No Benefits, No Perks But Creating New Habits

Foremost in the minds of most downsized executives is how to provide the medical coverage for themselves and their families that was once provided by the organization. Technically, medical benefits are a part of compensation and not, as most people tend to think of them, "perks"; COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) laws allow employees to purchase their medical insurance from their former employers for up to eighteen months after termination. Sometimes, however, the cost of doing so sends downsized executives scrambling for more affordable health insurance. Some, like former Gestetner executive Eck Vollmer, have working spouses whose medical benefits will automatically cover them, but many others must begin searching for affordable coverage immediately. Executives in this position should look into industry and other professional organizations they may belong to, as often these groups offer access to group medical, dental, and other benefits at considerably less cost than either individual plans or COBRA plans.

Though not all downsized executives and managers have major perks to lose when they are terminated, it's hard not to feel the loss if you have enjoyed them. The day that George Balinski was downsized out of Mercedes-Benz, for example, he realized he had to turn in the keys to the company car he'd enjoyed while he was employed there.

For many, the loss of a support staff is profoundly disorienting, as some are truly at a loss when faced with handling their own typing, filing, and computer-related needs. Many executives have enjoyed the privilege of having a secretary or assistant, and may not possess even the most basic computer literacy. In order to cope with this loss, the majority of the executives we interviewed made gaining computer literacy a top priority.



There are, of course, "perks" which one can easily live without, though it is understandable that losing them may come as a blow to the ego. As an executive strives to adopt a portable mindset, she must weigh yesterday's perks against the satisfaction, compensation, and quality of life that today's portability affords.

Creating New Habits

While the level and intensity of these various anxieties, practical problems, and fears vary with the individual, all find that they must develop new habits that are more in tune with today's portable lifestyle. Some, like Allen Grossman and Manny Elkind, accomplish their transitions gradually within the organization and don't seem to be as profoundly affected, because they eventually emerge in an environment that they've created for themselves. Others, like Mike Robertson, George Balinski, and Dave Moore, are struck by some form of panic or intense anxiety as soon as they are downsized; while still others who may be initially excited about a new venture realize they have yet to find something that provides them with a high-enough level of personal and professional satisfaction.

One way to approach the anxiety, panic, and disorientation that accompany the period immediately following being downsized is to begin to create new habits. As you do, you will discover that often the old habits themselves are the actual cause of many of the anxieties and fears that accompany this period-you feel that you should be doing something a certain way, because that's the way you always did it while working for a particular organization, or because you think society expects it of you, and as soon as you stop doing something a certain way, or stop doing it altogether, you're flooded with anxiety.

The trick is to begin determining which of the old habits serve you and which do not. Here are some practical suggestions for severing ties with habits that no longer fit, and some techniques to help you allay your anxieties and fears.

• If economics allow, don't go anywhere near an office for a while and don't look for a job. Take time off- longer than your average vacation-and spend part of it at home. You'll discover that there is an entire world that exists outside the office.
  
  
• Experience the day-to-day routine of your family. Most likely, you're used to spending most of each day away from your family. You'll be surprised to find out how much goes on while you're at the office.
  
  
• Since there is a lot of stress involved in this period of adjustment, practice stress management immediately. Go jogging, ride a bike, work out. The health of your body and the health of your mind are inextricably connected, so remember that reducing stress physically will pay off mentally as well.
  
  
• Keep a journal. Scribbling your daily reactions to things and noting your feelings in a journal will help you to manage panic by providing a way to track the patterns of your feelings over time. It will also help you identify those habits you want to break and will aid in establishing new habits that are necessary and important to this phase of your life.
  
  
• Become involved in your community through volunteer work and other activities. If you've ever said, "I'd love to coach Little League, if I only had the time," now is the time. Help out at a local soup kitchen or women's shelter. Your portable skills are community builders. Use them to help others and savor the personal satisfaction you get from being able to do so.
  
  
• Take advantage of all the counseling that's available to you- outplacement, support groups, etc. Losing your job is no longer something to be ashamed of-in fact, it's so common that getting together with others in the same situation can help you to develop perspective and realize that you are not alone. Groups can offer a camaraderie that can help you recover your good feelings about yourself and prove helpful in generating new ideas and creative approaches to portability.
  

Former Eastman Kodak executive Chuck Trow bridge offered a good example of how to spend time breaking old habits. "The first thing I did was to start using my hands. I redid the basement. I also set up a schedule for practicing the piano and got into a new exercise program."

The world is changing, and though you may have learned it the hard way, you've got to be prepared to change with it. You are part of an emerging phenomenon in the workplace, which, if understood and dealt with, can have an extremely positive effect on your career and your approach to life. You are breaking old habits and learning new things about yourself. Ultimately, the changes you are making will lead to a better-balanced, more personally satisfying way of living and working, but only if you take the time to make those changes now. Break the habits that no longer serve you, and soon you'll be ready to set your course in the new direction of becoming part of the portable workforce.