When a company is acquired, employees can be among the last to hear about it — instead, rumors may surface in the media before the deal is even announced. Once it’s official, the organization generally tries to allay employees’ fears, assuring them that they will be taken care of at the new company. But, of course, it’s hard to know if this is true, and employees will want to be prepared.
If your employer is acquired, it’s important to stay calm and think through any major decisions or changes to your job or finances. Here are four helpful tips:
Be Patient
A very common reaction to an acquisition announcement is to assume that you will lose your job and need to take action, right now. This is not necessary and a lot of times, not prudent. When an acquisition is announced, everything is still in its early stage. Normally it is a good idea to wait for more information.
Keep an eye open on other opportunities but there is rarely true need to jump ship right away. There might be opportunities in the combined company. Even if not, it takes at least several months for the acquisition to go through. After that, the new company may need you to finish some projects. This should give you plenty of time to search for good opportunities and make a meaningful move.
While you wait, there are at least several constructive things you can do, such as list your accomplishments, update your resume, inventory your skills (both technical and non-technical), enhance your LinkedIn profile and expand your network. These steps boost your self-confidence and prepare you for potential opportunities.
Embrace Change
There are always changes in your life, like it or not. It is best if you can quickly adapt to changes. Personally, I find it is easier to adopt changes if I have a “growth” versus “fixed” mindset. Watch Dr. Carol Dweck’s TEDx talk and consider how you might embrace a growth mindset about this company change.
Be Professional and Proactive
Maintain your spirit of professionalism in this difficult time. Do a great job. Identify things that need to be done during and after the acquisition. Make plans on how to have them done. It shows the acquiring company your value and enhances your chance to survive.
Even if this does not get you a spot in the new company, your attitude and efforts will be noticed and respected by your bosses, co-workers, and people from the acquiring company. That goes a long way and may open a door for you in the future. Either way, you will be proud of yourself which is reason enough.
Reassess your Life
Now that your work life will change, why not take this time to pause and think. Am I happy? Do I have a life-long dream I never pursue? Where do my family and I want to be in the next one, five or ten years? If you want to make some adjustments about your life, this is the time. Speak to a career coach. Enlist the aid of trusted mentors that you know. Open up to the bigger picture of what this change might do for your life’s trajectory.
Determine To Be Happy
You do not have full control of many things in your life. However, to be happy or to be not happy, that is completely under your control. No one and nothing can prevent you from being happy. Take what’s going on as an experience to enrich your life. Observe how you feel and how you think in this unique time. Enjoy every moment. A lot of times you can find peace and happiness when you turn your sights inside and completely accept the current moment.
When your employer is being acquired, remain professional, positive and calm. Act confidently but cautiously. No matter what decision you make, know that life is beautiful and this too shall pass.