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Dear Readers,

In challenging economic times, many arts & culture professionals are facing lay-offs or work in organizations where lay-offs have recently occurred. Higher levels of stress are to be expected on both sides as some face a job search in an uncertain climate and others the possibility of longer hours, more duties and fewer resources. Fortunately, there are ways that you can address stress and related issues. We hope you find the suggestions below useful.

As always, we welcome your comments and input at careers@artstaffing.com and let us know how we can help.

Geri Thomas, President

FOR THOSE ARTS & CULTURE PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE BEEN LAID-OFF:

Take a little time to adjust
Even though you thought you were prepared for possible lay-offs, it will still seem like a shock. Right now the economy is the major perpetrator – don’t blame yourself or spend too much time thinking about what you should or could have done to prevent losing your job. You may experience all or several stages of the grieving process – denial, anger, resistance, sadness, and finally acceptance. You will have good days and bad.

Be positive
Avoid negative people and situations and seek the support of family, friends, and partners. While the current state of affairs may seem unfathomable, downturns and upturns, especially in arts & culture, are cyclical. Accept this and prepare yourself for when the upside occurs – work on your resume; network with colleagues; enhance your skills by enrolling in a professional development seminar or sign up for a career advisory session or some other form of coaching.

Take care of your health
Regular exercise and sleeping patterns, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating are more important than ever during the stress of unemployment.

Seek professional help when you need it
If you are overly anxious or feeling despair, speak with someone you trust or a mental health professional – don’t remain isolated. If you are at a loss as to what to do next regarding your career or your next position, seek career advice and assistance from a reputable arts & culture firm.

Have fun and do things that give you pleasure
Be aware of your budget but don’t avoid the activities and recreations that you enjoy. Fun is as essential to health as sleep, food and exercise and can also provide you with opportunities to refocus, meet new people and concentrate on personal interests.

FOR THOSE ARTS & CULTURE PROFESSIONALS WHO REMAIN AFTER A LAY-OFF:

Be realistic
Due to the present economy, lay-offs may be the only way that some arts & culture organizations and businesses can stay solvent. Don’t feel unnecessary guilt at “surviving” a round of lay-offs. Be as supportive as possible of those who are leaving: let them know you will be happy to provide references and networking contacts.

Be forward-thinking and team-oriented
Realize that your job, far from being in peril, may be more important now than ever before. You may be asked to do more with fewer resources or staff assistance. Be proactive in finding ways to share new responsibilities creatively and effectively, but don’t feel that you have to be in two places at once. Instead, focus on your skills and apply them towards definite goals, both short and long-term. Stick to reasonable work practices and avoid overstaying at the office.

Reinvent your personal work space
Don’t let stress or anticipated fall-out from a recent round of lay-offs poison your work environment. Spruce up your personal work space and ask your employer about group activities for the office - bring in a masseuse, or plan a group night out. Be aware of what you enjoy about your work and your work environment and think of ways to further accentuate those things.

Be open with your employer and yourself
If you are feeling profound stress or anxiety related to work, be open with your employer about your feelings. Ask for feedback about your current output and ways of moving forward professionally. See if you can schedule a day off or move vacation time up. The most important part of controlling your own emotions is acknowledging them. Professional counseling may be helpful, even in the short term.

These links may be useful for further suggestions concerning stress, burn-out and challenges facing arts & culture organizations:

Barry Hessenius: Burn-Out - Recognizing It; Dealing With It (May 10, 2009)

John Killacky: Survival Strategies for the Arts

As always, we welcome your comments and input at careers@artstaffing.com.
Confidentiality is always assured.

About Thomas & Associates, Inc. / artstaffing.com
Thomas & Associates, Inc. is an innovative firm that offers staffing, consulting, and professional development workshops for museums, galleries and arts and culture businesses nationwide and internationally. The company has recently launched its career services division to address the needs of arts and culture professionals everywhere.

For employment opportunities and to subscribe to the quarterly newsletter, Art Career News, visit www.artstaffing.com.

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