After all the downsizing we've been through in the past few years, both the small and big ones, I can't seem to stop focusing on cuts. And knowing that another major round is coming is only making things worse. I'm stuck in this constant state of stress. Any tips on how folks deal with this without resorting to meds?
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Hopefully Leadership is aware of what is happening to the remaining staff.
Assigning more work to the remaining staff with promises of a potential future with Nielsen is not the a good strategy.
Allowing your frustrations to trickle down to your staff is not a good strategy. Allowing leaders on your teams that do not have empathy lead conversations because you are busy in other areas is understandable but not a good strategy.
Too much focus on small irrelevant areas is not a good strategy when your teams are focused on getting the job done with smaller staffs and future layoffs looming over their heads.
Just breathe. Enjoy life. Network and update resume. Remember no job is ever promised to be forever.
I’m looking for jobs and the market is difficult right now (i’m in tech). But it WILL open up and get better. So start looking now, connect with good recruiters, look for cheap/free online classes to brush up on rusty skill sets or learn a new one (there are several reputable sites to learn new tech / PM skills). Try not to burn out looking, don’t further stress yourself, but do make it a weekly task. “learn xyz thing. reach out to a recruiter” etc etc
Is it very hard in your country to find a new job? If not, it might probably be better for you to grab your severance and leave. Those who stay need to do the job of those who were laid off - or resigned voluntarily - with no reward. Therefore, and because of the stressful environment and bitter feelings we all have, I believe many people are even praying to be laid off.
Be proactive, start looking for jobs. Unless you've access to higher ups (the decision makers or "leaders" as they want to be called) you can be laid off any time. They're ruthless and you could be next. I mean anyone can be next (except them, ofc).
As someone who was laid off a couple of weeks ago, and is seriously stressing right now, I’d advise you to focus on things you can control. If you haven’t started seriously looking for work, do it now. This includes polishing your resume and networking.