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Anonymous

06/09/20 at 6:11PM UTC

Career

My mistake realization after losing job amid covid-19

After losing my job amid the corona virus pandemic, I was beyond being under-prepared to be out of a job. One of my biggest mistakes was not really thinking about myself in terms of viability on the job market. Because for the last 15 years, I’ve always been confident with the roles and successes I’ve had. And when I’ve moved from one role to the next, it was always on my own terms. I realize now how I should always be prepared for the next job and that I should always be networking. For those who’ve lost their jobs before, how did you bounce back? What successful/unsuccessful actions did you take to rise back? Any tips/thoughts on this matter are welcome!

Join the conversation...

Taylor444

128

Project manager and relationship builder

06/12/20 at 3:24PM UTC

Hang in there... losing a job is awful, so remember to craft balance for yourself at this time. Some days you'll feel great, and get a lot done, and some days you won't. Keep a list of what you want to accomplish during this time, but keep it reasonable. Also, this is the *perfect* time to network! It may feel awkward to reach out to someone you haven't talked to in years, but just do it anyway. You could send a quick note to get the conversation started. Here's an example - of course, use your own words, but I thought this might be a good place to start: "Hi [NAME], I hope this message finds you healthy and in good spirits! I was thinking about you recently, and thought I'd drop you a quick note. How are you? I see you're now working at XYZ company. I would love to catch up - perhaps when the current situation with Covid-19 calms down we could get a cup of coffee? All the best, [Your name]" It may feel uncomfortable to reach out to people, but the more you do it, the easier it will get. Worst case scenario, you don't get a response. You could mention in your note that you were recently laid off due to Covid-19, and you're using this time to catch up with old friends and former colleagues. Or, you could keep that under your hat for now, and wait to share it later in the conversation. Most people will be understanding of your current employment situation because there are so many others in the exact same spot. Hang in there and good luck.

Anonymous

06/15/20 at 5:31PM UTC

I love this template idea! Thanks so much for sharing, Taylor!

Megan Pikaard

Creative Real Estate Professional in NYC

06/12/20 at 2:27PM UTC (Edited)

I am so sorry you lost your job - especially during the pandemic. I also just lost my job a few weeks ago as a result of these events. Although I was totally not ready to be laid off and need income, I am trying to use this time as a gift to really explore what I want to do next - because if anything, this pandemic has put my career desires front and center where I cannot ignore them anymore. (Disclaimer: I am not telling you to do these things - but I am saying this is what's helping me right now and what I'm telling myself at this moment to get through it and stay positive in order to radiate some confidence when it comes time to interview.) You said you are totally unprepared - but I bet you are way more prepared than you think. You said you were used to being in control of your next steps before - and I know it feels now like it's completely out of your control but if you take a breath and look deeply, you are in the same amount of control as if you left voluntarily. You really are! You couldn't control the "when" you left -but now you are in total control of the next when - and where - and most importantly - the "why." Wondering what you will do next doesn't have to feel the same as ruminating about it. Wondering means playing - playing with options and being in process. These concepts help refocus your confidence b/c you have added potential to your predicament. Because you have no job, you are actually not sitting stagnant - but you are wondering and playing with options for the future - which is such a positive experience to create out of the circumstances. Thinking this way keeps the confidence up as you research what's out there. Give yourself time to wonder (while you continue self care!!) Also, it's important during your job search to make lists - which aid in the feeling of control. I keep lists of not only what I built and managed at my old employer but also my needs, wants, interests, skills (hard and soft), even words I like to use to describe all of the above - so when it comes time to write cover letters or correspond with people, I already have a catalog of what essentially describes my objectives and offerings. It's like Mad Libs to flesh out your story. It also builds up that confidence to see everything on one page describing yourself and what you stand for. The lists also help when writing or re-writing your resume or filling out your profiles on FGB, LinkedIn, etc. The lists help you narrow down your job search online by giving you search words as well. Just start there. It's overwhelming to do much more at this time. Pace yourself. Just the act of consolidating your essence on the page is very helpful as a mediation on your life. And remember - you are enough. Someone will see all those beautiful things about you and that will be where you land - with people who see you and the wonderful things you bring to the table.

Anonymous

06/15/20 at 5:31PM UTC

So sorry to hear you've lost your job as well! I definitely need to give myself more time to wonder and I love the Mad Lib catalog-like idea! Thanks so much fo all of the words of encouragement and wishing you all of the best.

Linda Kappauf

Learning & Development Professional

06/10/20 at 5:52PM UTC

Very sorry to hear about your lay-off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With 15 years of experience, I hope you will be confident and proud of the fact that you have numerous skills and talents which can be transferred and shared with any organization. Think outside the box - since you do not have to stay in the same industry as before. Along with the excellent networking advice mentioned in the posts above, I would look carefully at the desired skills listed on job postings in your field of expertise and see if you may need to learn something new or add to your skills toolbox in order to be more competitive. LinkedIn Learning is a wonderful source for training and has several free offerings. I would also look into online Continuing Education courses offered at your local Community College since they are reasonably priced. Most of all try to be kind to yourself and stay positive! I have been through 3 downsizing/layoff situations throughout my career and as I look back each move has definitely been for the best. Much like Cher, I have had to reinvent myself along the way but it’s all a part of life’s journey. Wishing you much success and happiness along your career journey!

Anonymous

06/15/20 at 5:29PM UTC

Cheers to reinventing yourself! And thanks so much for the advice and resource ideas. Very helpful!

