She sat across the conference room table from me wiping the tears from her face.
Her tears were streaming unabated because of news she received three weeks ago: after 35 years, her company did not need her anymore. Today is her last day.
The company thoughtfully wanted to support her in her job search and that is why I am here, looking into a face full of great sadness and fear.
In going through her hastily created resume, the source of her fear revealed itself. While she knew in-detail how her company’s antiquated systems worked, her skills would be viewed as mediocre to the outside world.
- She was raised a farm girl and still lives on a farm in an economically depressed town an hour away from the city.
- She is quite proud of her high school diploma.
- Her husband, not understanding the value a computer could bring, forbade her to purchase one.
- She knows Word Perfect and Lotus quite well; but the new Word program is confusing to her. “All the buttons at the top have changed.”
- She bought a newspaper, looked at the classifieds, but could not find a job for which she was qualified. She has not heard of Monster or Career Builder; a lot has changed in 35 years.
She has assets too. The ability to balance a company’s accounts to the penny told me she has patience, determination and attention to detail. And of course, she is loyal to her employer; a competency undervalued by many organizations.
This should not have happened.
Some of you would say it’s the small business’ fault for not investing in developing her skills. Some of you would say it’s her fault for not being proactive enough about her career. I don’t care whose fault it is! Pointing blame won’t fix her lack of income and limited job options.
We are human beings, made to support our brothers and sisters. We have a responsibility to help others in need. We can’t “fix” other people, but we can assist them. We can point them in the right direction. We can listen to their concerns. We can pay for continuing education for someone less fortunate than us. Don’t wait for the company to do something about it. Don’t wait for the government to pay unemployment. Don’t wait for this person to have a sudden epiphany that to protect herself and her future, she needs to learn new things. Do something!
There is someone just like her in your circle of influence. Someone kind, eager to learn, who does not have access to skills development or doesn’t even know where to start. She might be in your office, one of your neighbors, someone at church or a friend of a friend. Who is it in your life?
What will you do?
Photo courtesy of Pennajoe123
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I will help.
Hi Alicia,
You bring up a good point.
Most of us have been there at one time or another, candidates for the ’support’ of another to reach out and help us during a time of real need.
In this world, no man is an island.
Jacqui
I see this a lot in rural Virginia.
Intelligent people who simply didn’t see the value in increasing their skills, because this is a small town, and things have always been the way they are.
Until now.
I taught life skills at a transitional program in NoVa – I’m teaching a short summer class for a job skills program in NC.
I decided this year, that instead of trying to raise money for foundations, I’d be donating my time in way that are immediate and proactive.
And I am glad you were there to be able to assist this woman. It only takes one person to make a difference. Kudos to you, Alicia.
You are right. There are millions of people like this. I will open my eyes and find the people who need my help…
I agree that this is a shame. We need to keep our eyes open for situations like this and help where and when we can. I am very glad you are not assigning fault with anyone group or individual. It has opened my eyes.
For the past 8 years I have led a Job Support Group for people who are employed, unemployed, underemployed and undecided. None of us got where we are by ourselves. We have to reach back and give a helping hand to those around us. This is all done pro bono in addition to my speaking & coaching practice.
Put simply, ya gotta put something back into the pot or someday we’ll all starve.
So true-this story is being repeated too many times every day.
Really caring about the other humans that walk beside us is essential.
BUT I see this within large companies who lay off. People are not taking advantage of the learning offered, tuition programs, etc. We all get into our own comfort zone and are complacent about our skills. A couple of things to think about:
1. Look into your own life. If you were suddenly out of a job, would you be marketable? Really? What are you going to do to ensure your marketability?
2. Encourage, cajole, push, pull and, yes, even gently force those who work in your company to improve their skills.
We can all make a difference!
Great perspective. As a leader in a Fortune 200 company and now as a leadership coach, I have long believed that we own OUR career. It’s up to us to leverage all the resources and opportunities which are available to us. We are not victims of our circumstances; we are the victors.
Kevin & Jacqui – you both do a great deal to help those around you in need. Thanks for chiming in on this post.
Tammy – good for you! I think in some cases donating our time can be more valuable than donating our money. It sounds like you’re doing great work.
Todd – It’s been a week since I put this post up and I’ve seen more people who need help. It amazes me that when we intentionally look for something, we find it.
John – My eyes were opened too. Thanks for your comment.
Ron – I love what you’re doing. We are indeed a community with a responsibility to give.
Linda – That is true. Your question #1 is something we should all be asking ourselves continuously, even those of us who are self-employed.
Beverley – Ultimately, we are responsible for our growth and development. We own the choices we make. This experience helped me see that I have become a little complacent in putting myself out there to be leveraged by others. And yes, we are victors!
thanks so much for a thoughtful and much needed post – you’re right, blame is useless. When people lose their job the deepest help often has to come from inside at a time when inner resources are really low. I wrote ‘Recover Your Balance’ to help people to find their personal strength and confidence after bad times at work. I’d like it to reach everyone who might find it helpful.
I’ve seen this happen too many times as well. As a HR pro, it’s my job to remind employees that they need to take ownership of their job and career – Gently at first and then directly if necessary. I’ve seen a business close and hundreds of good employees get laid off. Despite advanced warnings, few employees are proactive enough to plan for their next step. I’ve always got my resume updated and ready to go in case I’m next.