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Layoff Advice

Lots of good ideas here. The one thing I would add is to consider a long-term career change, possibly through additional education. In 2011 I was working in advertising (for 6 years) and making good money for a Newspaper/Website. With the decline of Newspapers across the country I know my time was limited and I decided to make a change into accounting. I left my job and found something stable with tuition reimbursement (that paid a lot less). I have since finished my Masters in Accounting and have 2/4 parts of the CPA exam completed. Since starting the exam process I've had recruiters call me about jobs once all parts of the exam are complete.

I'm not suggesting accounting, just that sometimes when our careers turn south it is a good time to reflect on the long-term prospects of our field. If there were just major layoffs at your company, it may be indicative of industry decline. There are a lot of studies out there suggesting career fields that are expected to grow substantially over the next 20 years.

Also, the President recently addressed the nation regarding the country's need for additional people to go into Engineering, Computer Science, and Network Security. Companies are importing non-citizens to handle these high-paying jobs

I do agree that it's much easier to find a job when you currently have one, so that's your first priority.

Best of luck and keep us all posted on how the search is going!!!
 
Post your resume here honestly... Sounds like people can help. It's about people you know and your professional network most!
 
Archie Moses said:
On Sunday morning, I received an email from my company. The email directed me to attend a mandatory conference call on Monday morning. During the conference call, which was scripted, 250 employees got laid-off out of no where. I don't want to go into much details other than that cause it's not going to change things. What I would like though is advice. Has this happened to you before? What did you do? What would you have done differently?

The last few days I've been submitted my resume like crazy (only heard back from one company and it was a, "position is filled" email.) I'm going to get paid by my company until the 18th of July and they'll give me a small severance package then too.

I'm kinda stressed out. I have bills, a mortgage, responsibilities, a car payment, and nothing in savings to get me by for a a few months (I'm not a crazy spender, just didn't make bank.) Does this pretty much mean I'm screwed and gonna lose everything? lol
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A lot of great, great kind and straightforward advice in this thread.

Yes, file for unemployment. There is no shame in that. You pay into it as do your employers. So take advantage because that's what it's there for. I don't know anything about the church helping you out but if it's an option, do it.

I don't know if you've ever been laid off before but it's definitely or should be a life changing experience. In more than one way. Both positive and negative. Unfortunately, mass layoffs are a sign of the times and for many, it catches them at the wrong time...I mean, is there ever a right time to get fired?

Anyway, like others have stated in respect to your bills, I would call all of your creditors and make them aware of your situation. I would also, immediately change the plans on your phones or cancel the family phones if you have more than one. No need to be paying for these. I'd also turn off or put on hold your TV service. I know Directv will allow you to turn off the service for a few months instead of canceling it. You have to lower your monthly nut. Immediately.

You said you're stressed out. You should be. I'm going to write some other stuff that you should read once you get yourself through the situation and find a job. But only read it after you've gotten the new job.


















It's time to grow up. I think from what I remember, you're in your 30's. The idea that you don't have any money in savings is ludicrous. Especially if you are a home owner and have a family. They say for people that have a mortgage and no savings, you are one catastrophic event from being on the street. This is wholly the reality. Whether that event is losing your job or needing a new roof or your car needing a new transmission, it doesn't matter, one event can change everything.

Once settled in the new gig, you should get yourself Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. It's a book that changed my life for the better. Good job on getting that new job.
 
To be fair lots of things can contribute to low/no savings. Catastrophes comes in all shapes and sizes and not always alone.
 
AlaskanAssassin said:
Lots of good ideas here. The one thing I would add is to consider a long-term career change, possibly through additional education. In 2011 I was working in advertising (for 6 years) and making good money for a Newspaper/Website. With the decline of Newspapers across the country I know my time was limited and I decided to make a change into accounting. I left my job and found something stable with tuition reimbursement (that paid a lot less). I have since finished my Masters in Accounting and have 2/4 parts of the CPA exam completed. Since starting the exam process I've had recruiters call me about jobs once all parts of the exam are complete.

I'm not suggesting accounting, just that sometimes when our careers turn south it is a good time to reflect on the long-term prospects of our field. If there were just major layoffs at your company, it may be indicative of industry decline. There are a lot of studies out there suggesting career fields that are expected to grow substantially over the next 20 years.

Also, the President recently addressed the nation regarding the country's need for additional people to go into Engineering, Computer Science, and Network Security. Companies are importing non-citizens to handle these high-paying jobs

I do agree that it's much easier to find a job when you currently have one, so that's your first priority.

