You are receiving this email because you either created a WorkTogether Talent Consulting (formerly WorkMonger) Career Platform Account,
applied to a job opening at one of our client organizations, or registered directly to receive Leaders in Education.
Don't want to hear from us? Let us know by clicking here.
|
|
|
|
A Publication of WorkTogether Talent Consulting (formerly WorkMonger)
|
|
|
|
Our next four editions will explore one of the toughest decisions our partners may be facing - Reduction in Force. We'll dive in more about this challenge from the employer side as well as the best way employees can respond and be supported.
|
|
|
What's the essential resource for managing layoffs right? Outplacement support! The lifeline for navigating workforce reductions without burning bridges. For departing employees, it provides crucial transition support. For remaining employees, it's proof leadership cares about people, not just numbers. For leaders & HR? The backup they need guiding teams through tough times without losing their minds.
|
|
|
Difficult times for organizations are inevitable, but that doesn't mean leaders should dismiss employee concerns with a shrug. When tough times hit, meet employees where they are, don’t just send an EAP link. These moments aren't about surviving change; they're opportunities to show your human side and prove you care about your people, even when the system doesn’t.
|
|
|
What We’re Writing Right Now
|
Facing tough staffing decisions? You're not alone. With budget cuts and funding challenges hitting our sector hard, many organizations are navigating layoffs and reductions. The key is being proactive: share financial data transparently so your team understands the why. This approach prepares managers for follow-up conversations and brings much-needed clarity to uncertain times.
|
|
|
Career Corner: Ask a Recruiter
|
So you just found out you were part of an organizational Reduction in Force (RIF)
Guest Author: Taylor Gonzalez
|
|
|
Finding out you've been part of a reduction in force (RIF) can feel like a gut punch. Regardless of whether you forecasted this or it caught you off guard, it’s completely normal (and reminder, super human) to experience any set of emotions, especially connected to the grief cycle- whether it’s a mix of shock, grief, anger, uncertainty, excitement, or sadness.
Often, in moments like this, it is helpful to regulate yourself, ask specific questions, and begin taking steps forward. Below, we’ve collated some insight and a guide to help you navigate this aspect of your journey.
1. What to Ask in the Meeting
- Clarify your official last day. Confirm whether you are being asked to leave immediately or if there's a transition period.
- Ask about severance. Get details in writing, including how and when it will be paid, and if there are any conditions.
- Benefits coverage. Inquire about how long your health insurance will continue, COBRA options, and any assistance your employer may offer. Additionally, inquire about any unclaimed or unused PTO or other benefits.
- Unemployment eligibility. Ask if the company will contest unemployment claims. You can often file the same day you’re notified.
- Outplacement support. Some companies provide resume help, job placement assistance, or career coaching.
- Reference availability. Clarify whether and how your manager or HR can provide a reference.
- Organization’s strategic next steps. Often, with nonprofits and grant-based organizations, a restructure is streamlined with layoffs and new role opportunities. Stay tuned to the pulse on the organization and if there are roles that will be rescoped and applicable.
2. Immediate Logistical Steps
- File for unemployment. Do this as soon as possible via your state’s department of labor website. Depending on your location, you may be eligible for specific benefits, resources, and support that may be time sensitive and available.
- Get your documents. Download or request copies of pay stubs, tax forms, offer letters, and performance reviews. Find any materials you have created and supported in alignment with your contract to update your LinkedIn.
- Check on your 401(k)/403(b). Decide whether to roll it over, leave it, or cash it out (not typically recommended).
- Update your resume and LinkedIn. Take time to reflect and rewrite your materials with clarity and intention. Update your open to work banner and inform your network what kind of role and organization you are looking for your next step in your career journey. Career coaching reminder: let the bullet points on your resume serve as the outcome story of your role, not responsibilities you were tasked with.
3. Emotional & Practical Self-Care
- Feel your feelings. Loss of a job, team, project is a major life event. Give yourself permission to grieve. And a gentle reminder that grief is not linear.
- Don’t isolate. Reach out to friends, mentors, or peers who can hold space for you and support you through this process. When you’re ready, begin to help you reframe and move forward.
- Name your needs. Whether it’s financial planning, therapy, or time to decompress—write them down and prioritize.
- Create a structure. Even a light daily routine can help you feel more grounded as you navigate next steps.
- Take a beat. Permission to not rush to the next action item or task. Allow yourself to sort through the next steps during your transition and proceed once you have clarity, intention, and purpose.
4. Honor the Human Hierarchy of Needs
This moment is a powerful reminder that job loss isn’t just logistical — it’s deeply personal, shaking the very foundation of our security. A RIF may disrupt of nervous system’s sense of safety and everything else- belonging, self-worth, and purpose- are impacted, too.
- Prioritize your basics — secure your income, housing, food, and healthcare. These aren’t extras; they’re essential.
- Once your foundation is stabilized, make space for emotional processing. Journal. Walk. Talk it out.
- Reflect on what matters most to you now — your values, your strengths, your direction moving forward.
This isn’t just a career shift. It’s a recalibration. You are not alone — and this moment can be a catalyst, not a dead end. Take the next step, and only one next step, at a time.
|
|
|
The New TrulyHired Job Board is Here!
|
|
|
|
|
The Texas Girls School's mission is to challenge and nurture young women to thrive in future global markets through personalized STEM advanced academics. They are seeking an educator who is excited about bringing Texas’s rich science and natural resources into the classroom to be their new Science Middle School Teacher. The ideal candidate is passionate about teaching STEM and embraces new strategies like:
- Project-Based Learning (PBL)
- AI & Technology Integration
- Best Practices for Girls' Schools
- Outdoor & Experiential Learning
|
|
|
|
|
SustainED Leaders is an education nonprofit dedicated to developing education leaders and teachers and strengthening instructional capacity to improve student outcomes. SustainED Leaders is looking for an outstanding expert to be their new Instructional Manager. The Instructional Manager will design and deliver training and conduct side-by-side coaching that builds educators’ capacity to implement Bluebonnet Learning, Amplify Reading, Eureka Math, and/or Carnegie Math curriculum. The ideal candidate has two years of teaching experience and two years of additional leader experience. This person is also a curriculum expert in at least one of the following HQIMs: K-5 Amplify, K-5 Eureka, and/or 6-9 Carnegie.
|
|
|
|
|
Freedom Preparatory Academy is a network of public charter schools serving nearly 2,000 students in Memphis, TN and Birmingham, AL. Freedom Preparatory Academy seeks a middle school teacher specializing in Math for their growing network of charter schools. As a teacher at Freedom Prep Academy, you will be expected to both introduce and help students develop mastery of concepts as measured through assessments administered consistently throughout the year. The ideal candidate has two to four years of urban teaching and educational leadership experience.
|
|
|
TrulyHired is a quick, easy, and tailored job board that specializes in providing job seekers with educational equity roles at impact-driven education organizations. Here are a few of the amazing jobs we have available. Check them out and apply if you're interested!
|
|
|
You don’t have to be a job seeker to take the next step in your professional growth.
Our tailored career services—like resume reviews, interview prep, and personalized coaching—help leaders like you gain clarity, align with your goals, and stand out.
Ready to level up?
|
|
|
You are receiving this email because you either created a WorkTogether Talent Consulting (formerly WorkMonger) Career Platform Account, applied to a job opening at one of our client organizations, or registered directly to receive Leaders in Education.
Don't want to hear from us? Let us know by clicking here.
|
|
|
|
