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Laid Off Executive - Will I ever find a new opportunity
I was laid off from a major media company after my maternity leave last fall. I was an executive in the Integrated Marketing Department for a bunch of cable networks. Now I'm completely freaking out about what's going on with the economy and the media landscape changing daily. How should I continue to network and follow up on applications without coming off as insensitive? I need a job ASAP!
Hi Rebeca,
YES, of course you will find something new! And whoever hires you is luck to have ya. You might have seen this but I’d love to invite you to our new professional profile (which is different than your current community profile) and quick apply feature –– which gives you closer access to recruiters who are actively looking to hire more women.
These features helps you avoid the job application black hole by receiving updates on your application status in real-time and the option to message the company directly after submitting your profile (link below).
Thank so much for sharing. Please let me know if you have any questions, best of luck with your search and please keep us posted!
https://fairygodboss.com/users/job-profile?LAC=UGC&LAT=JSP
Yes, you will! In fact, I just went through at least 10 media job postings during my own job search that I don't qualify for this past week alone, so I'm happy to pass them along if you'd like.
I was feeling the same way. Also laid off by a media company. I was just offered a work from home position today. Don't lose hope. This pandemic, as horrible as it is, is actually creating opportunities.
Are you open to working remotely permanently? I use virtualvocations and flexjobs (neither is free) as well as all the typical job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, and a lot of new ones that have popped up like neuvoo.com, jobrapido. Give it a try. I am still seeing jobs posted for remote opportunities, and I've been applying to them all.
I am so sorry this happened to you. It's supposed to be the most joyful time of your life, and it still is! Try not to let it take that way from you. I know it's a terrible time but I'm focusing on only thinking about what I want and not at all about what I don't want or are afraid of. I know it's not easy to do. We are never taught to do this. But it most certainly works. In time, you'll do it by default.
Think of it as what you do when you go to a restaurant and order a dish. You would never rattle off all the dishes you don't want. Only what you do want. Try it. And never stop trying it until it becomes habit. They say it takes 30 days to develop a habit. Do it!
Anyway, I do think a lot of companies may start opening up remote options for employees. They'll be able to see the tremendous amount of money they can save on overhead. I wish you all the best.
I love that quotation. Will sticky note it to my screen. Nice daily reminder that it's not just about the destination, but the journey. I have severance, but I would love to be able to save that money for a rainy day (guess those days are here now...)
Rebeca I definitely hear you my job search has been challenging as well and questions, doubts and anxiety have populated my thought. What is helping me is to create a plan, task list which helps me to remain focus on the goal : "find a job ASAP". Don't let distractors burn your energy.
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." Walt Disney
I completely understand your situation, as I am in a similar situation. I was laid off in November and was finally getting traction after sweating out the quiet holiday season. As a single mom with two kids to care for, it's hard not to freak out. I've been trying to still apply and network via Zoom (e.g. Zoom coffee - happy to do one with you :)). For jobs that I'm in the queue for, I've asked gently if they have a status. Honestly, they have all been on hold. Hoping that as this is the 2nd week and the new "normal" for a few weeks, maybe things will start to even out a bit.
I would love to connect - thank you for the solidarity. I have been reaching out in as much of a non-threatening way. Some are responding saying things are on hold, others are ghosting.
These are interesting times, true. But freaking out won't do much except take away the energy you want for better things. I see a lot of demand for experienced marketing people still. It might be a good time to have your resume professionally updated and start working on your network on LinkedIn. That said, it's a very slow hiring process right now. If you need to work asap, consider offering your expertise to a consulting firm or two to hold you until that next major position clicks.
I appreciate the advice. I was given access to an outplacement firm so they rewrote my Linkedin and my resume. I was emailing 10 people a week asking for coffees or introductions, but I think I may focus a bit on Linkedin learning/networking and consulting, as you suggest.
I am so on board with more learning. Reinvent yourself. Gain more knowledge!