Laid off after 5 years.

Lina

September 22,2022 at 12:42PM UTC

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Laid off after 5 years. Myself and a colleague, just saw the organization through all the growing pains of a program transformation, including working all during the pandemic. I was responsible for training all the current staff, coaching all the adult students and educating them about living in recovery and developing new Life Skills, and suddenly... Position Eliminated.

Why? Poor financial management (not in the nonprofits budget) and a change of optics; they decided to use what work we've done developing the peer staff to change the program and eliminate both of the professional staff.

It happened Tuesday and I've already gotten back in the saddle. UI, updated resume (again), and the absolute mind-numbing grind of applying for jobs. I am 57 years old, seasoned, professional and passionate about my work, and I'm terrified.

This moment will pass and I'll move right back into doing what I need to do. But for a moment, I need to feel the anger because the program I was a major part of for 5 years, and developed everything from curriculum to policy to other aspects of its current incarnation, just dumped me.

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Shelly EdwardsSeptember 22,2022 at 1:45PM UTC
Unfortunately this seems to happen quite often and it sucks. Companies will use employees to develop a strong program, policy set, process or whatever, and then hire cheaper staff to run the programs they developed. I'm sorry this happened to you. I appreciate the anger behind closed doors and it is justified, just make sure you don't bring it into interviews. I've seen that happen and it leads to additional loss for the candidate. I wish you luck in your new job journey!
AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 3:30PM UTC
This just sucks. No words other than these decisions are not personal. You will survive but I agree with the strategy to feel the pain and anger.
AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 3:35PM UTC
I would also be upset and confused regarding their decision to lay you all off, especially when you have stayed loyal to being there. The job searching journey isn't easy but try to stay focused on your career goals, network with like minded individuals, and keep your head up!
AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 4:02PM UTC
Adelina, I am sorry this happened to you. I'm in a similar situation. Joined a startup, worked my tush off as a member of the senior leadership team. Took a "salary deferral" when things got tough in the bootstrapped company. Meanwhile, the company is mismanaging the money, with concerns being dismissed. They bring a new CEO in who lays 3 of us off within a matter of weeks to try to extend the runway. Now she's posting that when they raise $, they plan to hire staff. I'm in my 50s too and finding it's a tough environment, even though I've proven my agility.
There will be good days and bad days and I wish you the best in landing a new, hopefully better role.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachSeptember 22,2022 at 4:19PM UTC
You are spot on. Let that anger be there. You're supposed to feel it. Process it, and then get busy finding something that might even be a better match for you. If you want help finding something better that might be an even better match for you, I can help you without making it feel like the absolute grind. Just comment here and I'll share my details with you!
Jackie RukaSeptember 23,2022 at 1:58AM UTC
You have every right to be angry, that is perfectly natural.
And 57 is young , you have an expertise that can be leveraged and utilized as a consultant or mentor for other organizations. Package yourself as an expert and not someone who lost a job . There is so much more out there for you!
AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 6:49AM UTC
Adelina, you have every right to feel furious and vent here. So sorry that this happened to you!
But also: congratulations are in order because you are moving forward so decisively. Kudos! You are most impressive.