Citigroup's Breakup Plan

You know how after you get dumped, you get a make-over, join a gym, and take up scuba diving? Well, maybe not those things exactly, but there is usually the impulse to remind your ex exactly what he/she is missing by emphasizing how fabulous you are. In case you weren?t aware, that never really works, but you end up benefitting from your re-vamp anyway.

I was reminded of this by the article on Citigroups?s split in the New York Times today. After losing $8.2 billion in just the fourth quarter, Citigroup is breaking up its bank into two separate entities, Citicorp and Citi Holdings. Check out this quote from Citi?s CEO Vikram S. Pandit:

?I have no doubt we will emerge from the current environment stronger, smarter, and better positioned to realize the full earnings power of this great franchise,? Mr. Pandit said in a statement accompanying Citigroup?s results.

For Citi?s sake, I hope his optimism is warranted. But I think this is absolutely the attitude you should take if you?ve been laid off. There are always lessons to be learned in a transitional lull between jobs. Think about what you really want in a new job, what strengths you bring to the table, which weaknesses you?ll want to bolster, learn new things, and indulge in activities that bring you joy. Eventually, you will find a new job (or a new date), but in the meantime, you?ll be much happier and better off.

--Posted by Linda Petock, Vault News & Commentary