Jill Kepler-Fritter

06/10/20 at 4:38PM UTC

20+ years ago, I was laid off after 10 years with a company, in which I had risen to VP. At that time I too realized I had done a great job working for them, but had not served myself well, and was not well networked. I swore that would never happen again. So I spent the intervening years networking and building a support network. I too was just recently laid off again, after 18 years. This time, I was prepared. You need to actively reach out to every person you know (personal or business) and let them know you are looking, and specifically what you are looking for, and where. If you are on LinkedIn, print out your contact list, and start at the top and work down. Here is the important thing, especially if you aren't well networked, for each contact you make, ask them to introduce you to someone else for the purpose of networking. For each job you apply to online, find someone you know, or someone a contact of yours knows, at that company. And then ask them to get your resume to the hiring manager. If you don't have the correct keywords in your resume, it may never make it out of HR, without assistance. And just keep going. You get to reconnect with a lot of great people from your past, and meet some new amazing and supportive people along the way. Some days it feels like 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. But stay positive for the blessings in your life and just keep going! Best of success in your search! I am still looking after 2 months, but remain POSITIVE! Last note - remember that networking is a two way street. Remember to thank everyone who helped you along the way, and always be willing to assist others as they search or need assistance! Cheers!

Anonymous

06/15/20 at 5:28PM UTC

Definitely need to get better with actively reaching out to who I know! Thanks much for all of the positive advice.

Lady Pele

3.96k

Retired Project Manager

06/10/20 at 12:39PM UTC

I understand your position. I was with a company 20 years, had excellent reviews and fully expected to retire with them. Then in my late fifties, I was part of a large corporate downsizing. After bringing my resume up-to-date in both information and format and making sure I had a good LinkedIn profile, I targeted some companies and was able to sign up for new position openings on their website. I also heavily used Indeed and Glassdoor and signed up for alerts (I wasn't on FGB yet). In addition, I researched the typical interview questions (many are "tell me a time when...") and made sure I was prepared to answer them. Don't forget your 1-2 minute response to "tell me about yourself". You've got this!

Anonymous

06/15/20 at 5:27PM UTC

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and the encouraging thoughts! Very motivating, LadyPele!

Anonymous

06/09/20 at 6:36PM UTC

I know this may not be the greatest time to "get out there", but have you considered or put more energy into a side hustle? It's a great way to focus on something you've wanted to do and didn't have the time for (you do now). Plus it's easier to network now with your hustle. Standing alone in a conference room with a name tag and small talk is the WORST - and now you're killing 2 birds with one stone. Networking and hustling! It's the profession of the future. :) Best of luck to you.

Anonymous

06/15/20 at 5:27PM UTC

Great points, AnneM. Yes, I have considered thoughts about a side hustle and am just trying to figure out how to balance my time better between life, job hunting and potentially creating something new on my own. Thanks for the reminder!

Kristin Greene

236

Future of Higher Education & Workplace Learning

06/09/20 at 6:26PM UTC

Hi Anonymous. In many ways I feel the same way you do. I've never guided my career - just went from opportunity to opportunity and now that strategy isn't working anymore. Merlinda gave such great advice. The one thing I'll say is that it is hard to focus and do a job well when you are also focused on your next job. I think that framing is hard. The way I think of it is I want to stay curious and on the leading edge of whatever industry I'm in. That leads me to network, go to virtual conferences, complete virtual badges, etc. You've got experience and you have a story. Apply those to new work situations. Help future employers see why they should value you at their organizations!

Anonymous

06/15/20 at 5:26PM UTC

Thanks so much for the advice, Klg05!

LEANNE TOBIAS

4.14k

Investment real estate/sustainability

06/09/20 at 6:23PM UTC

@Merlinda Lucas (above) has said it perfectly! You have been a *success* for 15 years— not many have always moved on, on their own terms. Celebrate that this has been your experience. To expand your network: consider joining a professional group or groups in your industry and participate in (presumably virtual at this time) networking events. Continue as the economy opens up. Do you have past colleagues whom you can draw upon as resources? If yes, an industry connection of mine just sent all of her connections note saying that she was leaving her company due to CoViD cutbacks and that she is looking for a new role. She provided her contact info and LinkedIn and said that she would love to hear from people as she transitions.

Merlinda C. Lucas

Project Manager | Small Talk Enthusiast

06/09/20 at 5:58PM UTC

I'm sorry you lost your job. In this season it is especially daunting. But good news is there are a lot of great resources here on FGB that can help. First, please remove 'should' from your self talk. The way you talk to yourself is the primary way to be successful in everything in life. Secondly, you were a BOSS in your career having always moved up on your terms. Congrats girl! Not many people have the courage to be that active and take the initiative in their career. Finally, please give yourself some grace. This season is really great for grace. You're on the right path here on FGB, networking, reaching out for help. There are great virtual events here, such as Finding The Hidden Jobs Market: How To Set Yourself Apart From The Competition tomorrow (June 10th)! All the best in your search! You got this ??!

Anonymous

06/09/20 at 6:08PM UTC

Thank you for the helpful feedback, the webinar idea and words of encouragement, Merlinda! Really appreciate it.

Mindy Green

441

On Air Beauty Expert, MUA, Hair Stylist

06/09/20 at 5:48PM UTC

I’m sorry you lost your job during this pandemic. I’ve been fortunate not to have lost a job, but I’ve definitely moved around to a few companies during my career. One good thing is that Linked In is always open, so start now updating your profile and connecting with people at companies you’re interested in working. See what leads employees may have on potential job openings. FGB has a career section and option to have your resume reviewed. I’d take advantage of that. Also, take advantage of any unemployment benefits. I thought there were some unemployment programs for job training or career placement activities. Last, remember that you are still valuable and losing a job isn’t anything personal against you. These things happen, so remember everything amazing that you brought to the table at your last employer and lead with it! Best wishes on your job search.