I'm no stranger to layoffs. I used to work in the film industry (layoffs are common practice and can be quite frequent), the main lesson I learned from my time there was to always try to have a cushion because you never know how long it'll be before the next gig.
Fast-forward to 2023, a few other things came up where I was like... you know... I should keep this in mind. So with that said, to my future self (or anyone that may stumble upon this), I present (in no particular order) a collection. May you find this helpful.
Give 'em the boot, be prepared
No matter what, always try and put money aside... anything is better than nothing you'll be happy your past self did this especially if the company you work at decides to boot you.
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Never attach your work email to things unless absolutely necessary (if possible, attach a backup email you won't lose access to).
- Learning platforms/courses?
- Github? Any contributions you made with that work email, although stays in history of project, once you remove that email you will no longer be able to visually see contributions on Github.
- ADP? Make sure you register with a personal email that is not through something like Okta/work email.
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Don't procrastinate on benefits, ie: health insurance, 401K, etc.
- Speaking of benefits, did your company offer equity? Look into that sooner rather than later.
If you can get certain expenses reimbursed, do it right away.
Pay attention. There will be announcements, meetings, emails, etc-- really pay attention to what is being said (or not said). When things sound tight and furloughs and the like are being entertained (no matter what they say) layoffs are most definitely on the table.
Avoid borrowing vacation time (if something like that is available).
Try to avoid doing time sheets super early, do them as they come because you may come back to a surprise "don't let the door hit you on the way out" meeting. You probably could have used remaining PTO depending on circumstance.
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Be aware of unemployment benefits in your state. What's needed? Health insurance? Cobra?
- Speaking of health insurance, factor that in into your "just in case savings". Again, anything you can save is better than nothing.
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Connect with co-workers actively (ie: LinkedIn) instead of trying to remember who you may have missed after the fact.
- Speaking of connections, ask for LinkedIn recommendations along the way (while things are fresh), at the very least you have something to look at when you feel like you suck at life. Career coach people assure me it helps with the job hunt (who knows, but definitely can't hurt).
- If you ever got any feedback from co-workers save them as they come. If you do not do this you risk losing real nuggets of wisdom- tips, suggestions, etc. At the very least, depending on the feedback, it can help on those poo feels of the day.
Back up anything you'd like to keep (frequently), ie: feedback, notes, wins, etc.
Your company is not family, bffs, whatever-- I cannot stress this enough. Yes, you will meet wonderful people, make friends, care for people yadda yadda yadda and when you get tossed out to the curb (or leave by choice) not many will stick around. For those that do reach out, keep in touch, whatever, they are true treasures.
If you are able to take a breather before jumping into the hunt, take it. Things tend to get put on the backlog and can accumulate fast when/if prioritizing work above other things while employed.
Note: I took some months before starting to look and was told by a recruiter recently that being laid off for so long may be seen negatively. I'm sure not everyone sees it this way, but looks like some will (another green banner debate situation, I guess >_<).
That's all I got, for now.
Some last words...
This job hunt phase has seemed pretty grim with what seems to be so many people out of work and looking (for some time). What worked in the past may not work now so be open to try new things. Personally, asking for LinkedIn recommendations was... painful to say the least, but I did it. Do I think anyone reads those things? No. But, I saw no negative to trying. Not everything will work, but try anyway.
✨ sending positive vibes out into the universe for us all ✨
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