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Laid Off?

posted at 3/18/2009 2:49 PM EDT

Amy_Adkins

First post: 1/11/2008
Last post: 5/29/2009
Total posts: 14

Layoffs are becoming more common as companies are forced to reduce staff in order to stay in business.

Have you or someone close to you been laid off? Are you a manager who has had to let go of staff?

What advice do you have for laid-off employees looking for work in this slow economy?

What resources have helped you during this time? How difficult has it been to find work?

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Re: Laid Off?

posted at 3/19/2009 4:51 PM EDT

tunatofu

First post: 7/25/2007
Last post: 11/19/2009
Total posts: 400

Replying to:

Layoffs are becoming more commonplace as more companies are being forced to reduce staff in order to stay in business.

Have you or someone close to you ever been laid off? Are you a manager who has had to let go of staff? What advice do you have for laid-off employees looking for work in this slow economy? What resources have helped you during this time? How difficult has it been to find work?
Posted by Amy_Adkins

Oddly, while my company has laid off some manufacturing and redundant corporate positions, they are now threatening those of us on Defense Contracts with layoffs if we dont agree to significant paycuts. The work we do is in demand, the customers will keep on giving us work, we have long term contracts with the government for hard-to-fill positions, and frankly, our division of the company isnt in any financial trouble. So why do WE have to take paycuts? I am tempted to refuse the paycut and see if I actually DO get laid off, which I highly doubt.

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seek short-term work to cover your job search period

posted at 3/23/2009 7:58 AM EDT

kn123

First post: 9/16/2008
Last post: 11/11/2009
Total posts: 7

I was laid off in February. For the first two weeks, I focused on finding some project work rather than applying for FT permanent positions.

My strategy paid off. While I'm still on severance, I'm working on a 10 week project. In this job market, I've found that even companies that advertise open positions are being very slow to hire, but there's a lot of project and contract work out there. So right now I'm building up a cushion, and I hope to secure a new permanent position soon after the project ends. And I'm doing something enjoyable in the meantime.

The only two downsides are that, in the 4 weeks I was at home, I got used to attending daytime exercise classes, and I have to squeeze my job search into evenings, weekends and lunch hours.

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Get ready.....

posted at 3/23/2009 8:41 AM EDT

chemguy1157

First post: 12/7/2007
Last post: 11/5/2009
Total posts: 81

Looking for a job is a full time job. Eat well, get sleep, exercise. Let everyone (and I mean everyone) know you are looking for work. There is no shame based on this economy. Make your pitch something straight forward, and non-technical that everyone can repeat on your behalf. Have a series of family meetings to let your spouse, kids, parents, and siblings know what is going on.
Financially, cover your assets. You should already have some money set aside. If not, start now. Examine any termination papers / contracts with a lawyer and a financial advisor. Carefully apply for unemployment, there are some tricky questions.
If you have advance notice, pay off debt or make advance payments on taxes, insurance premiums, etc.
Confirm any questions in writing with your firm, and follow up on any promises. If they won't confirm in writing, send a note with your understanding. Look at benefits (e.g., life insurance) you may be losing, and determine how you can replace them.
Get counseling from an outplacement firm. Maybe this is included in your severance. Maybe you can get this from your state. Let them help you polish your resume, interviewing skills, career focus, etc.

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Changing careers

posted at 3/23/2009 9:13 AM EDT

megola3000

First post: 3/23/2009
Last post: 10/29/2009
Total posts: 3

The day after I was laid off (a couple of years ago), I started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and then I went back to school to learn construction project management. This led to a new career with a commercial construction company. The only downside was the big pay cut for starting out in an entry-level job.

A layoff can be an opportunity to switch to a career where you enjoy going to work every day.

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Re: Get ready.....

posted at 3/23/2009 9:19 AM EDT

megola3000

First post: 3/23/2009
Last post: 10/29/2009
Total posts: 3

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The Job Wasn't Yours Anyway

posted at 3/23/2009 10:58 PM EDT

Paladin12

First post: 8/21/2007
Last post: 3/23/2009
Total posts: 2

Years ago, a very wise co-worker compared working on a job to watching an exclusive sporting match. Learn as much as you can and enjoy what you are doing to the utmost. You are a guest. Treat everyone and everything as a gift and an honor.

I have learned to look for the opportunities life deals me and make the most of them. That has led me to become actively involved in civic organizations such as Rotary, the Habitat for Humanity. Passion and a quest for excellence doesn't immediately provide money but it does offer infusions of new skills, acquaintances and self-confidence.

Belonging to professional organizations and working for committees makes one feel that he/she is working even though they are not being paid. Such activities provide an answer to Human
Resource Recruiter doubts about the currency of skills or the lack of initiative.

Seminars I have sold and presented have enabled me to accomplish objectives I could not have conceived doing on jobs. When you take initiative and approach others about helping with a project, you would be surprised at how many experience and seasoned people will help make you efforts a success.

