“I hate cynicism. For the record, it’s my least favorite quality – it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” – Conan O’Brien

I quote Conan O’Brien in my New York Daily News column this week. The topic is exit strategies, and why you need one, even if you are certain your job is secure. Although it’s a painful experience to have to leave when you would rather stay (just ask Conan), and emotions can cause people to lash out (ask Conan and Jay Leno), in the end it’s best to put your emotions aside and make as graceful an exit as possible. Easier said than done, I know, and that’s why preparation matters.

One thing that you (and I) will never be able to do: buy into the claim that “it’s not personal.” It is indeed a very personal situation for you if you are let go from your job, even if it is purely a layoff situation. The trick, then, is to realize that you need to act in as measured a way as possible, while still acknowledging the all-too-personal impact joblessness will have on your life.

Work Her Way Expert Dr. Lynn Joseph takes things one step further. Her Job Loss Recovery Program addresses the single greatest reason to tend to your emotional healing: it can hinder your chances of landing another job. Her scientific approach uses guided visualization and other techniques to help job seekers get their head back into the game. If you are currently facing the waiting game and frustration of the Help Wanted section, resumes, and interviews, I highly recommend taking a closer look at Dr. Joseph’s work. Use every tool at your disposal to get back to work faster.

On that note, use the very powerful tool you have here at Work Her Way, in the form of our experts and your fellow working women. We’ve been there, and we’re pulling for you. Don’t be shy about asking for our help.