I was laid off at work today. Not just me – it was a big layoff, the company isn’t doing well, largely because of the government sequester and shutdown. Even though I was on the commercial side, the huge decrease in government orders hurt everybody.
Anyway, I’m still in daze because I just got the news a few hours ago.
I have a lot of contacts in this industry so with some networking and a little bit of luck I’m sure I’ll find something eventually. I get calls from recruiters all the time.
Suranyi, you have a big mental hug and some hand-holding from me. I have been through this mill on three occasions - twice at this time of year. You may want to consider rushing out and see if you can pick up a part-time gig for the holidays to stretch unemployment a bit further (always a good just-in-case option). Or you may want to take a short breather to figure out if you want to stay in your line of work or go elsewhere.
I found that a layoff was a great time to call employed friends in related industries and invite them to take their newly-unemployed friend out to lunch. This technique gets you networking right away. Plus, you get to renew old acquaintances. It’s a bonus even if you do pay for your own lunch.
Truly, I am sorry that this happened to you. If you need anything: encouragement, job leads, bad jokes, ideas, you know we are here for you.
That really sucks. I was laid off from my first job after college back in February. Worse yet, I couldn’t get a recommendation because the company has a policy about not giving recommendations to anyone, regardless of job performance/circumstances of departure.
After six months of unemployment/temping, I have a higher paying job with a company that’s a better fit for me. I know it feels crappy now, but you got to keep your head up. Career-wise, this could be the best thing that happened to you.
I’m sorry, that truly sucks. Having been there myself 3x, sometimes it takes 2-7 days for the shock/anger/disbelief to subside, please don’t beat yourself up about not getting over it right away like I did. I thought that I would bounce back and was annoyed when I didn’t as fast as I thought I should.
Pulling for you to find employment as soon as you are ready to…
I’ve been receiving a lot of support from all over. Even my former boss sent me an email in which he apologized for the circumstances and said it wasn’t up to him – he was given a list of names. He’d give me a glowing recommendation anytime I asked for it, in fact he’d rehire me as soon as the company’s financial situation turned around
Also, I already got a call from a recruiter who says he’s very interested in me.
However, I’ve been through this before, so I know not to get my hopes up too fast.
Been there twice. Landed on my feet fairly quickly both times. Just left another company before they can be number 3. It was one of the first ones mentioned in the Any current companies you see circling the bowl? thread.
It sounds like you’re well networked, and will be ok. But I’ll throw a “good luck” at you just in case!
