You’re in the crosshairs. We’ve all been there. You’ve been hired into a company, you excelled, and then circumstances change. All of a sudden, you don’t have upward mobility options, nor do you have lateral opportunities for growing your skill set. Or worse, you’re in the worst recession since The Great Depression. Regardless of which circumstance it is, you’ll most likely “feel” that something’s wrong. The access to those in power becomes limited. Information is blacked out. You’re left feeling vulnerable, knowing that your number might be up. What can you do?

Be Innovative? Look for another Job?

Keep a brave face. Keep producing results. Don’t look fearful or scared. And start looking for another job. If you’re employer/boss has decided that you’re number is up, then chances are you won’t be able to change their mind.

If your employer is under the impression that you’re contributing in your current position, but the job is no longer adding value or isn’t a must-have function, then you may have a chance. In this circumstance, the best thing for you to do is to continue to be innovative, thinking creatively about projects that will help their bottom line. Become a worker that’s show adaptability to new work responsibilities. You may be able to lead them to water with your idea(s).

Pitching the Idea is Risky

The are no sure things; it is a risk to present something new. You may be demonstrating why you’re no longer a fit, confirming your employers reasons on why they want to let you go. But if the target’s on your back already, then why not? You may be able to recycle your innovative ideas in your next gig. This is what I did. I’ve found that times of uncertainty has been the best catalyst for me to think creatively. The act of thinking and creating deliverables under these circumstances, allowed me to develop new skills and knowledge, adding new tools for my toolkit. End result? I increased my value to my next employer by using the ideas and deliverables developed as I was trying to save my job.

Moving On, Act Poised and Gracious

So you’ve pitched your ideas, but you still feel your numbers up? Then move on. Work with integrity by continuing to deliver the results you always deliver. If asked to document your processes, do it. When you’re shown the door,  walk through it as gracefully as possible. Keep your brave face by never letting people see you lose it. No sour grapes allowed.

Self-awareness & Closure

Don’t expect closure because you may not get it. Only time will help heal any feelings of anger and/or betrayal you will feel by a forced separation with your company. If you’re fortunate, you had enough lead time to set up your next gig. If you didn’t, then use that time to take stock of how job went down, why you think you were asked to leave, and then try to learn from it. We’re not perfect. There are always reasons for our exit. This is an opportunity for you to improve yourself by learning through self-awareness.

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