Ask Neycha

2008-02-27

Dear Neycha: 
My company is facing layoffs, though no one has said anything specific. I am worried for my job and have started sending out my resume to prospective employers. My sister says this is dishonest, shows a lack of loyalty to my present employer and is an action that could get me fired if my bosses were to find out. I, on the other hand, just don’t think it’s a good idea to sit around and wait for the axe to fall.  What should I do?
-Cubicle in a Minefield 

Dear Cubicle in a Minefield:
You should ignore your sister! Your first loyalty is to yourself. There is nothing dishonest about exploring your options in a competitive job market - especially given the lackluster performance of your current employer. 

If you have good relationships with your managers, you certainly may want to consider speaking directly with them to determine the status of the layoffs and how they could potentially affect your job.  You might decide to share with them that you’re considering other options, but you’re not obligated to tell your business.  If their report is not promising, you have every right to look for another job and your managers should assume this to be the case for many employees in an unsettled work environment unless they report back to you with better news.

In the adult world, looking out for oneself in an unsafe environment is not something that one is scolded for.  Your sister is tripping!  Applaud your self, lovey, for being proactive, having guts and showing foresight.  That’s what grown folks do.

 

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