It was certainly an alarming headline this week: Charlotte-based Bank of America confirming 30,000 layoffs in consumer banking over the next few years. Even though there are no specifics on Charlotte positions, this undoubtedly caused fear and unrest uptown and around the region.

Shortly after that news broke, Jeannie Fennell received a call from a person worried about the impact on Charlotte. Even though this woman's job was secure, she wanted to know what she could do to "batten down the hatches."

Fennell is a job coach, psychologist, and owner of Charlotte-based Lifeworks ( lifeworksonline.net). She says before you brush up your resume and send it out widely, take a moment to breathe and find your focus.

"I think the most important thing is to take a few steps back and start having a plan. By that, I mean try to figure out who you are, what you want, what's important for your family, perhaps," she said. "Ask what your skills are. And begin to think about where you want to go." Fennell has been in contact with some Bank of America employees recently, many of whom said they were anxious and felt they had to work like crazy so they wouldn't lose their jobs.

At the first sign of uncertainty in your workplace, don't be afraid to reach out to those who may be able to help. Fennell says keeping up with your network is crucial.

"Something like 80 to 90 percent of jobs are filled, social media notwithstanding, with people you know. And it could be your neighbor, your friend at church, and it does not necessarily have to be the person who is posting the job on the Internet," she said.

What can you do to make sure you're not among the cuts? Do the best job you can, but know the decision is likely to be out of your control.

"Frankly, I think it is really pretty hard to do. You've already established your reputation if you've been working there for a while and many of these decisions are made somewhere else," Fennell said. "It is sometimes not the local job manager's decision about who to keep or how many to cut. I would say just keep doing the job that you're doing and take really good care of yourself."

Job loss or just the possibility can take an emotional toll. That's why having "strength for the journey" is so important, Fennell says.

"First thing is to try to get you as healthy mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually as you possibly can so you realize it is a journey; it is not a quick fix. I would also say to remind yourself that you've probably been through some tough times before and you will be fine at the other end. It is not always easy."

Think of your working life, whether steady or uncertain, as a marathon and not a sprint.