I just got laid off!

[Justin Murphy]

Re: I just got laid off!

Thanks guys! I'm not trying to get too down about it. Nothing I can do to prevent it so I might as well make the best of it and try to turn it into an opportunity. I love what I do so I can't imaging doing anything else. I wrote a paper in 5th grade about wanting to be an Architect when I grow up. I've stuck with it ever since. I'll take this time to get my paper work filed with the state so I can get registered to take my architectural exam and get licensed.

Thanks Jim for the great info. Never heard of LinkedIn. I'd be happy to try it out.

Man do that then! That will definitely help your resume out
Have you thought about going in business for yourself or subbing out work from multiple places?
I have a friend that is a CPA and works for about 10 tax offices plus her own clients. She works out of her house and really only works for 4 months out of the year.

[Hemin8r]

Re: I just got laid off!

Hey Scott sorry to hear about your situation. Same thing happend to me about 4 years ago. When I was let go I intentionally sent an email to all my contacts advising them that I was no longer going to be working for that company. 10 minutes after I sent the email I received a call from a semi competitor asking what happend. He asked me if I was interested in working for them and ofcourse I said yes. I'm still here and I know the economic situation was different back then. I guess what I'm trying to say is things work out for a reason. Just network and make yourself known as jfelbab mentioned. I'm positive you will find something soon. You sound like a good guy and I wish you the best.
I studied Architecture as well for a couple of years wanting to get into it but never did.

[Zach W.]

Re: I just got laid off!

Scott,
I am very sorry to hear about this.. You seem very smart, and I hope that everything works out the best for you... Good luck and best wishes this Holiday season..

[Jokeman]

Re: I just got laid off!

Sorry to hear that. Hope you find employment quickly!

[danponjican]

Re: I just got laid off!

LinkedIn is THE best professional networking site out there right now. They have a great model to weed out the meaningless social type connections most other sites cater towards. I got on LinkedIn about a year ago and connected to a lot of old co-workers from previous companies I worked for. Well long story short, two months ago I get call asking if I would consider an interview for another company in my area for the exact same work I was doing at the time (Engineering Systems Development). I loved where I worked but reluctantly agreed to an interview. They loved me... and asked me what it would take to get me to leave and work for them. I threw the 'ol "double my salary" gag. Short of about 8%, the did exactly that. Needless to say I am sitting in a different office today than I was two months ago!

[Piku]

Re: I just got laid off!

Scott,

That's a great idea of using this time to get your architectural license. I wish you best of luck with your exam and job search!

Ben

[BlueZero]

Re: I just got laid off!

Thanks guys! I'm not trying to get too down about it. Nothing I can do to prevent it so I might as well make the best of it and try to turn it into an opportunity. I love what I do so I can't imaging doing anything else. I wrote a paper in 5th grade about wanting to be an Architect when I grow up. I've stuck with it ever since. I'll take this time to get my paper work filed with the state so I can get registered to take my architectural exam and get licensed.

Thanks Jim for the great info. Never heard of LinkedIn. I'd be happy to try it out.

[Mikejl]

Re: I just got laid off!

Scott,

I'm very sorry to hear this. I hope everything works out quickly for you.

Mike

[Justin Murphy]

Re: I just got laid off!

In 2004, I was laid off from my 6 digit, finance manager job. Stunk. Badly. I had a house payment and 3 kids and a wife that didn't work at the time. I had savings but it went fast while I tried to find work. I did one stupid thing though. I turned down lower paying jobs because I felt I was to good for them. I should have took them and continued to look for a higher paying one. Heck, I should have worked 3 part time jobs if I was smart, just to keep the money coming in.

You have a great attitude. Just remember you have to do what you have to do. Like with me right now, I have tons of details to do but the weather is making the customers hold off. 3 more days like this and I'm going to start helping my brother with a house he is building. I have to keep the money coming in too!

[jfelbab]

Re: I just got laid off!

Well my friend, I've been there and done that a couple times in my life. I can offer some advice, FWIW. Of course, free advice is worth what you paid for it. LOL!

Force yourself to stay positive and begin immediately to look for a new job/career. Evaluate your career choice. Is it what you really want to do? Are you passionate about it? You are one of over a half million people who are out of work across our country. You should concentrate on making a prospective employer notice you in the crowd and not in a crazy way. LOL

Job hunting is a full time job in itself. Finding work in this economy is grim at best, yet not impossible. Some companies thrive when the economy is sliding downhill and other when the economy is recovering. I believe a lot of jobs will be created with the new administration, many in infrastructure rebuilding.

Custom tune your resume for each company/position you apply to. Don't just broadcast the same resume to all prospective employers. Use the internet and local library to find info on the top companies you want to work for and ask all your contacts if they know anyone there. Arrange for an introduction to someone who works there and find out all you can about the firm, its politics and its culture. Ask yourself if you think you are a good fit for the job. If not, make yourself a better fit. Can you use some of the time you have to advance your education, even if only a class or two? Can you spend some time doing community aid? Prospective employers likely won't just be looking at GPA's and your past accomplishments but also your community involvement.

When I was downsized I began a routine of daily physical exercise as well to get back into shape both physically and mentally.

I'd also ask if you have cultured a broad network. Your best job leads will come from friends and acquaintances. Let them know that you are looking for work and to keep their ears open for any opportunities. Are you a member of LinkedIn? If not let me know and I'll forward you and invite.

Lastly, this is really a sad time to be laid off, right before the holidays but, this is also a time where you may be at many events / outings and is an opportunity to network. Do go to any and all outings and talk to everyone you know about your job hunt and see if they can help.

Wishing you and yours all the best,
Jim

[ColonelCash]

Re: I just got laid off!

Sorry to hear that. Our company just laid off a couple hundred as well. Hope something comes up for you soon.

[gb387]

Re: I just got laid off!

Thats a bummer Scott... I am sure all will work out, if it gives you chance to catch up on things thats good. Best of luck!!

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: I just got laid off!

Dang... That really stinks, Scott.


Hope you can get back to work or find another job soon!

Chris

[yalerd]

Re: I just got laid off!

Sorry to hear that Scott.
Hope you get a job soon

[Tom Weed]

Re: I just got laid off!

Wow, sorry to hear that.... Good luck and hope you get back at it soon...