There’s no shield against layoffs, and with the surge in artificial intelligence and a significant shake-up in last year’s employment statistics, we might be stepping into a period defined by reductions in workforce. Lufthansa Airlines, for instance, announced plans to cut 4,000 managerial positions by 2030. Meanwhile, Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, stated that the largest bank in the world will undergo a “fundamental rewiring” in this new AI era.
These changes reflect a broader, disruptive shift impacting our economy and lifestyles. While many of us might feel the effects, it’s important not to lose all optimism. Whether you’ve already faced job loss or are anticipating the possibility, the focus should be on reshaping your mindset to navigate this transition more smoothly, perhaps even with a sense of freedom.
For numerous individuals, the core issue when facing unemployment is a narrow self-definition tied too closely to a single job or sector. When layoffs occur, there’s a tendency to feel trapped, as if moving on to other opportunities is daunting. This can create stress, sadness, and feelings of being lost.
As the White House braces for an “immediate” federal layoff due to pressure from Democrats aimed at stopping a government shutdown, the challenge of job loss is undeniable. However, it’s vital for affected employees to go through this experience while also gaining a broader, more insightful understanding of their identity and future plans. Recognizing one’s unique, transferable skills is essential, as these can apply to various roles across different industries.
A helpful way to identify these skills is through the concept of “working genius.” Essentially, there are six distinct gifts that apply across all jobs:
- Wonder – Contemplating areas for improvement
- Invention – Generating new ideas
- Identification – Assessing ideas and solutions
- Zinc plating – Mobilizing others to take action
- Enablement – Responding to offers of assistance
- Tenacity – Pushing projects across the finish line
Not everyone excels at all these areas; every individual generally has a couple of strengths that bring joy and energy. These are your working geniuses.
On the flip side, there are also two types of work that act as drawbacks—or frustrations. The remaining tasks fall somewhere in between, neither particularly energizing nor draining. These are more neutral roles.
So, if you’re facing a layoff, ask yourself: if you’re unaware of your genius or frustrations, how hard will it be to find another job? Consider an example: say you’re a software programmer and your company decides to implement AI to handle most of your responsibilities. If you only define yourself as a programmer, the job search can feel overwhelming, especially when competing against a flood of others in the same field.
But when you recognize your transferable genius, everything shifts. Suppose your strengths are in invention and tenacity—you derive satisfaction from crafting new ideas and diligently seeing them through to completion. This broader perspective opens up job opportunities that go beyond mere programming, leading you to a range of roles across various fields that require your unique talents. In this way, you might find a position that aligns well with your skills, translating into greater job satisfaction and success.
Interestingly, past roles may not have fully utilized your genius. Many people end up in jobs tied to their study or dictated by circumstance. But being let go can sometimes prompt individuals to realize that a better, more aligned career path may have been waiting for them all along.
It’s essential to acknowledge that there’s no perfect job. We’re bound to encounter tasks that don’t align with our strengths. Yet, focusing most of your efforts where your talents shine can imbue your work with deeper meaning. Otherwise, it’s all too easy to feel stuck.
Ultimately, we need a paradigm shift—moving away from solely identifying ourselves by our job titles and industries, and instead honing in on our inherent capabilities. The world is in need of those unique gifts, and finding a role where you can express them may turn what seemed like setbacks into valuable opportunities.
