Workers Left Behind More Stressed Than Those Laid Off?

March 10, 2009 by Chris
Filed under: General 

I came across an article this morning that really hit home.  It was a piece in TIME magazine and can currently be found at this link if you’d like to read it,  h t t p://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1883614,00.html?cnn=yes

Basically, a study was done in Europe where it was found that those who had lost their job, pretty much hit “rock bottom” after about 6 months.  From there, the outlook improved.

On the other hand, those still working had to endure the stress and uncertanty of what lies ahead for as long as they stay employed.

So the question…which is worse?  It’s kind-of a “slippery slope”.  It would be hard for someone to sit there and say, “well I don’t want the stress of not knowing…so I would rather be laid off”.  Most of us have grown accustomed to the income we have, and to wish for that to be “gone” would probably not be in your best interest.

But on the other hand, I know many people who got laid off and while it was disturbing at first, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to them!  Many went on to start their own businesses or found employment with a company the liked much better.

I think the big thing is that we have to find some way to tell ourselves…whatever happens is going to happen.  You can work your butt off and someone 3 levels up from you in your company can end your employment no matter how hard you work.  (But I’ve seen some of them get the ax the same way…so don’t feel too bad ;) )

I believe that now more than ever, good companies should be keeping the lines of communication open with their employees.  This is a time when a good company will pull their people together and do things to build and instill confidence.  Openly squash rumors as soon as they surface if those rumors are untrue.

For employees…I think that you should always have some sort of backup plan.  Be thinking about what you would do if you did lose your job?  How would you cope?  Where would you go in search of employment next?

And this is a time to put some money back so that if something does happen to your job, it doesn’t force you to lose your home.  It’s a good time to sacrifice a little so you don’t have to be so stressed if something should happen.

I would love to hear your thoughts…I could ramble for hours! :)   Please feel free to leave me a comment.

Have a good day!

Chris

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Comments

79 Comments on Workers Left Behind More Stressed Than Those Laid Off?

  1. Wholesale Sunglasses on Tue, 10th Mar 2009 10:18 pm

    2. It’s not just employees that may be a little worried because of the current economy, even business owners are feeling the stress and wondering if they will be able to continue with their business or not. The not knowing part is definitely a stress inducer.

  2. GregR on Wed, 11th Mar 2009 1:50 pm

    3. Actually say your in a company like Nortel. I would rather be shown the door, rather than waiting for the axe to fall. You can pick up the pieces and move on. I believe there is good stuff around the corner and your job is holding you back.

  3. diy courses on Wed, 11th Mar 2009 5:03 pm

    4. There is certainly some truth in this theory. It just goes to show how the current economic climate affects absolutely everybody, even those who manage to keep their jobs.

  4. How To Make Wine on Wed, 11th Mar 2009 5:43 pm

    5. I’m sorry, but there’s no comparison. Unemployment is the most horrifying thing the modern world has to offer, short of physical danger to oneself or loved ones. I’ve been there. It is the most helpless feeling in the world, and you don’t “bottom out” so much as you get used to the perpetual feeling of falling into a bottomless hole.

  5. Chris on Thu, 12th Mar 2009 7:54 am

    6. Thanks for all your responses. It’s a subject that touches many of us these days.

    I have to say that I have mixed emotions about layoffs. Yes…it would undoubtedly cause some “new” forms of stress for me if they showed me to the door, but there would also be a sense of relief at the same time…(man, would there ever be a sense of relief!) I would love to jump full time into my internet business, and it’s probably going to take something like that to “force” me to move on. My family and I might have to eat beans and cornbread for a while until I built up the internet business though :) !

  6. Brenda on Fri, 13th Mar 2009 12:36 pm

    7. I’d rather know or get fired right away. I can’t handle anticipation and would go crazy sitting at my desk all day wondering if I’d be getting a pink slip soon.

    I agree with you, you just have to accept that whatever happens is going to happen and just go with it. Life Happens :)

  7. Plies on Sun, 15th Mar 2009 3:01 am

    8. I think I’d rather be in the have a job position rather than jobless and wondering if I’d be living on the streets or slinking back to my parents

  8. spyware guard 2009 on Mon, 16th Mar 2009 6:04 pm

    9. I got laid off in June of last year for from a restaurant job. After that I made a promise that I would never become beholden to a boss or company again. I got into IM right afterwards. I can say without QUESTION that it was one of the best things to ever happen to me. So there is definitely some truth to this!

