Searching for a Job after being Laid off

If you have been following my Blog, you will know that I was recently laid off.  It has been and continues to be a journey.  It was not something I expected, but it was a relief that it did happen on some days.  I have been treating looking for a job as a full-time job, I am sure that if you are in the same situation as I am, then you have read many of the same articles. Looking for a new position is a full-time job.  Researching and finding positions to apply to within your skill set takes time.  Also finding and applying for that job that might be just out of reach but is with a company or position that you have always wanted.  Bonus if you land it.

 

The last time that I found myself without a job was 20 years ago.  Monster.com was the job site that everyone used to look for new positions.  There probably were a couple of others, however, I exited the unemployed classification using Monster.  Today we have more online tools at our disposal. I have been using some the sites like LinkedIn.com and Monster.com, but mostly I have been applying for positions by accessing the company's websites directly.  Somehow, I have ended up on a distribution list sending me entry-level positions such as restaurant dishwasher openings.

 

I have created a list of the companies I would like to work for in my area. These companies I have either applied to these or keep accessing their job opportunities to see if there is a new rec that fits my skill set.  I have also been reaching out to my Contacts and looking at job opportunities via LinkedIn.  I really did neglect LinkedIn while I was employed, I should have kept up with my contacts and expanded them.  You can also utilize the online training modules that are on the site.  I believe that that might only be included in the monthly fee. The site provides opportunities based on your resume, and how much of a match you are for it.  I also like how it shows how many applicants have already applied for some of them.  I am avoiding the ones that have a high number of applicants, not sure if that is the right decision and I might re-evaluate that later. My current thought is that it is a lot of competition, and when I want to start generating income soon, I would rather find easier opportunities. 

 

One of the frustrating things that I have found when applying, is that the companies want you to upload your Resume and then they want you to fill out an online version of it. I would think that one or the other would be more than sufficient.  Or if they are looking for keywords, it would not be too hard to have someone build a script to scan the digital resumes and provide feedback to the recruiter.

 

It seemed that everything was and has been moving pretty slowly, until last week. I had two interviews and have just scheduled a second for one company and two more for a different company this coming week.  So hopefully one of these companies will provide an offer that Is acceptable or maybe multiple offers.

Getting Laid off can effect Physical and Mental Health

I just read an article (https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230203-stress-anxiety-global-layoffs) on how being laid off can take a toll, on your physical and mental health. An Increase in health issues such as depression and anxiety. This can also affect employees that have not been given notice. Just the anticipation of having your position can cause these symptoms. I hope that companies recognize the toll It can take on employees that have not been affected. I am taking being laid off as a positive. 

I am moving around a lot more and using the home gym we built in our garage. The gym has seen more use recently than in the last couple of years. I am feeling good about myself by getting a workout in. I had almost no time for myself during the day when I was employed. With back-to-back meetings, and working with my national/global team, my day would be over without leaving my desk. I was super busy and had very little work/home life balance. One of the criteria in looking for a new job will be that balance with family. I am treating looking for a new position like a full-time job, with the added benefit of the daily gym routine. If I am not working out in the gym, I have been taking our two doodles for a walk. I am feeling better about my physical self now and my Mental Health. 

    This seems to help me while I scour the Net for a meaningful position. Looking for a job when you were unexpectedly laid off takes a toll mentally on a person. A typical day for myself now looks like the following: 1. Out of bed between 5 and 6. Make coffee and read the News. 2. Online between 8 and 9 am, researching and sending out my resume. Trying to reach out to hiring managers for feedback if known. 3. I am making sure that I get up regularly and take breaks. Just before lunch, I take a walk. 4. I try and make sure that I keep up with my current skills and use online resources to help myself learn new ones. Getting Exercise daily can help keep a positive attitude. When things are not going your way, it is easy to question your worth. I am not an expert but if someone is starting to question their worth then it might sense to seek professional help.