Recent research has indicated that employees think that colleagues are more likely to be laid off than themselves. However this belief is a coping mechanism rather then a reality. Should reality bite for you it can be a genuine opportunity not a disaster.

I suggest however that to turn it into an opportunity you need two things not always at the top of the list when considering a significant change:

An honest, objective view of your natural strengths and weaknesses. This really needs a good psychometric tool, which needn’t be lengthy or expensive, to help you do this with objectivity. Are you a good match for the role/business you are going to get involved in, what balancing strengths do you need from someone else etc.

Do you have a method/set of tools, like de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, to help you objectively and comprehensively, but also quickly, evaluate your options? It is vital not to get too carried away by your enthusiasm for a particular role or business opportunity.

These difficult times can be ones of great opportunity but you need to do everything you can to ensure you don’t go from the frying pan into the fire.