Who am I
without a job?
Guido managed a team of 37 people at a large electrical engineering company in the Randstad area. During a reorganization, he supported ‘his people’ after they were let go—people with long service records. They were released from their duties and were forced to look for new jobs. It had a huge impact on them. Until he also found out that there was no longer a place for him. The shock hit hard.
The same goal, the same sorrow
‘I have never been laid off before,’ Guido says. ‘I had no idea what an outplacement program involved. I felt some resistance, thinking: “I don’t want to be among the unemployed.” But I also thought, why shouldn’t I take advantage of it? And there I was, sitting in a small group with my former team members. All with the same goal, but also the same sadness. I mainly struggled with the question of who I am without a job. The question that kept recurring: ‘What can I actually do?’ My career coach helped me enormously with this.
I was done with reorganizations
We discussed the results of the assessment, and they were very recognizable to me. I discovered that I no longer want to work in the installation sector. Too restless. I was tired of all the reorganizations, and I just wanted something different. I want to be more on the client side. Through LinkedIn, I was contacted by a recruiter for a new position at a major international shipping company. After a few conversations and an assessment, the job was mine. I now lead a nice small internationally operating team, and I’m really enjoying myself. I’m finally getting energy back from the organization.
I have found myself again
My drive to find a suitable job was very strong. You just have to move on and roll up your sleeves. It’s especially nice if you can turn to a professional who’s there for you in the first place. Someone who listens to your story, guides you, and gives you the confidence that everything will be all right. Especially the part about ‘personal attention and being there for me’ is what stuck with me most during the process. That helped me find myself again,’ says Guido.
Mieke van Luijk
Career coach
I help and advise laid-off employees with everything related to job applications, UWV, and pensions. I’ve been doing this for many years with great pleasure!
