I’ve been watching what’s been happening in the US these days, deeply shocked and saddened. So many people are suffering job loss, due to monetary saving measures, closures or being replaced with AI. And with so many people being laid off, there are not enough jobs to go around.
Even people who thought they were “safe” because of their job function or industry are having to face unemployment. It can strike at anyone, and it seems widespread. New graduates can’t find work (even in IT) without experience, and how can one get experience if one can’t get work?
Unlike some writers who write of others’ experience, I can speak to this subject from a personal standpoint. I have been through it. And I came out on the other side.
This week, I’m going to share my story, as well as give some very specific examples of things I did to turn my unemployment into a positive experience.
My Story
I’ve worked with computers my entire career. I have skills as a web programmer and data engineer, to be exact. With lot of experience behind me. At the time I was laid off, I was a successful consultant for a large firm, and had been with them for 13 years. My contracts were usually extended, and I had been asked back to many clients. I honestly never thought I would ever be unemployed.
One Thursday afternoon in early October of 2008, 10 minutes before I needed to leave, I was pulled aside by my company’s representative at my client. “We’ve all been let go. We need to clear out our desks by the end of the day.” I was in shock. I had to get home to pick up my daughter from the school bus. I went to the VP and asked if I could go home, get my daughter, and come back to clear out. He gave the OK.
That afternoon was a blur. My co-workers, as shocked as the consultants were, many of whom I had worked with for 3 years at this client, entertained my daughter. I packed. Two shopping bags later, I was on my way home with my daughter. The client didn’t even give me access to turn over my in-progress projects.
There’ll Be Another Job, Right?
I wasn’t particularly concerned about the contract loss. Surely my employer would be able to land a contract for me. After all, I had up-to-date and in-demand skills. The next morning I was on the phone with my corporate office. They assured me they were looking for contracts, and mentioned a place I had already done two successful contracts for.
An hour later I received an email asking me to call corporate to conduct my exit interview.
Yep, they laid me off via email.
The shock set in.
Respond, Don’t React
The first lesson of my job loss was to do nothing in reaction mode. When I react, I make poor choices. Especially if there are strong emotions involved.
As hard as it was, I took a deep breath. I took our dog for a walk.
Then I grabbed a blank notebook and started writing out all of the emotions, reactions and what my panicked brain was telling me to do. Then I could move on to making legitimate responses based on facts, and not what I was feeling.
The Job Loss Series
I am updating the rest of the articles in this series, and they will be published one per day for the rest of this week. I am also putting the articles together into a free PDF e-book that can be downloaded from my shop.
I hope that if you are in a position where you are suddenly unemployed, that my experience and actions will help you.
Articles In The Series:
- Dealing With A Job Loss: Introduction
- Dealing With A Job Loss: Getting Through The First Days
- Dealing with a Job Loss: Cutting Back Expenses
- Dealing With a Job Loss: Home Workload and DIY
- Dealing With A Job Loss: Starting the Job Hunt
If you would like the free e-book of the articles (available now), please visit my store.
