Humor is the instinct for taking pain playfully.
–Max Eastman
Everywhere you go nowadays, it seems someone has lost their job. Your brother, your cousin, your dry cleaner’s daughter… The bright side for the unemployed? The stigma of job loss is dissolving. Chances are if someone hasn’t experienced it personally, they’ve either known someone, or watched competent peers go through it in their own companies.
So, job loss is less shameful, perhaps. But is it ever funny?
An article from Workforce.com examines the controversy over recent ads by Monster that use humor to point out that not everyone is in the right job. Some say that humor in light of the slew of corporate layoffs and ever-increasing unemployment is out-of-step with public sentiment, as so many people are either out of work or grateful to have any job, regardless of how well it may suit them.
Job loss can be difficult, demoralizing, scary. But dwelling on the negative doesn’t benefit anyone. So, here are some guidelines:
If you have lost your job… Make all the jokes you want, but don’t focus on mocking either your former employer or yourself. If you indulge in negative talk about your employer, either seriously or in jest, you may find this tendency sneaking out at inappropriate times. Like a job interview. Harboring resentment doesn’t get you anywhere, and if you’re not vigilant, you may reflect it in your body language or tone of voice. And don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Your mindset about your own capabilities will affect your effectiveness while networking or interviewing as well.
If you are a “survivor”… Recognize that times around your workplace are tough. A little laughter can break the tension, but you want to avoid comments about those individuals who did not survive the layoffs, as you don’t know who maintains close relationships with those individuals. You can lose trust and credibility with your coworkers. And don’t think that just because someone doesn’t come to the office every day that they don’t hear what’s going on.
If you’re managing survivors… You’re subject to the same rules as above with one additional restriction: no jokes about who will be the “next to go.” The possibility of further layoffs will be on your team’s mind and interfering with their productivity. Bringing additional focus on the possibility, even in jest, won’t help them regain focus.
Alright, so a little levity on a Friday is in order. Want to enjoy some job-loss humor without risking your career? Thank Dilbert.
Related posts:
- Coping with job loss: Don’t let job loss interfere with job found
- Explaining job loss in an interview
- Job Search Tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 2
- Job change in a recession? Go for it!
- Finding your perfect job: Exploring your ambitions
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I think my job search itself is funny. I worked in construction all of my life and made good money doing it. But it seems that most cooperations do not want a ex construction worker working for them. Sure I can build the building they are operating in, but I cannot operate inside the building. I am going back to school to get my degree that I never received so things can be good in the long run. Nice blog here, I added you to my reader.
Some organizations have really restrictive views of who can be successful, some have much more open perspectives. Some of the best workers I’ve seen are people that we’ve taken a chance on. Congrats on the schooling and good luck finding an organization that will appreciate your talents. And thanks for dropping by.