SJG Private Wealth Management’s Post

No one is coming to save you. What will you do when the layoffs hit? They never promised you security—so stop playing the victim. Crying won’t pay the bills. Blaming the company won’t change your situation. Trust me, I’ve been there. I know how it feels. But the only way forward? Do something for yourself. Imagine the impact on you and your family if you were made redundant. What’s your plan? Here’s the answer: Build a Plan B. • Yes, it’s easier said than done. • But it starts with finding your purpose. • Plan B could mean upskilling to become more valuable in your next role. • It’s about creating options so you’re never stuck again. If you don’t know where to start, DM me. I’m here to help. ♻️ Share this with your network—someone might need this reminder today. P.S.: Follow TJ Walia for advice and insights on reinvention and growth.

Last week I heard about a number of old colleagues and friends who were part of some layoffs.  To those who are struggling, please know that you are amazing and that you will likely look back in a few years and realize that this was a point where you could take risks, make changes, and potentially, find passion for your work again.  For those of you who are questioning yourselves, you do not walk alone. There have been plenty of people who have walked a similar path. Take time to internalize this, but not wallow in it. Feel that pain, but shake it off. Don't let this break the confidence you have in what you've achieved. Take time to enjoy some moments you haven't had time for over the years.  Utilize your connections when you are ready. It is a small world and connections are there. Ask for that recommendation. Take coffee with someone you admire. Don't be afraid of taking chances.  In a few years you will look back and be thrilled with what you've achieved. It might not be exactly what you planned, but it can be something even better.  Drop me a note if you want to talk. 

There are only six weeks left in 2024! As the year begins to come to a close, have you taken stock of your progress toward your goals for this year? If so, how are you doing for the year? Or, are you like many others who, in this very uncertain environment, gave up on this year’s goals or never created them in the first place? The thing is, you need to have a plan. You need to have some idea of where you want to be in the next 1, 2 or 5 years. Otherwise, your future is left completely to chance. Yes, it is difficult in this environment, with the tech sector continuing to see layoffs and hiring freezes, to see the value in creating a plan that could easily be completely spoiled by a job loss or a complete lack of new opportunities in your current company. Difficult, yes…but not impossible. You cannot control the employment decisions of the company you work for. Worrying about the future only impacts your health – negatively. It’s time to stop worrying about things you cannot control. It’s time to take control of your future. DM me and let’s talk about how we can work together to get you moving forward again.

In another week when news of redendancies grips the headlines, Simon Halstead offers some sage advice on how to deal with it. "As another year draws to a close, and the team at New Digital Age shout at me for not giving them an article, I felt inspired by some recent conversations with my network to write this piece. It’s been another incredibly tough year for everyone – and as people chase down the last remnants of Q4 budgets, and try to get activity booked and live before the holidays so January starts well, all businesses hunker down further into planning.  Unfortunately for some, that also leads to this time of year ending with redundancies being announced, or rumours swirling of possible layoffs. So I wanted to share my experiences of both making and being made redundant. Being made redundant is one of the hardest things to take.  You can feel like you have failed, or you have done something wrong – but it isn’t the case. The drivers are business strategy changes, be that refocus of priorities to other product areas, or growth needed not being met, or business failure." Discover Simon's advice for making the best of redundancy in the the full column, link in comments.

For my friends and new connections grappling after last week's layoffs, please consider the most powerful truth I've learned after a decade+ balancing an executive career & caregiving: Your work identity is NOT your whole identity. Let that sink in, even if it feels scary. You might not recognize yourself right now, asking, "Who am I without work?" Say this with me: You are not just your job title, your LinkedIn headline, or your company status. You're not just your quarterly achievements or your next big project. This feels especially critical to remember right now, as last week's layoff announcements flooded our feeds and uncertainty continues to fill the industry. I learned this lesson in the chemo infusion center between client calls. In the quiet moments watching my husband rest while I reviewed board decks. In the space between being an executive and being a cancer caregiver – where titles fell away and only humanity remained. Your worth isn't measured in promotions or performance reviews. The skills that truly define you – resilience, adaptability, compassion, strength – are often built in the moments between meetings. In the challenges that never make it to your resume. In the personal battles that shape who you are beyond your office or conference room. To those wrestling with professional uncertainty right now: You're not starting over. You're starting from experience. You're not losing your identity. You're rediscovering its depth. You're not just your job. You never were. This is hard-earned truth from someone who's lived the complexities of carrying multiple identities – sometimes gracefully, often messily, always authentically. Your career is part of your story. But it's not your whole story. Get excited about writing your next chapter. As Taylor Swift said last night during the final show of her "Eras Tour": It's the end of an era, but it's the beginning of an age." It's up to you to create it. Give yourself some time, and then get started. You can do this.

