How to keep going?
I was recently laid off. While this is normal in my industry atm, it really hurt and has left me in a very vulnerable place. I had covid, very very badly in 2020. I was in the news many times and I almost died a couple of times. Work was great while I was on disability and I even told the press as a help to the company how great they were. I returned to work, with a physical disability. I worked very very hard to return in the first place and be able to walk in general to be ready for a big work event. We had the event and I was great, my superiors were happy, and we were buying a home since my job was safe as remote.
A month and a half later the layoffs happened and I was chosen despite not being related to the others who were let go, I worked for a different product than the one they were reducing. It made no sense.
I try to stay positive, applying for remote and in person, interviewing, and using my mentors for guidance on types of jobs, resume review, and cover letters where applicable. I have gotten to the me and the one other person running 3 times now, all to end up losing out. The last one, the "culture fit" interview was in person and all just nerding out for vibe. That part went amazing until I stood up and the others who came in after I was seated saw my cane. Their faces changed, and I instantly knew I was going to lose out, which the feedback was I was "Perfect" but the other person just fit in better. Another one it was very obvious they weren't comfortable with a woman leader.
I need work, I have vast experience on a corporate level and all I get is "overqualified" or "underqualified" or you are great but we went with this other person. Its exhausting, its heartbreaking. How do I keep putting myself out there only to fall short. What else will Covid have taken from me if it comes down to this? Im an overweight woman with a disability, but thats not all I am. Im a capable professional with a lot of skills. Why is the former always what people focus on more?
Browse recent posts
Has anyone successfully landed a job out of state?
I'm in the final stages of possibly landing a job at a phenomenal company out of state, in an area I'd love to move to. My SO and I would rent out there but we need to sell our house first. His job is flexible so no issue there and we don't have kids. Luckily we live in a desirable area where the houses…
0 Likes • 0 Comments
I facilitated an Imposter Syndrome session yesterday and shared these 5 types.
Here are a things to keep in mind:
1. Doubt doesn’t make you an imposter, it makes you human.
2. You’re never going to know everything - no one does.…
4 Likes • 1 Comment
I was made redundant last December, just after returning from maternity leave, and it was a tough time with a little one at home.
Since then, I’ve been actively applying for jobs but rarely hear back. When asked why I’m looking for a new job in interviews, I haven’t always been sincere, giving different reasons. Recently, I decided to be upfront and told an interviewer that I was made redundant. But their response thre…
0 Likes • 1 Comment
Looking for some advice.
How do you deal with the catty "doubting Thomas" coworker?
We work in an environment where we HAVE to work closely together. There is no ignoring, avoiding or keeping my distance. Some of my guy friends in other…
2 Likes • 1 Comment
Does anyone know of any places in MD/VA that are hiring for admin roles?
I keep seeing the same job postings on Linkedin, Simplyhired, & Indeed. I need to get out of my job within the next month ASAP b/c my Supervisor is repeating the same behavior from last year where she takes extended leave EVERYTIME she has a family event that comes up & she says sh…
0 Likes • 2 Comments
Good Morning everyone,
I need advice on an ongoing situation at my job which seems to be getting worse. Background: I am a 67 year old female working part time (30 hours) at a restaurant/gift shop. Been there 4 years.
About two months ago they hired a man…
1 Like • 7 Comments
Share your insight
Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.
Anonymous
I have known many people with disabilities that have an attitude of, yes I have a disability but it doesn’t control me.
and I’ve met people with disabilities that are a perpetual victim.
your attitude about your disability can be felt by those around you.
my disability is hidden, but it’s there and it’s a big part of my life…. But I don’t allow it to be the only thing about me that people see……
Anonymous
I most definitely do not let it control me. Had the distance not been long I wouldnt have even taken the cane and sucked it up. I really only ever mention it if mandatory. I push myself to my limit regularly trying to be normal to keep all the difficulty and pain hidden. this was just my first encounter of an in-person interview that went so insanely well, until the larger group saw my cane (which was unavoidable). Its just disheartening and is what has me mostly applying for remote positions.
I know those perpetual victims and I just wont be one... ever.
Kristie White
Unfortunately, humans are very visual creatures. What they see when they see the cane is a high risk and a future liability. And it really doesn't have anything to do with you. It is probably also the reason you were laid off - it was an easy way to reduce the liability of your former employer. So how do you fight this? 1. I would consider your work record since COVID. Once you returned, have you been consistently present. 2. If your disability requires special accommodations, ask for them up front. This will accomplish several things - you will filter out any potential employers who are not willing to accommodate you, you should find an employer that is open to hiring you, you may find an employer who is trying to fulfill a quota for diversity, and you won't be hiding it or pulling any punches at the end of the hiring process. You will be owning it and being sure those you interact with are fully aware. This should help eliminate some of the heartbreak of going through the process only to be turned down.
Last, I would consider looking at remote side gigs to gain some experience for your resume. Depending on your specialty, you might find a lucrative way to work that is easier for you. But if not, you will have recent experience and references to show your current capabilities.
Anonymous
I was fortunate to have been a part of a major corp for many years, so my resume is strong. I have spoken to recruiters about contract options as well to be open.
In this case I was open with the hiring manager, it was the stakeholders and greater team that did not know about it and this was a "Social fit" interview. they wanted someone who could go out drinking and hang out, I think this made them think I wouldnt be up for it.
As for previous work - While I was a part of a greater layoff I do agree it was likely why I was let go. It was about 8 weeks after a live event where the execs saw me for the first time since returning to work (Whole team works remotely after 2020 except for rare live events).
Mostly I am going for remote positions, this one was such a good fit though it was the only in person I considered.
Kristie White
Personally, I think you dodged a bullet. While I understand team's drinking and hanging out, I've done it myself, I don't think I ever prospered from it. And using that "social fit" as criteria makes the team unprofessional and immature. The working environment might have been full of petty gossip and personality issues.