If someone has just been laid off and they call me, I usually check with them to make sure they are ready to provide input. Every person handles stress differently, some feel like they need to act right away. Even with some of those, the first appointment may well end up more as a venting session than an actual career marketing material development session.

The other thing to note is that preparation while you are employed… like building networks, taking notes of accomplishments, all help to decrease stress if the sudden change happens.

Problem is, when there is a sudden change (like a job loss or stopped-up drain), the natural tendency is to jump in *right now* to tackle the problem, and logical rationale is not even considered. But, if a person pauses to think things through, s/he will understand why some time is needed to plan, get the right tools, and approach the situation properly.
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Being Prepared for the Unexpected =-.