  9. Catherine | Classical Crossover Music on Tue, 17th Mar 2009 4:20 am

    10. We are all stressed with the day to day problem. But we should be thankful for what we have. just like what the other commenter say, i’d rather be in the job than be jobless.

  10. eve isk on Thu, 19th Mar 2009 4:38 am

    11. I agree with you.I recommend to any newbie that wants to make money is to stick with something and see that it really works or not, stop flitting from one thing to another without giving yourself long enough to see any results

  11. Online Fashion Shopping on Thu, 19th Mar 2009 10:08 am

    12. I guess a lot of people no matter employed or unemployed would feel very stressed right now. Lets just stay positive. Things will improve.

  12. jennifer on Mon, 23rd Mar 2009 5:34 am

    13. Interesting study. While it’s true that often we say that losing a job “was the best thing that happened,” I have to go with being one who gets to keep theirs.

  13. new war movies on Thu, 26th Mar 2009 7:16 pm

    14. Hm, it is hard to decide which one of the two is better. In the end I think that the best thing to do is to just go with what makes you happy.

  14. Scentsy on Mon, 30th Mar 2009 6:59 pm

    15. There is a constant, what if in my head that in a week my office could be closed. These times are trying and hard but we all need to keep positive and hope for the best.

    All without are in my prayers.

  15. cash surveys on Tue, 31st Mar 2009 5:43 am

    16. I’ve been quite lucky and have never been out of work for longer that a week, but I think that the stress of uncertainty is strong with both sides (employed and redundant) It’s the not knowing and not being in control of your own fate that gets to me.

  16. LBUG.tv viral videos on Tue, 31st Mar 2009 4:30 pm

    17. Actually, the worst thing for those left behind is the fact that there are fewer staff to do the same amount of work.

  17. Andrew @ avto on Tue, 7th Apr 2009 5:01 am

    18. I think it depends on the amount of spare money you have and how many people depend on you. On the other hand, some say that hiperinflation waits around the cornes, so saving money might won’t help.

  18. Self Employed Dave on Wed, 8th Apr 2009 1:02 pm

    19. The company I work for is not doing well. Everyone is worried about being let go. I would be worried…but I have a savings plan and a fresh, updated resume. I have been planning for the worst…which I guess, makes things a little easier.

  19. Elaphotography on Wed, 15th Apr 2009 8:39 am

    20. Yes, it is both stressful for the ones laid off and the ones that stayed at work. The worry for those laid off is until when will they survive until the next job, while the ones retained will have to worry that it might be their turn.
    Actually almost everybody is feeling the stress. Let’s just all hope that things will be brighter sooner. :)

  20. Bollywood celebs on Thu, 16th Apr 2009 5:20 pm

    21. Well, its clear both are stressed, but at least the employed ones still have a hope about getting paid…

  21. Tonsillektomie on Tue, 5th May 2009 5:43 pm

    22. Nice and interesting article, thanks.
    Please keep on blogging…

    Best regards.

  22. cash on Wed, 6th May 2009 3:00 am

    23. Are you using blogger?I think I used the Theme before

  23. Hotelbackpacker on Thu, 7th May 2009 2:18 am

    24. Actually, there’s really “life after being laid off”. But for those who worry a lot, there’s “death” after. And this is true. Things happened for a reason. By thinking positive on every circumstances, there’s no way you will go wrong.

  24. Firework Displays on Tue, 12th May 2009 12:58 am

    25. Actually almost everybody is feeling the stress. Let’s just all hope that things will be brighter sooner. :)

  25. Wisy Vortex Filter on Tue, 12th May 2009 1:33 am

    26. It just goes to show how the current economic climate affects absolutely everybody,

  26. literato.es on Sat, 23rd May 2009 4:33 pm

    27. Excellent Post. Thanks

  27. Christine on Fri, 29th May 2009 10:13 am

    28. It would be far worse to lose your job than be left behind but having said that, keeping your job while others are going can definitely be stressful. More so than most people realize. But, I’d prefer to deal with that than not have a job at all.

