Thread regarding Humana Inc. layoffs

I am positive there are better jobs out there-with companies who value the input and education of their employees. Feedback from hundreds in the industry shouldn't be dismissed as negativity, sorry humana

Positivity won't pay my daughter's college. I am always willing to see the positive side but there comes a point where reality and positivity part ways. Having said that negativity is a real killer. Being negative will harm your chances of getting a new job and may even stop you from seeing opportunities and options which may exist. We all have skills which are useful to someone, that's what we need to remember.

At Humana positivity means something very different. If you are not reciting the Mantra's you are deemed negative if you ask questions which may reveal the truth or point to a fact they don't like you are deemed negative. Just because you don't agree or have a different opinion that doesn't make you a negative person.

Be your best. Be bright and be honest. That will help.

This is the most civil thread I think have read on this site. OP makes a good point and so so the other posters, but I was expecting unintentionally ironic “be positive, losers! If you’re not positive you can eat s—t!” responses.

;)

I am going to check out that Antidote book. Always helpful to read different approaches to dealing with reality.

Post ID: @RjXcgdA-1jvn I am the one you responded to :) ..... Ah I see what you mean, gotcha. Thanks. Yes, I have not freely expressed any so called criticism at this company except for maybe minor concerns. After big meetings when my team is asked so what did you all think? There is often silence. Are we really trusting we can say what we really think? especially on recorded lines? I know I have not felt " safe" being honest.

Below poster, what you just described is a healthy way of coping with the expectation, or notification, of bad news. I believe the complaint about "positivity" being unhealthy is when questioning or criticism is not allowed at all and is viewed as negative behavior from supervisors. That view is not healthy. Critical thinking is a highly valued skill in most arenas. It means there is room for discussion, change or improvement, which is most always the case.

Being positive does not mean being blind to reality or being delusional. It takes practice and I am constantly working on it. It means FOR ME, ( please dont snipe at me because I am just saying how I choose to live my life, not tell anyone at all what to do, Everyone has free will) but for me, it means reframing the way I think about things that are happening. Im an HCMRN and YES I am very nervous about the job cuts, for me and my beloved coworkers of which I have many, I like this job and my 4th coach is fantastic. YES I am fearful that I may be shown the door. YES I am worried about money holding out until I can get another job ( I am single) ; so, for me positive means: Telling myself what ever happens I will deal with it, I will start looking for jobs now, when one door closes another opens, etc etc. Anything to calm the fear mind is positive. That is what positive is to me, not a flibberty gib lah dee dah I am so happy all the time. Its a way to manage and cope in a productive healthy way.

Thank you, RjXcgdA-gnd. That was very food advice about approaching your job like a business and not getting emotionally involved.

PHC here. My COM must have read these books. It's not just the nut house that's full of 'positive thinkers'.

Appreciate the posts. Positivity will help us get thru the day. Reality checks will get us thru situations like this w Humana. Prepare for worst case scenario but allow your positive outlook get you thru the day. This is pure business sense, and we need to start, as individuals act like each one of us is a business. Do not ever waste your energy on investing emotionally in your job, your role. Just do it, and when the time comes, move on with courage and focus.

I think if you are financially strapped and worried about losing your house and care for family it is so stressfull you can’t see straight. We are all in different situations. That’s for the information

@evz yep - i've read the book too - it's awesome and inspiring - highly recommended...

Amazon has it on sale for ten bucks:

https://www.amazon.com/Antidote-Happiness-People-Positive-Thinking/dp/0865478015

Well written, entertaining, and informative. Burkeman essentially makes the point that we cause ourselves misery by trying to escape it, or by lying to ourselves with positive thinking. He explains the history and psychology of this paradox, with his personal experiences interjected as examples. He treats negativity objectively, without pretending that its proponents are perfect. The only problem with this book is that it is supposed to be about happiness, and the author never takes us that far. Happiness is more than the absence of suffering. This book does an excellent job discussing the relief of suffering, but does not discuss how, where, or why to find pleasurable activities. Enjoy this book as a remarkable stress reliever, but never expect it (or anyone, or anything) to cure all your problems.

I just read a terrific book. “The Antidote: Happiness for people who can’t stand positive thinking.”

It reminds of us the value of being realistic, stoic, accepting of reality. So much of the corporate world is focused on glorifying “positive thinking,” and without some balance, we can lose the ability to handle reality.