Like most I am worried about being laid off.
What advice can you think of for those who may not be in the best headspace of the worst happens.
Trying to ask a somewhat positive and practical question. I have many issues with the logic of some choices I’m aware of but they may end up being a different thread sometime.
But don’t throw anything in anger. The two times I was layed off I created a huge hole in the drywall and another one in a kitchen cabinet. Of course I learned a lot about home repair so it wasn’t all that bad. It’s also a good test for a marriage.
1) make an appointment w/Dr. Daniel or Dr. Beam.
2) wake up the next day feeling like butt, shower, apologize to your family/friends/police, and nap.
3) hooray! It’s the weekend! Enjoy some outside time.
4) start looking for a new gig on Monday.
Power wash your driveway front and back weekly even when it is already bleach white. Cut your grass even when there is no grass to cut- just to chop up winter debris. Scrub and whiten your tile grout lines by hand one by one. Paint your base boards one by one. Put WD/40 on every door hinge and ceiling fan you can find. Spray weed ki-ler along all fence line so there is less to edge in the spring and you don’t have to chew up fence boards. Build an outdoor storage shed by hand. Hose off your outside HVAC units so they are ready to go for the spring. Walk everywhere you would typically drive within reason- there isn’t better months to be outside unemployed.
@a6 I was in a similar situation.
One thing not emphasized here is to maintain your professional network. That was the main thing I used to find subsequent roles. Unfortunately, there are many fake roles on LinkedIn and the real ones are overwhelmed with other applicants and AI bots applying for people.
Competition will be very high locally and be willing to relocate. This applies mainly for Houston and Anchorage people. Also, do not expect to walk right back into a Senior or higher job role with equivalent pay to what you had. That may take years to regain (if ever).
There will be a new normal, but it will likely involve a much lower stress level and more time for you and your family, and that is okay. I’m sorry for those going through this now.
1) Take care of your family. They will be critical in supporting you through this crisis.
2) Work on finances and if you don’t know where your money is going start keeping a spreadsheet with expenses. Log every single receipt and categorize to prioritize expenses. Costs are the only thing you can control until you get another source of income.
3) Keep up your business wardrobe. You will need it for in-person job interviews if they still do those.
4) Maintain your professional society memberships and stay in touch with people.
There are many others but the main themes are action and positivity.
Houston Garden Center is hiring. Christmas tree season.
Agree with @a6 to both take the time to clear your head and then treat the job search as your real job - with limits though. There are diminishing returns from sitting in front of your computer for 10 hours a day and refreshing LinkedIn. Make a schedule, and spend good time each day working on your job search, but also spend time contributing where you are able to add immediate value. If you live with a family, that might look like doing the meal planning and grocery shopping or coordinating the home maintenance that needs doing. Outside your family unit, look for opportunities to volunteer. It can be hard to want to go out in the world, but giving back will help your headspace and is also a great way to network and even pick up new skills. It's hard. No doubt. But being vulnerable about your situation and asking for help when you need it also opens doors - there's great courage in sharing with someone that you don't know the next step, and it gives others the opportunity to step up and help you.
Just retire. It is pretty easy living if you can afford it.
@a6 My advice - start being proactive and not only update your resume now but actively hob search now as if you were let go. Sounds crazy, but is it? Get a feel for what is out there. Talk to prospective companies … set up some zoom interviews and if you do get let go - you will have zero downtime.
When I got laid off I had not updated my resume in years, and it took me a lot of time to update it with my work history. Before you get let go, you might want to document all the different titles/roles you’ve had, all the job responsibilities & achievements you’ve had while here, etc.. it will be a lot easier to look it up while you still have network access.
Identify as many job search websites as you can. Prepare yourself as much as possible now, because you will be in shock if/when you get the phone call…
In my case, I had to take a few days to clear my head, before I could even start updating my resume. My mind was blown…. And the whole time I was trying to clear my head I was upset with myself for not getting my job search on.
Take the time you need to clear your head, and then hit the job search hard. Searching will be your new job, and spend as much time as possible each day, searching and applying for jobs.
Good luck to you - I hope you don’t need it, but I wish you well if you do get let go.
Actually I wish everyone well - this has been a heavy and well publicized piece of news, and I’m sorry to see it happen.