Furlough Blues

Question

I was furloughed from a major company in April. I am hurt, angry and scared. They provided no criteria why some were furloughed and others weren't. People less senior are working while I'm not. There are changes I'm hearing about that mean that even if I am invited back, I won't be working on the projects that brought me the most joy. Communication has been disappointing at best. My boss has reached out to me exactly once since this began--and that was to tell me that some were being brought back... but not me. While I never thought I'd leave what was a dream job, I'm ready to take the leap. But finding a position that is exciting and comparable is very difficult. I find myself searching posts for far too long each day and realize that I need a new strategy beyond enhancing my LinkedIn network, searching posts and contemplating ways to rework a role that I don't even have right now to be something I'd want to return to--as if that would be a smart thing to do. What say you?

Melanie · Answer

Networking is the number one way people find a job. Have you joined any job transition groups.  The goal is to find people you know or someone knows at a company to refer you in or say a good word.  Are you applying and not getting any traction?   What jobs are you looking for? How can we help?!

Anonymous · Answer

As far as being furloughed, it could be because the company could not afford to keep you. It could be an endless array of reasons. None of this matters because your position, title or career does not define who you are. A vocation might but not a career. This happens to the best of us. It may be because your time is meant to be spent elsewhere. Bigger forces could be at play here. Rather than worrying about what you did or didn’t do that was wrong, let’s focus on new beginnings.

It sounds like you were in your position for a while. What were some of the things you would have implemented that could have improved that position? Maybe this is your opportunity to build something better. Every experience will teach you who you don’t want to be or who you do want to be. I would start by writing down your core values. Values that you feel like will never change for you. It’s a great place to get you in the headspace or thinking about what you truly want next.

Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCP · Answer

Being furloughed from one’s dream job can be heartbreaking especially during a time of uncertainty. As I read your story, it is also my story yet my response to the situation has been the opposite. Let me start by saying, you can't control the reasons why you weren't kept over less senior colleagues however, you can control where you focus your energy.

First and foremost, identify whether you want to stay with the company or not. If you choose to stay, what actions can you take, or questions can you ask to help you feel more connected and informed. It is equally our responsibility to tell our managers how we’d like to stay connected. I read an article that helped me through my process – You’ve Been Furloughed. Now What? from Harvard Business Review.

Should you decided to start a job search what would you like to do? Being able to articulate your experience and how your skill sets are transferable is the hardest and most important aspect of a job search. Following are some great questions to ask yourself:
	What work energized you that you want to continue doing?
	What challenges did you have in your previous role?
	What do you want do accomplish in your next career move?
	Five-years from now, what is your vision for yourself?

Now the work begins and know there is not a one size fits all.  You should utilize all your available resources and connections to help identify or direct you in the right path – revise your resume (and customize it to each job you apply), update your LinkedIn profile (upgrade to Premium for optimal use of the platform), network with connections (discreetly tell people what you would like to do) as it serves as a great tactic to start the dialogue to uncover jobs not necessarily posted on job boards and finally, be forgiving of yourself as we all hit bumps along the road.

There are several great resources for support, all you need to do is ask. Sometimes the best support comes in the most unexpected places. Good luck and stay positive!

Anonymous · Answer

The tough thing with furlough is that legally your boss can’t talk to you for the most part especially about work. If you are asked a work question or have a state of the business conversation it’s considered work and you would have to be paid. I have employees under me on furlough and it has made it hard. Less seniority can feel like a slight when you see those folks working but it may be as simple as their pay rate is lower and that matters most right now. That sucks from a personal standpoint but is a reality for most companies.

Ekua Cant · Answer

It sounds like you are in pain. The first thing I would recomend is healing from the pain, frustration and anger you feel about being furloughed and not being asked back. That's rough. They have treated you poorly!

I wrote 2 blogs which you may find helpful:

https://www.beyournumberonecheerleader.com/blog/the-mindset-it-takes-to-go-on-furlough

https://www.beyournumberonecheerleader.com/blog/how-do-you-feel-about-these-words-furlough-redundancy-let-go-or-fired

I would take some time to reflect and then recover before starting to look for new work. As only when you are feeling confident will you be able to do your best job searching.

Also it's not about applying for jobs like a hamster, although I know it's so easy to do. It's about thinking about what you want to do next. Taking the opportunity to learn new skills and also to speak to your network about potential jobs think would be interesting.

If you like to use LinkedIn, then become and expert! Post and share content in your field. Connect with people at the companies that interest you. Reach out to them talk to them and find out more.

I hope this helps.

You have got this!

Warm Regards,

Ekua

Anonymous · Answer

I am a senior writer with a good resume writing for 'fun' companies (vague, I know, but I don't want to compromise my standing with my current co in case colleagues are here, too!). Most posts I've seen are for technical/financial writers or for tech/financial/medical companies, which isn't a good fit. An ideal role is one in which I can be creative--perhaps even generating written content (vs marketing/writing about someone else's content, if that makes sense). I interviewed for an amazing head writer role with Calm, but despite enthusiasm on both sides, I didn't get the gig. Onward, of course, but where/how is a bit of a mystery.

Bianca Lager · Answer

So sorry this has been your experience. It is devastating to not feel supported and left hanging. While you cannot necessarily have lengthy work related conversations, you are entitled to ask questions about your status and receive more transparency.  What have you asked either your boss or HR? Respectfully ask for some context to the strategy behind furloughs. It's hard for companies right now because so much changes so quickly but you should be able to gain a basic understanding of what the current situation is. That context might help shape how you think about your next moves.  Also, if/when you do look for another opportunity,  get a sense of how transparent the company and your potential new boss is.  Is transparency an important value at the company? How do they empower their employees and connect them with the company strategy? It is a very scary  and demoralizing thing to be left out in the cold seemingly.  Job options might be slimmer right now but understanding how your next employee will treat you when times get rough is very important.

Stacey Dunleavy · Answer

I hear you.  I've been doing some small projects just to stay in good standing with my immediate managers while furloughed.  But, I haven't heard from upper management as to when and if I'm actually going back.  I'm setting up a Plan B by putting my son back in to daycare part time, contacting headhunters and doing research on LinkedIn.  I'm willing to freelance as well, which may work out better for me (I found good, flexible local daycare now that I couldn't find the first time I was laid off)

Amanda Lehrer · Answer

I appreciate all of the feedback that these women have offered you.  All I want to add is, you are not alone in this and you will find another job.  You have already begun to execute some form of a job search which is amazing.  Fine tuning your strategy will only help you that much more!  I was furloughed a week before I was due back from maternity leave.  I understand how scary, stressful, and defeating this can be.   Good Luck!!

Monica Hilgenberg · Answer

Already loads of great advice coming your way! I know that working for a large 'fun' company has a set of advantages but this may also be a good time to think outside the box. Maybe check into some freelance work through various sites or create a blog of your own. If you have a niche and can use this time to cultivate and create your audience you might find working for yourself provides you with the time you need to either locate another position or work with the current company to curate the role you desire.

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