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UMW professor finds that layoffs can be positive life events for some people Date published: 11/5/2009
BY BILL FREEHLING Could getting laid off be a positive life event? A new research project done in part by a University of Mary Washington leadership professor indicates it could. Suzanne C. de Janasz, an associate professor of leadership and management at UMW's College of Graduate and Professional Studies, has been doing research this year on the effects of layoffs. The research focuses on college graduates laid off during the economic downturn. They took a written survey about their previous job, the reason for losing it, employment search status and what they were looking for in a new job. The survey results were surprising to de Janasz and her colleague, Amy Kenworthy, an associate professor of management at Australia's Bond University. Most of the 12 survey respondents described the layoff in positive terms. It made them rethink the kind of jobs they wanted, and focus more on family and friends. They were more apt to target new jobs that offered meaning, security and a better work-life balance. Salary was less important than quality of life. The two professors write in the paper that "being forced out of one's job may be an opportunity for reflection, decision-making and goals setting toward a more aligned and authentic synergy between work and non-work lives." A minority of respondents reported increased cynicism and self-doubt, and reduced confidence in themselves. The research resonated with de Janasz on a personal level. She was formerly a management consultant to aerospace companies, a position that didn't align with her pacifist beliefs. Like the survey respondents, she felt a pull toward a career that was more "authentic." She thinks the message from the research, though it's based on a small sample of people, is both "inspiring and counter-intuitive." The two professors have written a short paper based on their preliminary results, and they're hoping to expand the sample size in the second phase of the study. They also want to study whether the laid-off individual's attitude changes as more time elapses before finding a new job. The ultimate goal is to get the paper published in a journal such as the Harvard Business Review. Bill Freehling: 540/374-5405
Well, I hear being dead is peaceful.
Really, 12? How can anyone call this a study at all... Our country is losing hundreds of thousands of jobs a month and this "Professor" can only find 12 respondents? Maybe only 12 respondents that supported her pre-determined outcome... It's amazing that someone that can't be laid off finds so much positive in others losing their jobs. What a crock, join the real world professor...
Great here is someone teaching students and coming out with this load of bull. You are laid off, you are scared where you need dollar is coming from, and are you going to loose everything you have. Now tell me how in the world could that be a positive experience. This professor is in a safe job so I guess she can right this bull. Try working in the real world for a while and she who you like it.
I was laid off in the spring of '08 from a co. I was w/ for over 10 yrs. - I had built great client relationships, earned great money, had insurance. I have found a new job in the same field, which I really enjoy, however, it is like starting all over again and needless to say I'm a little bit older now! This has NOT been a positive experience in my life. Whoever is paying her needs to let her experience life after being laid off - her study may change!
I lost my job in '03 when the company outsourced to India. I was out of work for eleven months. Used up most of the extra money I had. I eventually got a job making a third income.
While out of work I worked on computer certifications which helped get a job later on. That's when there were still jobs. It would be very difficult and stressful today.
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