Facing the realty of unexpected career changes can cause stress and a list of questions. Plan what to do before it happens.

Unexpected employment changes can happen in anyone’s career with very little notice leaving that person to wonder what hit him. Sometimes it’s due to the performance of the individual, sometimes the performance of the organization. Either way, it can result in overwhelming feelings of joy, depression, anger, fear and uncertainty.

In each case it is important for the employee to remain calm and focus on the choices at hand. Understanding the options will help make managing the change go smoother.

Deciding Whether or Not to Accept a Demotion

A demotion due to an organizational restructuring, while generally not the most joyous event in someone’s career, is not nearly as devastating as a demotion due to personal performance, and under certain circumstances may even be advisable.

According to some experts taking a demotion is not good for an employee’s career and should not be taken. However, there are times when the choice to move on is out of the question.

Being the sole support of a family or during a difficult job market, accepting a demotion might be a wise move until something better comes along. An alternative scenario might be taking a step back (such as to another division of the company) in order to broaden or gain new experience.

Preparing for the Challenging of a Promotion

Promotions are generally considered momentous occasions. However, according to Development Dimensions International a promotion can be more challenging than dealing with a divorce or the death of a loved one. This is mainly because most people receiving promotions are not as prepared for this step as they and their employers believe they are.

So get prepared. While sometimes easier said than done, many of the respondents in the DDI survey cited that the problem with promotions revolved around the lack of clear expectations, not having role models and not receiving proper development.

Before accepting a promotion, employees should be sure they feel prepared and willing to take on the additional responsibility. An increase in salary should not be the only motivating factor.

Considering the Impact of Relocation

The opportunity to relocate is great if voluntary – accepting a transfer or promotion – or can be disappointing if involuntary – the company moves out of state.

Employees need to consider the impact on their personal life and the benefit of making the move. There are several factors to look at including:

• Impact on family: a significant other who has to interrupt their career, children in school, and leaving behind friends or other family members
• Cost of living differences: compensation package offered, potential places to live and transportation alternatives
• Planning the move: selling a home or breaking a lease and selecting a moving company

Dealing with Unemployment

Few people choose unemployment over holding down a job. However, there are times in most people’s careers when they lose their position because of company downsizing or being fired.

Before heading out the door, employees need to make sure they receive information about COBRA, unemployment insurance and the company severance pay policy. Workers should speak to their human resources representative.

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) helps employees retain their group health coverage if they lose their job for voluntary or involuntary reasons.

Though most people assume they cannot receive unemployment benefits if they are fired, this is not always the case. Being terminated for poor performance due to an inability to perform and not because of a willful violation of company policy may still make an employee eligible to receive benefits. However, most company severance plans are only payable if the reason for termination is lay off.

While unexpected career changes can be stressful -- whether they are good or bad -- knowing how to deal with the situation can help minimize the impact.