I found my own advice to be an unexpected lifesaver this week.

I found my own advice to be an unexpected lifesaver this week.

I had recently cleared the 1-year mark on my job and was growing in my role.

After a previous layoff of nearly a year due to COVID, I maintained my network and continued to build it in spite of being employed in a solid company.

This week on Wednesday, I was laid off with no warning due to an unexpected workforce reduction. The "all hands" meeting the previous week announced earnings in excess of the company goals for the last two quarters an expected slow upcoming quarter and an announcement that no one was being let go.

While I was on the phone crying to my best friend (and I was seriously considering taking early retirement) a call came in from a recruiter with a great job opportunity. He asked if I was in the job market. My status on all the job boards was employed and not actively looking.

I said (through a voice thick from crying), "This is your lucky day! I was just let go from my current job due to a reduction in workforce and I'm open to opportunities."

I went to my computer, put him on speakerphone and began going through the job description together. When I reached the requirement about being pleasant to work with, he said that was obvious from how well I was handling this that I am great to work with. This phone call happened an hour after finding out I lost my job.

I was submitted for a new position within 2 hours of unexpectedly losing my job.

Although I'm still recovering from the shock and loss, this greatly cushioned the blow.

I always knew maintaining a network was important, but I just didn't anticipate this situation. I also have skills that are in demand and that is another factor in my favor.