  28. Lawn Mower Reviews on Thu, 4th Jun 2009 11:22 am

    29. Great article! It totally is motivating me to start building income on my own and getting out of the rat race!

    Being damned if you do and damned if you don’t is not a happy prospect for me. Luckily I haven’t been laid off but you can never tell in the future.

  29. locais.info on Thu, 11th Jun 2009 3:31 pm

    30. Excellent… very nice post…

  30. citasyfrases.net on Sat, 13th Jun 2009 9:08 am

    31. Excellent… very best post. Thanks

  31. origens.pt on Sun, 14th Jun 2009 5:59 am

    32. Very interesting blog…

  32. Adwido on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 10:19 pm

    33. That’s hard to believe. Nearly everyone I know has lost their job or will be losing their job shortly. People are starting to stress and it’s affecting everyone, who’s already stressed themselves. This economy is going to have us all flipping out by the time it’s over.

  33. Alex on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 8:59 pm

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  34. Scott Bikes Lover on Fri, 26th Jun 2009 11:52 pm

    35. I lost my job and business in December 2008.Did not feel down at all, instead it was like a relief.Inspired me to look in new direction for new opportunities.Now working for myself from home and finding time to get fitter cycling.
    Every cloud does have a silver lining.

  35. remotepc support on Sat, 4th Jul 2009 7:51 am

    36. Very enthu post thanks.

  36. Kate on Thu, 9th Jul 2009 4:47 am

    37. Interesting post
    i liked it a lot
    thanx

  37. SEO Hampshire on Fri, 10th Jul 2009 1:55 am

    38. I agree with this a lot. Loads of people who have been laid off are finding advantages – silver linings in the clouds, if you will.

    Those left behind have more work to do, in an environment whereby failure is perceived as likely (or even inevitable)!

    Not good karma.

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  39. Glucose Meter on Wed, 15th Jul 2009 6:57 am

    40. “Basically, a study was done in Europe where it was found that those who had lost their job, pretty much hit “rock bottom” after about 6 months. From there, the outlook improved. On the other hand, those still working had to endure the stress and uncertainty of what lies ahead for as long as they stay employed. So the question…which is worse?”

    I remember Frederick Nietzsche’s famous words about hope being the most evil thing that man has invented, for it only prolongs his agony. Until this time, I believed that Nietzsche has a point. It’s easier to know what will happen to you than to speculate and prolong the emotional and mental torture you get from your speculations and worries. But I wouldn’t say that the philosopher’s words are applicable in this situation. Of course, nothing is worse than having an empty stomach!

  40. Breaking News on Thu, 16th Jul 2009 3:10 pm

    41. I agree to this. Lots of people are laid off. Hope the stress is for every one. It is not the matter of employed or unemployed. Let’s hope that things will improve better. Thank you for sharing!!

  41. I Love Chris Hoyt on Tue, 21st Jul 2009 1:16 am

    42. The scary thing is that this recession is not going to end soon – it is going to be real long. So this is not short term stress – it is long term.. and over such long time then what kind of damage will it do?

  42. New electric socket on Tue, 21st Jul 2009 4:59 am

    43. Yes, it is both stressful for the ones laid off and the ones that stayed at work. The worry for those laid off is until when will they survive until the next job, while the ones retained will have to worry that it might be their turn.

  43. How to deal with on Tue, 21st Jul 2009 11:51 pm

    44. “For employees…I think that you should always have some sort of backup plan. Be thinking about what you would do if you did lose your job? “

    The financial crisis is a burden everyone must share. However, this shouldn’t stop us from being resourceful in moving forward with our careers. I guess these trying times give us wisdom to pass on to the next generation—to make sure they always think ahead and have a plan B, C, or even D!

  44. slots on Wed, 22nd Jul 2009 4:11 am

    45. “On the other hand, those still working had to endure the stress and uncertanty of what lies ahead for as long as they stay employed.”

    I think that staying employed is more helpful since there is some stable income to save and get by with if things get worse.

  45. googlemoneymaster on Thu, 30th Jul 2009 11:31 am

    46. Very interesting blog. Thanks for sharing this one :) Really cool. Thanks!

  46. Papa on Sat, 1st Aug 2009 5:38 am

    47. Knowing your fellow man is going to go through tough times is very hard to do but than also having to your job and someone elses is even more difficult so I can see what they mean.

