Revitalizing a Career

An executive spends years focusing his attention on his company's business only to be told one day with no notice that his job is gone and his services no longer needed. When one CPA faced this depressingly familiar scenario, he was forced to reexamine and reconsider his management of his own professional life. As a result, he has found a dynamic new position and revitalized his approach to his career.  FROM A CRISIS Mark Roth began a job as the corporate controller for a large New Jersey-based food broker in 1990. When he was hired, it appeared likely that he would ultimately succeed the chief financial officer. Over the years, however, it became increasingly apparent that the CFO was not planning to retire. But Roth did receive regular increases in responsibility, as well as raises and favorable performance reviews. Then, Roth remembers, "quite suddenly at 2 o'clock on a Friday afternoon in April 1996, I was called into the office of my boss, the CFO, and told the company had decided to restructure and my position was to be eliminated." He was given two hours to gather his belongings and leave. Roth embarked on a short but highly educational job search; within eight weeks, he was working as vice-president of finance and CFO at New York Cruise Lines, which provides pleasure boat excursions in the waters around New York City. Despite the stress of his abrupt job loss, he sees only the positive side. "In hindsight, I can say that in terms of my career it was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. For all those years, I was entirely dedicated to my company, which was proper. But I was paying no attention to my own career or to the outside world." Roth's experience offers clues for other professionals on how to keep their sights on the world outside their own offices. Here are some of the things he learned.  Maintain professional momentum. By conducting a diligent search, Roth managed to arrange an interview with New York Cruise Lines within three weeks of losing his previous job. One extremely valuable resource to him at that point was the New Jersey Society of CPAs. Roth, a trustee of the society and former chairman of its members in management, business and industry committee, was given an office at the society and use of the phone and fax. "I have three young children and it would have been impossible to conduct a job search from home." He recommends having a workplace to get dressed for and go to each day.  Don't be afraid to try to renegotiate your severance package. Roth received no outplacement or counseling and he believed at first that if he asked for more than the two months' severance he'd been given, the company would rescind the package. On the advice of a friend, however, he asked his former employer for one year's salary, arguing it might require that amount of time to find a job at his level. The company finally gave him five months' pay. Although he found a job quickly, the knowledge that he had those added resources during the first stressful weeks "gave me a chance to breathe," Roth says.  Consider everyone a possible job source. Roth heard about his current position from a friend whose brother had been a vice-president at the cruise line. "You never know where a lead will come from," the CPA says. He also advises professionals to keep an open mind about the kinds of jobs or companies in which their skills might be needed.  Emphasize unique aspects of your experience. Roth secured his new job by mentioning an effort that isn't even included on his resume. Right after college, he started a real estate development business with his father while holding down a full-time job in public accounting. "New York Cruise Lines is a very entrepreneurial company and I just happened to mention this business." He was later told that it had clinched the position for him. "No matter how tempting it may be, never denigrate your former or current employer. …

Field of study: Business