Best of luck and keep us all posted on how the search is going!!!
Click to expand...

Good point Assassin

I'm currently doing this. Starting school this fall. Sometimes it's best to start over.4 years is a short period of time and 20-25k(resident tuition) isn't a lot of money.The fact that you were laid off tells me that you should definitely consider the future health of the market for your skills.

If you're stressed about your mortgage it might not be the worst idea to downsize it. There are always deals for a shrewd buyer. You may have to do some painting or reseed a neglected lawn but there are definitely deals for those motivated to find them.
 
VINYLONE said:
A lot of great, great kind and straightforward advice in this thread.

Yes, file for unemployment. There is no shame in that. You pay into it as do your employers. So take advantage because that's what it's there for. I don't know anything about the church helping you out but if it's an option, do it.

I don't know if you've ever been laid off before but it's definitely or should be a life changing experience. In more than one way. Both positive and negative. Unfortunately, mass layoffs are a sign of the times and for many, it catches them at the wrong time...I mean, is there ever a right time to get fired?

Anyway, like others have stated in respect to your bills, I would call all of your creditors and make them aware of your situation. I would also, immediately change the plans on your phones or cancel the family phones if you have more than one. No need to be paying for these. I'd also turn off or put on hold your TV service. I know Directv will allow you to turn off the service for a few months instead of canceling it. You have to lower your monthly nut. Immediately.

You said you're stressed out. You should be. I'm going to write some other stuff that you should read once you get yourself through the situation and find a job. But only read it after you've gotten the new job.


















It's time to grow up. I think from what I remember, you're in your 30's. The idea that you don't have any money in savings is ludicrous. Especially if you are a home owner and have a family. They say for people that have a mortgage and no savings, you are one catastrophic event from being on the street. This is wholly the reality. Whether that event is losing your job or needing a new roof or your car needing a new transmission, it doesn't matter, one event can change everything.

Once settled in the new gig, you should get yourself Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. It's a book that changed my life for the better. Good job on getting that new job.
Click to expand...
Says the dude with no kids. It's soooooooo hard to save with kids. He's a single dad, having to pay child support and ish like that.
Granted, he could probably do better, but who couldn't?
 
a Month ago we lost 65% of our guys now we only have 11 left. Best advice I can offer is (may have been well pointed out) customize your resume to each job you apply for keep a positive attitude as much as possible as that helps in interviews. Im not sure how big Linkedin is there but Ive heard of friends being offered and picking up jobs via linkedin, don't underestimate it some say thats the next big recruiters tool for hiring.
Even if you cannot pickup an ideal job see if you can just get one that pays the bills, you can then keep applying for the job you want while you at minimum put food on the table and pay your bills.
Good Luck with it mate, keep your chin up
 
bigb said:
Says the dude with no kids. It's soooooooo hard to save with kids. He's a single dad, having to pay child support and ish like that.
Granted, he could probably do better, but who couldn't?
Click to expand...

Yeah I had like 10 grand in savings last year. Feeling pretty good we decided to have a 2nd child. My balance fell to a couple hundred bucks way too god damn fast. My head is still spinning.
 
Wow, VinylTool is really in rare form. What an incredible waste of cyber space your ****ty opinion just took up. Your ignorance is only outdone by your off putting attitude toward others you deem less than you.

Eat a fat one, Rich.
 
I'll teach you how to live off the land, Archie. It's easier than it looks. Like this? This is my neighbors wifi.


Good luck though man, seriously.
 
VINYLONE said:
It's time to grow up. I think from what I remember, you're in your 30's. The idea that you don't have any money in savings is ludicrous. Especially if you are a home owner and have a family. They say for people that have a mortgage and no savings, you are one catastrophic event from being on the street. This is wholly the reality. Whether that event is losing your job or needing a new roof or your car needing a new transmission, it doesn't matter, one event can change everything.

Once settled in the new gig, you should get yourself Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. It's a book that changed my life for the better. Good job on getting that new job.
Click to expand...

I don't have anything in savings because of a few things, primarily paying off medical bills. That said, I have no debt because I've paid everything off (besides one last medical bill, car and home.) It's not like I have nothing in the bank, just not a lot to live off of without any other source of income for months. I'm pretty damn good with money if you ask me.

It's been frustrating as hell looking for jobs. I've had my resume looked over by at least 5 people, tweeked, polished and good to go. I've submitted it along with cover letters (yes, they are both changed specifically every time they are submitted) to over 50 job postings and I haven't heard back from anyone. Sigh.
 
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