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  48. worldwide insurance on Fri, 7th Aug 2009 3:01 am

    49. According to me it is really bad if you are still with the company and thinking of getting laid off any day. In this state of mind you can not perform well because rather than putting your brain into your work it will think about the pink slip. So your performance will go down and you will definitely get laid off. So Don’t think about it a lot and concentrate on your work. If it has to happen it will definitely happen and you have to cope with it. Just getting depressed after getting laid off will not help anyone out. You have to look for the new opportunities.

  49. yuriy on Fri, 7th Aug 2009 6:45 am

    50. I think the information you have here is useful but it is really hard to read everything

  50. personal statement samples on Sat, 8th Aug 2009 3:45 am

    51. This is not surprising because those who are left out tend to be worried if they will be in the next batch to be retrenched. They also have to cope with doing extra duties to meet the requirements of the company.

  51. Payday Loans VA on Sun, 9th Aug 2009 7:42 pm

    52. “On the other hand, those still working had to endure the stress and uncertainty of what lies ahead for as long as they stay employed.”

    Very true. So many have to bear the stress and insecurity of whether they’re going to get the pink slip or not. And this anxiety adds up to the burden of financial instability and responsibilities, since it is horrifying to be unemployed suddenly without any contingency plan.

  52. how to deal with people on Mon, 10th Aug 2009 8:45 pm

    53. “I believe that now more than ever, good companies should be keeping the lines of communication open with their employees. ”

    With today’s crisis, it’s really important that everyone works together so that all problems are faced efficiently and effectively.

  53. Lin and Jirsa photography on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 5:12 am

    54. “whatever happens is going to happen”

    I agree. It’s crazy how sometimes we have to hit rock bottom to bounce back up.

  54. How to do things on Thu, 3rd Sep 2009 2:39 am

    55. It’s not just employees that may be a little worried because of the current economy, even business owners are feeling the stress and wondering if they will be able to continue with their business or not.
    Excellent… very best post. Thanks

  55. free college admission essays on Mon, 7th Sep 2009 9:59 am

    56. “For employees…I think that you should always have some sort of backup plan.”

    True. Both the laid off and employed have it hard these days. So it is best to have a second recourse.

  56. Information Visualization on Sat, 12th Sep 2009 6:59 am

    57. Nice and Very helpful post. thanks..

  57. Free Job Classifieds on Sun, 13th Sep 2009 10:42 pm

    58. I came to same conclusion – those who are employed are more stressed and employers are squeezing them empty.
    No contracts right now, so I’m trying to do my my online business myself.

  58. Rowena Forbes on Tue, 22nd Sep 2009 12:19 pm

    59. This hits very close to home. I am currently on a layoff list. I got the official word over a month ago. The wait has been terrible. At this point I am looking forward to it being done and over with so I can put all of my energy into pursuing my freelance graphic design business. I am actually worried that I won’t be laid off and this waiting and wondering what will happen will continue indefinitely. I am trying to view it as an opportunity. Thanks for sharing this post.

  59. Terry on Wed, 7th Oct 2009 5:57 am

    60. those who are experiencing stress at work I recommend to do yoga – it’s very helpful

  60. Phillip Defreitas on Wed, 14th Oct 2009 10:58 am

    61. It is always better to have back up plans. You should be prepared for the alternate. At this point of time anything can happen to anyone.Make sure not to loose your confidence. That’s the key if you have confidence then if get laid off from a company you can get a job in a different company.

  61. Gabriel on Thu, 15th Oct 2009 10:00 pm

    62. you just have to accept that whatever happens is going to happen and just go with it. Life Happens

  62. Henry Brown on Fri, 30th Oct 2009 7:03 am

    63. I agree on Mr. Defreitas. Confidence here is the main factor.You should not loose your confidence or else you will stay unemployed.But if you are still in the company then don’t think about being laid off. just work in the normal way.The boss will not lay you off due to your current work but they will take your whole year performance into consideration.

