I was laid off after a company merger (that’s a polite term for a takeover…). I was able to pick up some contract work in programming and systems admin. Did this for about 4 years during which there were times the contracts ended. My last contract job turned into a hired position after a year.
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You are taking being laid-off too personally. I have been in tech for 25+ year; much of that as a contractor. Being laid-off is a right of passage in American business. Nothing to be ashamed of or depressed about. The last position is no longer there; time to move on to something new. Simple as that.
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Maybe you’re right, but first times always the hardest right:rofl:
I just keep having these visions of being homeless - I know, I’m spiraling lol
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I get that but it’s also hard if you put yourself into it and are loyal to the firm. It hurts when it feels like all you built up is lost.
I get it it’s business. Like I understood fully well the financial issues and reasons why my last firm was spiraling but it didn’t make me feel any less burned by the experience
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Don’t look at it that way look at it as you have built these connections and now your cashing in some of what you built with the assumption you’ll try to pay it back if given the chance in the future. Not everyone will help or be willing to do anything but first step is asking and seeing what happens
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I understand where that sentiment comes from but ime people are happy to hear from you like keeping in touch is hard. People are also understanding and happy to do what they can to help. I definitely don’t think you should feel bad but understand that it can feel like that. I also think the mental aspect can be really hard sometimes and burn out is real. It could help to do some mental health exercises like practicing mindfulness or even meditation. Sounds low priority probably but ime the effort is worth it. Like a simple and short 3 minute breathing exercise can have a dramatic effect on the mentals. You got the whole community here wishing you luck and you’re going to be okay yo fr
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I know. I was beside myself the first time I was laid off. Now, it has happened so many times I have learned:
- Not to take it personally
- To move on to something new
The most important advice is the one(s) that mention applying for unemployment-benefits today, if not sooner. There is a lag-period for most states. Get that started now.
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Sorry to hear this happened to you. I managed to skate by on a few when I worked for Geek Squad. It’s always a bad feeling especially when you watch friends and coworkers not come back. It’ll be better once everything gets back on track! My good friend got laid off while I stayed, only thing i can say is keep your eyes open and keep in touch with people.
One door closes, another opens. You never know where you might end up because of this! Always look at the positives.
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That’s a good way to look at ti
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I may look some up, there’s been a lot of anxiety - why you recommend on YouTube to learn?
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Vibes, dude. You’ll land something better that you wouldn’t have found otherwise. It’ll all work out. Promise 
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Thanks buddy!!
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I haven’t really done anything on YT but finch is a phone app that is gamified and can help walk you through some exercises. Definitely worth checking out I think
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I have one piece of advice. Don’t apply for a job if you’re not sure you’d be excited by an offer. Apply for jobs you really like or find acceptable or decide quickly after an interview it’s not suitable. I accepted interviews, and I realized I didn’t want the job. It shows, the enthusiasm is evident when you’re truly motivated.
Applying directly on company websites is often less competitive than Indeed. I imagine your LinkedIn shows you’re available?
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I’ll check that out!!
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Appreciate the advice, it does yes. I forgot my whole family follows me on LinkedIn so that’s been fun
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone.
I made this post and thought about deleting it 5 seconds after I did and then the responses started to come through.
I felt super alone through this, and you all reminded me how many friends I have, even if we’re online and never actually met.
Thank you all for being kind in a tough situation. I wish you all nothing but good things in life!!
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Lol I’m literally incapable of pretending to be excited. I had some really bad interviews in uni because our co-op program didn’t let you turn down any interview if you applied, even if you had a few you wanted way more.
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Dont think like this! When I was looking for a job I reached out to high school aquaintances that I hadnt spoken to in 9+ years. I reached out to old managers and even sent a bunch of cold messages on linkedin.
Everyone understands the world we live in where corporations discard employees in a heartbeat and most people were incredibly gracious.
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I reached out to a few people, and I was surprised how helpful they all were - really reminds me how good people are generally
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