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Non-P closed 7 months ago

posted at 3/24/2009 11:25 AM EDT

rassclaut2

First post: 3/24/2009
Last post: 3/24/2009
Total posts: 1

I have been look for 7 months. I was able to land a 4 months gig thru a friend. I am looking for a Bookkeeping; Executive Asst.; Events Coordinator; Office Manager position. I am going back to college, to get my CPA certification. I will do nights; weekend temp to hire; data entry; Bookkeeping from home using Quickbooks (advance level). I am hooked up with Temp Agencies but nothing so far.
I am going out of my mind. How about you.

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Lay offs suck

posted at 3/24/2009 6:13 PM EDT

tonyfromwmu

First post: 3/24/2009
Last post: 3/24/2009
Total posts: 1

I got laid off as a corrections officer in another state, after five months on the job. It is definately heartbreaking, having gone thru a rigorous training program that was both physically and mentally challenging, to have my job snipped in the twink of an eye. Although the furlough is not permanent per se, the time off is nerve wracking...and boring. My advice for anyone who is laid off: the first week, take a small vacation...and some time for yourself. Get your head on straight before going back out there. There are a lot of exciting opportunities out there...sometimes being laid off is a blessing in disguise.

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Re: Laid Off?

posted at 3/24/2009 8:37 PM EDT

treehows

First post: 3/24/2009
Last post: 3/24/2009
Total posts: 1

One of the first things to do is begin thinking as if the money you have is all the money you will have. In other words, get frugal.
Then look around for an old person whom you think is wise and ask them for tips. Listen to what they say. That will help you with shepherding the assets you have.
Network with people you know. Call old employers, and while you are looking for the next great job, take whatever you can get. Believe it or not, those folks that mow yards make quite a bit of cash.

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Advice

posted at 3/27/2009 2:52 PM EDT

dejanero1

First post: 3/27/2009
Last post: 7/22/2009
Total posts: 2

I was laid off a second time back in July 08. This time I was better prepared. I saved 8 years vacation leave that had to be paid upon my leaving. That was exactly why I saved it, just in case the rug was pulled out from under me?! This time however, getting a new position is very hard if not almost impossible given so many are looking. My advice is to utilize many angles in your search such as Headhunters, Job fairs, networking, unemployment office staff looking for you as well as internet, classifieds, temp to perm services and any other method to getting a job. Perserverance is the key. It will take a minimum of 6 months but do diligence will pay off. I practiced what I preached and ended up with a federal job! No more lay offs for me to have to endure!!

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Re: Advice

posted at 3/27/2009 3:09 PM EDT

abbyeaiken

First post: 3/27/2009
Last post: 3/27/2009
Total posts: 1

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My advice, such that it is

posted at 3/27/2009 10:46 PM EDT

qwertyman

First post: 3/27/2009
Last post: 3/27/2009
Total posts: 1

I was laid off on September 15th and successfully landed a new job six weeks later.

Advice I would have?

1) Don't expect to negotiate any severance package or extension of benefits with your soon-to-be ex-employer. It was a take it or leave it experience for me. The severance agreement was outrageous, but I had no option but to sign it.

2) Unemployment insurance benefits are a paltry -- the maximum weekly benefit in Maryland is $380 and you have to pay taxes on the benefits. While they are helpful, don't delude yourself that unemployment insurance will pay your bills in any meaningful way.

3) When filing unemployment benefits the state will only look at severance payments to determine when your benefits start. Accrued vacation or sick leave that is paid out is not factored into when the benefits start (at least it wasn't for me, and I had a determination hearing.)

4) Make sure you are prepared to leave all your work products behind. Most likely your network account will be terminated when you are notified and you will be given a few minutes to pack and get out Files, emails, contacts will be lost. I am not suggesting that you steal confidential information from your employer, but there is some information that is legitimately yours that will be lost. Be prepared.

5) You have less than one day to grieve, express your anger, be depressed, be in denial, etc,, then you have to start looking for work. Your emotions are important and you can't ignore them, but you cannot let them paralyze you.

6) You have to have daily goals -- number of resumes sent out, calls made, etc., every single day -- Sunday though Saturday.

7) My first interview after I was laid off was a complete waste of time -- I sucked and they knew it. Obviously, I didn't get a job offer. But going forward, I did much better.

8) Ask head hunters and search firms for feedback on your resume, cover letter, job prospects, etc. Think of it as free guidance counseling.

9) Remember that something will come up -- just persevere

Good luck to all job hunters!

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Re: Laid Off?

posted at 3/29/2009 11:13 AM EDT

coloradodog

First post: 3/29/2009
Last post: 3/29/2009
Total posts: 2

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Re: Laid Off?

posted at 3/29/2009 11:35 AM EDT

coloradodog

First post: 3/29/2009
Last post: 3/29/2009
Total posts: 2

Don't despair or panic. Guard your health by eating and sleeping well. Don't drink or use any other drugs to self-medicate. Any extra time you have now while not looking for a job can be used for exercise - walking is great therapy. See and talk to your friends. Don't become a hermit or use your credit cards to maintain the same lifestyle you had before.