  63. web site design Colorado on Sat, 31st Oct 2009 6:31 am

    64. Thanks for this nice sharing……

  64. David on Tue, 17th Nov 2009 6:35 am

    65. Well I would say it depends on the case. Not that black and white. If the laid off worker gets a nice compensation whats there to stress about. :D

  65. Flower on Sun, 22nd Nov 2009 6:42 am

    66. Thanks for very interesting blog! I reached my knowledge!

  66. Gary: Fluoropolymer Coating on Thu, 26th Nov 2009 12:37 pm

    67. You’re right about the survivors… I was in a situation recently where a handful of people were let go and the remainder of the entire company continued to operate in fear for the following 6 months. Unfortunately, management did not address this fear and it continues to grow waiting for the “other shoe to drop.”

  67. Laptop Briefcases on Tue, 8th Dec 2009 5:34 pm

    68. Interesting article. With the uncertainty of the economy I am not surprised by these findings. I’ve been in situations where I knew my job would be gone soon. It doesn’t make it very easy to come into work and give full effort. Others would be working their ass off trying to ensure they don’t get laid off. I agree that it is important to have a backup plan as well as some savings to hold you over. It makes the prospect of losing your job that much easier to take.

  68. Atlanta Lawyer on Tue, 8th Dec 2009 8:02 pm

    69. I think you’ve nailed it with this post. I’ve heard of and experienced places of employment were rumors are constantly lurking about layoffs and instead of being straight with employees the higher ups absolutely avoid everything leaving employees stressed and frustrated. Those laid off are happy to be free of the stress from a poorly managed business and those that stay still have to live with the threat of being laid off.

  69. Phil Price on Mon, 14th Dec 2009 7:24 pm

    70. Its really how we rise up after being down. Having a positive attitude coupled with right actions will help us successfully move forward to something better.

  70. the tax attorney on Tue, 22nd Dec 2009 7:30 pm

    71. to be honest, i rather be poor with no job then have a job that is demanding, and full of politics, i almost lost my hair because i was unhappy at a firm, very true post thank you

  71. carpet cleaning portland on Thu, 24th Dec 2009 11:40 pm

    72. just be confident and do your part well. even if there’s going to be any problem just think there’s another solution to it…. there are many people like you.see, how are they facing the problem, you’ll get an idea.

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  73. Russell Davison on Sat, 2nd Jan 2010 9:08 am

    74. Hello Chris,

    Another twist to your article is the situation where volunary redundancy is offered by the company with favourable terms for those who leave of their own accord. The problem, for the company, is that the most effective employees choose to leave because they can more easily find alternative employment.

    After about 2 or 3 rounds of this distillation process, only the dregs are left and, when the economy recovers, these companies go under because their residual staff lack leadership, direction and the skills needed to grow the company again.

  74. carpet cleaner in Bakersfield on Mon, 4th Jan 2010 9:19 am

    75. having back up plan will reduce the tension to some extent…

  75. Cary electricians on Thu, 7th Jan 2010 8:35 am

    76. if you are confident, then definitely you’ll find the solution soon. because, only a positive mind can find a diamond in midst of many stones.

  76. Elizabeth Gay on Thu, 14th Jan 2010 2:11 am

    77. The fear of lay offs has haunted many people. Not just the employees but also the businesses are affected. Even if the economy is recovering many organizations have gone for restructuring and they are moving towards flatter structures which means less headcounts.

    My advice to all is that don’t get demotivated. The time is bad for all and it would soon be fine.

  77. fiji vacation on Wed, 27th Jan 2010 8:08 pm

    78. Work stress became a serious problem

  78. Anna Kamra on Mon, 26th Jul 2010 10:37 am

    79. I got laid off amonth ago. Was told that business was slow and may be called back when things picked up. I was busy as heck had a desk full of work. My supervisor claims he fought to keep me and said he said this would be short term. There were other people laid off an was told it would be short term and they are still gone over ayear later. I know they won’t call me back. Why would you lay off someone who has a desk full of work. I was salaried and put in about 10 hrs. OT a week (unpaided). I get really depressed at time and feel so hopeless. I get a big fear in my head that won’t go away. I was fortunate enought to get on my husbands health insurance. He has a great job. I worry cause I don’t want to be 6 months down the road and have nothing. My husband can almost take care of the bills, but I really want to work. I hate sitting at home. I try to keep myself busy but the fear is always there.

  79. scarlet on Fri, 13th Aug 2010 1:05 am

    80. NopE..u cAn GeT Back ups whenevEr u wanT..I gueSs you Cant Survive If YoUr UnemPloyed….

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