Finances

Coping With Layoffs When Dad Loses His Job

Los Angeles, California -- November 7, 2001 -- /Xpress Press/ -- With little mouths to feed, layoff is one word parents don't want to hear. Yet, 415,000 Americans have lost jobs recently, and others are concerned they might be next-many of them parents.

Experts say parents should prepare ahead. "Parents shouldn't wait for a layoff to take action, says Joanne. Watson, author of Team Work: How to Help Your Husband Make More Money, So You Can Be a Stay-at-Home Mom (Family Books) "Even if your husband's company is stable, now is the time to encourage him to brush up on his skills at sites like www.Free-ed.net , or www.amanet.org . Also, make sure his resume is updated, and maintain contact with your network and his. You never know when you may need their help, or they may need yours."

If your husband has already been laid off, Ms. Watson offers this advice:

• Build his confidence: Don't let your husband feel defeated by the layoff. Remind him of his successes. When the kids are asleep at night, sit down with your husband, and get him to tell you about the 5 accomplishments he is most proud of.
• Keep him upbeat: Rather than focus on the recent setback, encourage your husband to look at the layoff as an opportunity to find a terrific job he may love.
• Don't forget the Big Picture: Despite the job losses, there are other employers out there right now who are looking for someone with the skills your husband has to solve their problems and help their companies. He is valuable.
• Take Action to help him find a new job, through networking, getting his resume re-done professionally, helping him practice for interviews, sending a mailing to employers or contacting recruiters. By working together, you will increase his odds of success.

"To stay ahead of the game in today's economy, it is important for families to pull together and take action now to ensure they have a strong financial future." Says Ms. Watson.

Team Work: How to Help Your Husband Make More Money, So You Can Be a Stay-at-Home Mom (Family Books) is available at Amazon.com and is distributed to the trade through Midpoint Trade Books ISBN 0-9709172-8-7 $14.95

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