Redefine yourself. What do you really want to do? As doors close, others open. I wanted to teach when I retired just like the CEO of my former company who will probably never get the opportunity.

After being a superstar rainmaker in the telecom and internet industries for 25 years, I found myself thrown away at the age of 54 when my company decided to save money by replacing me with someone younger who hadn't yet risen to my pay level. My ex-wife was adamant about never wanting to speak to me again (something she regretted later before she died at 56) and my assets and bank account were almost depleted by worthless, incompetent uncaring Fairfax divorce lawyers (all three of them). My sons in their late 20's realized the couldn't go to the well for my money anymore and stopped calling, too.

I moved to Mexico and started to teach English. I didn't speak Spanish and never taught before but I didn't let these things scare me out of the opportunity to do what I wanted. Albeit I am not paid much, things are less expensive here and I enjoy life much more. It's a relief to get away from the toxic theocracy that once was America and I have a new extended family of over 30 best friends who laugh, love, play, hope and suffer with me. Life for me is simpler and much more austere but I feel like I'm really living now instead of being an old has-been who was tossed off the tread-mill after 25 years in a harsh, intolerant America with high costs for rent, taxes and insurance without health care or future security.

When I'm old and sick here, no one will throw me in a home. Families here take care of their old and sick themselves and if I get sick or hurt the first priority will be my medical care instead of searching my injured or unconscious body for a health insurance card first.

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Laid Off

posted at 3/29/2009 7:01 PM EDT

Dead-eye

First post: 3/29/2009
Last post: 3/29/2009
Total posts: 1

Even if you take all precautions in anticipation, it's a shock. Don't panic. Insist on a severence package. Do NOT run to an executive coach. I made this mistake and they played on my situation. Cost me more than $12,000 and got me NOTHING.

I was able to rely on past business associates to develop a small consulting deal that lasted a year; and, resulted in full time employment. Good deal if you can get it. Also, contact everyone you know, including colleagues, friends, etc from the distant past. Good source of leads.

If you are 6-figure person, plan on 12-15 months to get something fully comparable to what you had. That was my experience. Take care of yourself too, as you probably have others depending on you.

While I am giving this advise, my own employer is looking to layoff 1,000 occupied positions. One day I have my job, the next day its absorbed somewhere else, the next day its back. I may be right there with you. Good Luck

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Re: Laid Off

posted at 3/31/2009 2:39 PM EDT

tunatofu

First post: 7/25/2007
Last post: 11/19/2009
Total posts: 400

Replying to:

A friend got laid off last week but (get this) had signed an employment contract stating that she wouldnt work for any of the company's competitors for 5 years after leaving that company - THE ONE THE LAID HER OFF!! The company kicks her to the curb but now tries to enforce a contract (that wont hold up in Virginia, a right to work state) but wont allow her to work for anyone else. Tcha!

Watch out for these clauses, cross them off when signing any offer letters, and dont sign anything agreeing to them when getting severance or layoff payouts!

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Re: Laid Off?

posted at 3/31/2009 2:44 PM EDT

tunatofu

First post: 7/25/2007
Last post: 11/19/2009
Total posts: 400

Replying to:

Our company gave everyone a pay cut, saying "take the cut or we will have to lay you off". I said, "OK...lay me off because I am not working for that salary." There are other jobs, other companies, and I have have in demand skills and am in a hard-to-fill position. I havent heard back from anyone and I even e-mailed HR to remind them that my next pay check (after the cut) had better be the same as the one I got this week. Corporate was surprised by my response and isnt really sure how to deal with the situation. They dont want to lose a position on this contract but I am dead serious about not taking a pay cut - I wouldnt have taken this job (or any other) at the salary they are proposing. They dont NEED to cut salaries - they arent in any financial trouble. They are just reducing salaries because they can!

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Going on Six Months!

posted at 4/3/2009 12:46 PM EDT

AH123

First post: 4/3/2009
Last post: 4/3/2009
Total posts: 1

I was laid off as a media spokeswoman in October and it came as a total shock. I have applied for many positions and mailed lots of resumes, but they appear to go into a "black hole." Companies are not even acknowledging receipt of my resume, much less sending a rejection letter! Is anyone else experiencing this situation?

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Re: Going on Six Months!

posted at 4/6/2009 12:02 PM EDT

chemguy1157

First post: 12/7/2007
Last post: 11/5/2009
Total posts: 81

Replying to:

Unfortunately, yes, because they can do so.

Are you applying to a PO box, a recruiter, or an actual firm where the job is listed on their web site?

Leverage your network to let people know that you are looking for work, and what you do. Most jobs are hidden, or may even be created for you.

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