Chapter 2024, Page 320 Ok, with all of the news of layoffs in the tech industry this last week (and other industries as well) I thought it may be a good reminder of why it's important to create your own brand, your own identity, your own story. So the big question is "When is the best time to prepare for a layoff, reduction of workforce, or downturn in your industry?" My answer: 2-3 years before Build a network, a brand, a community, a reputation, a track record, a fan base, an advocacy community....BEFORE you need it. Here's the deal... With LinkedIn you can build a meaningful community before you need it. Without really trying - I have 4879 Connections, 5008 Followers and I have NOT purposely tried to grow this. I just connect with people I do business with or with others that want to connect / follow AND I post something almost every single day. What that means is that on an average day 1000 people see what I post. Multiply that times 365 days and do that year after year. Those people know about who you are. They have your back. They want the best for you. You won't be afraid of being let go of your job. I love what I do right now and have no plans to change...but if anything ever happened I really wouldn't freak out either. Start posting every day. And not just re-sharing your company blogs. Write something personal. If you don't remember anything I've said, remember this... Your company's story is not your story. The only one that can write your story is you. So start now.

Tuesday Thoughts. There are so many who have been effected by layoffs. This post is for you. Whether you saw it coming or not, it probably wasn’t your choice. Someone in a corner office made the decision that you were going to get cut. It’s not personal. Even though it feels very personal. It’s not. It doesn’t make it any easier for you. Here’s one thing you need to know … you are not alone. You aren’t the first and you won’t be the last. Here’s what you need to do for YOU. Get up everyday. 🕕 Make your bed. 🛏️ Shower. 🚿 Get dressed. 👚 Write down what you want next. 📝 Where would you like to take your talent and experience? What does your next work environment look like? Where do you want to work? Clear your mind by putting pen to paper. This is extremely helpful. Now you have some answers. Next, who is in your network that can help you? Have you reached out? Why? Why not? Take it from someone who has been there. This is step one. You got this. 🙌🏻 No matter how hard it gets, remember keep going. #inspire #educate #payitforward

With so many facing layoffs just before the holiday season, I wanted to share a bit of positivity and encouragement for everyone. I had the pleasure of recently reading Be The Unicorn by William Vanderbloemen, and I have to say, it's worth reading. Will this be the silver bullet that lands you a new job overnight? No. Will it require work and self-reflection? Yes. Is it worth it? YES! The book explores 12 key traits that William and his recruiting team have identified over the years and how these traits are embodied by standout individuals, or "unicorns." It also shares insights and stories from the exceptional individuals they have successfully placed over the years. This book is a quick, engaging read that encourages you to apply these traits to your own life. My favorite part? Each chapter wraps up with a summary checklist, complete with a touch of humor. If you're fortunate to have your job and feel confident in your employment I want to say two things: 1) Practice gratitude. There are many people who are employed but don't feel confident in their job status. 2) Never stop learning. Pick this book up and try to read a chapter per day - it's worth it. Life is easier in a community rather than going it alone. If you are searching for a job, and feel I can help you, please contact me directly or utilize my network. Lastly, I'm not affiliated with or sponsored to share this book. I simply want to inject some positivity into our days and LinkedIn feed. We've got this, ya'll! 💪

LinkedIn: You’ll learn this when it’s too late… And I learned this being a part of two layoffs that were out of my control. Always remember that home is your real life. Spending quality time with your family, significant other, and friends far up the importance scale for me. Because without that quality time, you won’t be able to be at your highest energy nor have people who you’re surrounded by to push you to be your best version. So here’s what I’d recommend: - Spend quality time with your family and friends: Be attentive, listen to what they have to say, and genuinely care about your interactions. - Find a job that supports you spending time with your family and friends. (And if you need to find another job, use JobBoardAI by Wonsulting to do this for FREE: https://bit.ly/3MhnZIo) A big shoutout to my friend Rob Dance for this infographic! -- ♻ Repost this post to pass this reminder on and follow us for more! #JWoW #Wonsulting #JobTips #Hiring

Layoffs break trust faster than they cut costs. Here are 4 steps to rebuild trust and morale. Layoffs don’t just reduce headcount—they leave a team questioning everything. I’ve seen it happen: One person asked me, "I don’t know if I belong here anymore." That hurt, and it stuck—and it’s why rebuilding trust became my priority. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: 1. Acknowledge emotions, not just the facts. ↳ Fear and anger don’t go away on their own. Be honest and open about what’s happening, even when it’s uncomfortable. 2. Share a vision that inspires and is empathetic. ↳ Your team needs hope. Show them the big picture and their role in shaping it. 3. Rebuild collaboration. ↳ After layoffs, team dynamics are fragile. Foster open communication and problem-solving to bring people together. 4. Prove your commitment through action. ↳ Follow through on even the smallest promises—trust is rebuilt in actions, not words. - As a leader, your role isn’t to erase emotions. - It’s to help your team move forward—together. PS: As leader or manager are you willing to take the hit? Y/N?