Hi everyone, I hope that this encourages somebody who's been laid off, or who's in the job market.

I was laid off from a job after 6 years in early 2022. It wasn't a complete surprise given that the company had been acquired by a competitor who had their own team. Received a decent severance package, so I took my time considering the next move. I had an LLC which I used to do some consulting work on the side. After a few months of rest (mentally and physically), I put my focus on consulting and freelancing. I was tired of the uncertainties, politics, and control that working for these companies encompassed. (Also wanted to WFH). I specialize in Legal Operations and am also a certified PMP. I landed a lucrative contract in Q42022 and have been contracting ever since. It's been a dream to have control of my time, request my own rate, making more money than I have ever made in my life. I work thru several ALSPs, alternative legal service providers, who work with large companies and find skilled contract workers like me for short and long term projects. We all have special skills, experiences and gifts, consider marketing yourself to those who may need your special sauce to help them get over a hurdle, or get through a project, etc. There's hope. Some companies don't want to commit to a full time employee, but will pay contractors more for same work, especially in an uncertain economic climate. I've seen it happen time and time again. It's not for everyone, but may be worth looking into for some.