I was laid off yesterday. I feel completely overwhelmed and I can't concentrate on anything. All I keep thinking about is the layoff and if there's anything I could have done differently to keep my job. If you were in a similar position, how did you keep yourself focused? I need to start looking for a job and in this state, that's just not going to happen.
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I am 100% sure that after a couple of months you will feel happy you were forced to look for another job, and discover that there many great employers out there. I have big respect for Sabre, but they cant stop with the lay offs. That indicates that management is not doing a good job managing that, which is the first thing you are learning in a business management school. You re the best no worries !
One more thing: don't let your mind play tricks on you. It might be hard to see now, but you will get better. Reach out for help when necessary. You are not alone and people around you might see solutions that your mind doesn't allow you to see. Take time and take care!
The “it’s not personal it’s business” it’s such a horrible mantra and I’m just sick of hearing it over and over again to justify being a greedy di@k. But when you really think of it and read some science, in big organizations under current economic model, it’s people with psychopathic traits who bubble up and thrive. It just cannot be any other way if we don’t change the model. It’s the highest time for US to realize that the whole American dream, rags to riches, is for you to live in a fairy tale that you can become one of the gods, and not question the status quo
Always keep in mind that this layoff is not personal, it's business. Keep your chin up and focus on forward momentum!
Apply at a dispensary. You’ll feel better
First - give yourself a week (or a day, or whatever works) to go through all the stages of grief. You're allowed to be sad/mad, this sucks and it's not your fault. Binge watch something for a couple of days or take a walk on a nature trail (honestly, the best medicine!!!. Then start moving. Set small goals, like "Day 1, update resume and check 2 websites for job openings". As silly as it sounds, taking small steps and checking things off a list can really help. Don't forget to read your severance package carefully for important dates (last day to sign up for COBRA, rollover your 401k to an IRA, etc.) Take EVERYTHING they offer, if they are offering anything! Use all their services like free headhunters, resume updates, any classes that might update or legitimize your skills. See if any local junior college has a summer class or certificate that might be helpful. Reach out to friends at other companies as a referral. You can do this, just break down what is needed into tasks and start tackling them. Best of luck to you all.
Years ago we had a big layoff. It might have been AA. Back then there was a "Thank You" program where you'd get a big gold foil star (like kindergarten!) for each thank you. You collected them on a certificate and when you got 'X' stars the certificate was worth a monetary reward.
There was a woman in the office who was super helpful keeping the wheels greased and everything running smoothly. We all loved her. I went by her cube to check on her the day after the lay-off and she was gone, of course. But every wall in her cube was plastered with completed "Thank You" certificates.
That about sums it up.
I have been laid off twice.
1st time around 2009 and I had no kids or mortgage to worry. I was saddened, but it wasn't that painful. My bills were low and didn't own a home which would anchor me to a city or state.
2nd time around 2017-18 it was a lot difficult and stressful. I have kids, mortgage, home, high bills to a much needed insurance(COBRA hurts at the end). It was around holidays so interviews were rare to come.
One advise that helped me was to have the LinkedIn premium(1st month might be free) that allows you to message anyone on LinkedIn, not just your connections. And people respond more swiftly on linkedIn than emails. Use your network to request someone internal to the company to refer you, that often assures you an interview and you will need to request & remind people.
this company has just laid off some of its very best employees, and massive in depth knowledge and experience which cannot be replaced. Have that in mind, this was not you or anything you did. Take some of that money, get on an airplane and go somewhere you love or would like to visit. Get you favorite beverage, lift your glass and wish yourself a better future
Very positive posts, Nothing can really say that has not been said.
Do not beat Yoursef up , What has happen was not Your fault.
Positive attitude and Stay focused.
Not sure where you are located but, for those in DFW, there is a great, large, networking group (FREE) that meets once a week - Southlake Focus Group. People from all levels, industries, education that are currently looking for new opportunities gather and share leads. Assistance with resume drafting, interviews, elevator pitches and just good conversation are available to keep you grounded and supported.
One thing for sure, this is NOT the end of the world. Get some me time where you can cry and rest a little and then focus on getting your unemployment benefit. Then start updating your resume. One step at a time. I went through few layoffs myself and know this may feel like a mountain but its just a hill once you cross it. Things will change for better just hang in there and do right things.
It is ok to take time away to deal with this. Remember, although pretty sad story, Menke and the rest received a bonus on the day of layoffs. This simply justifies that this company was not worth the time and investment from your behalf. There are many opportunities out there and much better in companies that value employees and don't lie to them repeatedly as this company did over the past few years. It certainly not the best someone to experience but it is what it is and it happens to everyone at least once in their career time. Regroup, take a deep breath, believe to yourself and your skills and competencies and you will excel on the next journey. Sadly this company is a lost card long time now.. avoid having negative thoughts that you could do better and thus this would kept you the job. You will raise like a phoenix and you will see the grass is indeed greener on the other side. If this company valued people they wouldn't repeatedly treat them with lies, layoffs and other nonsense over the course of time... keep it up. you and anyone else in your position
The first time is always the hardest. I've been laid off 3 times now and none were due to my performance. If you can afford to take some time off, do it to decompress and unwind. Know your worth and don't sell yourself short on your next gig. Things well get better!
I didn’t. It took me a solid week to recover. Playing, reading, being absolutely useless - healing and recovering. It was brutal, but however cliché it sounds - found a better job, higher pay, nicer people. Good luck!