Turning Job Loss Into A Career Gain

Change is a constant in life, but it can become overwhelming if it is too extreme. Losing one’s job is a prime example. Recently, I have spoken with several health system CIOs who have had to deal with a firing or layoff, and they have shared that coping with the resulting pressure of negativity can be daunting. But IT leaders who are out of work must look for a silver lining in their situation and find a new job or career. The ability to bring about change for the better is well within their control.

Reasons for changes

Here are some of the reasons that health system CIOs gave for why they left or were separated from their organizations.

“The corporate headquarters for the region, based in another state, decided to centralize most of its IT services and made the CIO a Regional CIO and liaison to corporate. I decided to leave and pursue a new CIO position.”

“My health system is going to be acquired by a large academic medical center and my position will be eliminated.”

“The CEO retired after 30 years, and the new CEO brought in his own team. Six of the Vice Presidents have already left.”

“The new CEO changed the structure of the IT department and planned to hire a physician to head IT.”

“The health system is in terrible financial trouble, and I wanted to leave before the ship sank.”

Action steps

When you are faced with sudden unemployment or the need to leave your position, you need to manage the negative mood, or else it can be debilitating. I was encouraged to hear from these recently unemployed CIOs that they all received some type of severance. In most cases, they had already hung up the “Independent Consultant” shingle or started their own healthcare IT consulting business. Here are some other tips for success if you are ever in this position of transition:

• Speak to a labor attorney when faced with sudden unemployment — before you sign a separation agreement or accept severance.
• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. To prevent a gap during your transition, you can use the “Independent Consultant” term as a good transition role.
• Network with everyone you know — reach out to previous colleagues, bosses, staff, recruiters, family and friends to let them know you are looking for a new position.
• Seek out temporary consulting assignments to fill the gap; some may lead to permanent roles.
• Pursue an advanced degree, add to your certifications, pursue a new hobby, or learn a new skill.
• Organize your time every day to the pursuit of a new role; keep a daily diary; read your horoscope.
• Stay healthy and active; focus on your well-being.

Having a forced separation from an employer thrust upon you can be a very stressful time. The healthcare IT industry is evolving, and changing and your previous experience can open new doors if you are open to relocation, salary and new IT leadership roles. Good luck with your future transitions.