Laid Off? Take a Vacation!

It was the summer of 2022 and Britain was recovering more than just its Brexit-shattered dignity. The economy wasn’t at its finest — many businesses went bust during the pandemic. Others pulled through but struggled with cash flow as consumers cut their spending. Companies were fighting for survival and layoffs followed. That’s when it happened.

A colleague from my university days found himself out of a job. One day he was going to his office in Canary Wharf, and the next one — he wasn’t.

It didn’t come as a surprise. Masses lost their jobs months before and found themselves stocking shelves at Sainsbury’s. Others ate their savings and spent time hunting for new opportunities. Job loss and companies going into administration felt like your average midweek news.

Perhaps A.Camus was right and “The Plague” nailed it: the more we experience something, the more usual it seems. It doesn’t matter how gruesome it may be. It stood correct in the face of the pandemic and its aftermath. But for some opportunists out there, perhaps it served as a springboard to build a better future.

My colleague — let’s call him Sam — lost his high-earning job, but despite his financial and caring responsibilities, quickly bounced back. The same day after being laid off he sat at the local pub — chunking craft beers and thinking of tomorrow.

It was exciting. His job in property management was anything but exciting. For the first time in a long while he felt free to breathe and take time for himself.

I’m an introvert. If there’s a chance to cancel our plans and stay in — I’ll gladly go for it. Books, magazines, series, movies, or table games — you name it! Sometimes hours pass by — and the sun is going up, but I’m still stuck at the game board.

Oh, I’ve got a good hand — in a few moves, I’ll roast you!.. — I think. But then a few pieces move against all the odds — and the perfect opportunity slips through my fingers.

“I had the perfect combination! It would have destroyed you!” — I pout.

“You missed your chance. It’s too late now”, — they smile. “Game over.”

The audacity!..

As a project manager, I’m an obsessive planner. I tend to hoard information, compare data, and strategize. I risk manage and compile a set of methods to achieve my goals. Naturally, I love strategy games.

I collect cards, tokens, and information — and bid my time. In my mind, it all comes together brilliantly — I know my chances, I’m waiting for the opponent to make their moves. But then a black swan appears — and the tables get turned. The resources are wasted and I’m facing defeat.

What happened?!

Back in 2022, I was a steady and reliable government employee. Naturally, I approached game strategies the same as work — and played my game minimizing any risks.

Being the social butterfly that he is, Sam planned several trips. London to Amsterdam. A few days in Paris. A trip to Barcelona. He took the time to relax, spread his wings, and fuel his energies. But at the same time, Sam kept a positive attitude. He knew: the future would be bright, and he would find a new position soon!

It proved to be true — during his trips and endless parties, he met influential people who happened to appreciate his vigor, positive outlook, and professional background.

Being fired from his old job turned out to be a blessing — Sam landed a better-paid, more flexible, and creative role at a tech company!

Research shows that women are more risk-averse in comparison to men. But overall, as a population, most of us tend to play it safe — and take measured risks. Little risk and little gain, but we would rather win incrementally than go all in.

It’s a balanced and healthy way to live. Yet we could be hindering our progress and ignoring openings when opportunities present themselves.

Plan and bid your time — but don’t miss an opportunity when it appears. Because even though you had the perfect combination, it’s GAME OVER

Two different people — an extrovert and an introvert. And two interesting ways of seeing the world. Two approaches to life.

If I got laid off, I would have been updating my CV that same day — and applying as if my life depended on it! Parties? No, thank you, I have no desire to tell random strangers how I got sacked the day before.

Sam? He saw his situation as an opportunity to relax, meet new people, and spread his wings. He didn’t seek comfort in his home or the things he knew — Sam wanted something new.

In 2022, when this situation unfolded, I couldn’t understand him. I judged. Thinking back, I appreciate our differences — it’s food for thought and I believe there’s a lot to learn.

I would have spent my savings whilst searching for a new job, but Sam decided to take his time, worry less, and create opportunities instead.

I would have been upset, anxious, and desperate. If I was Sam, I have no doubts: I would have settled for a less interesting and lower-paid position. Needless to say, as the risk-taking statistics suggest, I would have played it safe and surely would have settled for a job. Instead, Sam made something magical happen: he created himself a job.

I hope none of us find ourselves out of work. But if the unexpected happens, perhaps we should embrace it and see the positives too.

Getting stuck in a loop of negative thoughts could lead to less favorable outcomes. Approaching things in the same way we always do will only lead us to the usual destinations.

The next time when you’re sitting on an incredible combination of cards, an interesting project proposal, or just an intriguing chat with a few colleagues — take a leap of fate. Create something. Encourage the discussion. Sniff around. Sometimes it all comes down to momentum. What’s the worst that could happen?

Being able to see opportunities is a sort of Talent.

Making the most of them is an acquired Skill.

But if we practice it, we might learn how to create opportunities instead. And that’s a kind of Magic.