Navigating a return to work after a long absence can be daunting, especially if it requires securing a new position. Many of the managers and leaders I speak with rely on networking as a common strategy. However, all too often I find them un-prepared to overcome the bias about long-term unemployment—their own, and others’—even in this time when so many have been furloughed.
You see, there remains in our culture a stigma about long-term unemployment. This is especially true for the more mature knowledge workers; I see it in my coaching practice as they share their experiences and feelings, including those of self-blame. Left unchecked, long-term unemployment can suck the air out of our spirit. When this happens our mojo becomes a no go, or as Marshall Goldsmith coined it, “nojo.”
According to Goldsmith, nojo occurs when we become dispirited and confused. I see this happening right now with two common mistakes: waiting for the facts to change, and looking for logic in all the wrong places. As a result, we get stuck, and stay stuck.
Fortunately, there is action we can take to navigate a successful return to work.
2 Common Traps
Waiting for the facts to change. When we experience a setback, such as a loss of a job, it’s not uncommon to wait for the facts to change into something more to our liking. Similarly, when we are given the choice between two undesirable options, we’ll often choose neither. But, in a rapidly changing world, such inaction can be akin to moving backward.
Instead, consider what action you would take if you knew the situation would not change. Ask yourself, “Which path do I choose?”
Looking for logic in all the wrong places. Have you noticed how much time and energy you spend on finding logic in situations where none exists? It’s easy to do; after all, we’re trained to value logic. However, sometimes decisions that affect us are unreasonable, unfair, or unjust.
Instead, we can recognize and accept that human beings are profoundly illogical. We can accept the things we absolutely can not change, find the courage to change the things we can, and develop the wisdom to know the difference.
What do you think? What is your experience with navigating a return to work after a long absence? I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me here, on LinkedIn, or give me a call: 561-582-6060.
