuable player on the team. This also helps you focus on problem-solving and on positive measures, rather than sitting around the water cooler predicting the worst with your co-workers.)

5) Recognize what you can control and what you can't. Work on stuff in the first category, let the rest go.

These things may not prevent a layoff. But it will put you in a better position financially and emotionally no matter what happens. As the economy changes, you want to take steps now (even small ones) that can help make things more smooth in the future. Waiting to react to a change in a 'state of shock' can lead to unnecessary stress and poor decision-making.

Oh. And one other thing. Focus on things that really matter. Things like....your health, your relationships, your family. You are not your job title. You are not your bank account. You are the same person -- with or without the corner office.

All the best!

deb