I just got the ax along with 20% of the staff at the company I was working for for over 2 years. I've been fired from jobs before (in my youth), but this is the first time I've been laid off and at my age it's a bit unnerving (I've been working since the age of 13 and wouldn't know what else to do with myself). I received a decent severance, but would rather be working so I know where the money is coming from and treat it like a bonus instead of regular income.
Ever been laid off?
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AntleredRuin
New member
Once, and it was a lot of fun. :frusty:
I had quit a previous job due to extremely unfriendly work conditions, and came across this one right after. It was initially a 6mo contract position (not mentioned in the ad). I Interviewed and they liked me, but I was looking for full time work. A couple weeks later, they called me back and said the position was now full time; they liked me a lot and had moved some things around for me to work there full time. I started, and my first task was the initial contract project, and then a bunch of other projects afterwards. I finished the project within about 5.5mos, and at 6mos and 3 days, they called me into the office and let me go. Said my work was not up to standards. No examples as to why, and I'd had 3 good reviews up till then. Full time job, my ass.
The most important thing I learned was to get on Unemployment Benefits IMMEDIATELY.
When I got laid off, I didn't apply for Unemployment for like 3 months because I didn't want to be one of those people who always relies on the government, and I had a very decent savings account. Then I came to my senses and realized that these government programs are MEANT for people like us, who actually NEED it. The mark of a real man is to accept help when he actually needs it, but then to forgo the help once he can stand on his own two feet again.
I forget the exact numbers, but it was like 60% of the salary that I was making. I could not live on it, but it did help slow the bleeding a lot.
Treat job hunting AS your new job. Yes, use some of the time to catch up on some cheap projects, spend more time with family, etc, but plan to spend at least 30 hours a week on something job hunt related.
There are a few 'ministries' around Houston that are hosted by churches that help unemployed people. Not like food and bills and things, but almost like weekly job fairs. A few different businesses come to the weekly meetings and advertise openings, there are 'networking' classes, how to write a resume classes, etc.
All free (at least the ones I went to). Maybe you have something like that near you.
At least get a 'professional' to look over your resume. What looks great to you, could have significant red flags that automatically gets your resume thrown away. Get a 2nd (3rd, 4th) opinion.
Also, always have a cover letter, customized to the particular job. You can have a basic vague template, but always customize it to the job/company. That will catch the eye of the hiring manager and really help you stand out. If you want THIS job, vs just A job, that looks good.
A bit morbid, but start looking at what you can cut back on now, as most contracts have a fee for early termination. You don't want to be down to your last month of being able to afford your bills, only to realize that if you break contract, you will owe several hundred or thousand dollars in early termination fees. It may be better to spend the money now (if you have it) and move somewhere cheaper where you'll 'make it back' in a few months.
Don't renew your cable, rent, electricity, etc for another year long contract. If possible, start on a month-to-month plan. That way, if worst comes to worst, you can break away and leave and move somewhere cheaper without early terminations fees.
Keep your internet and your smart phone, but look into lowering your speeds and data. You need these to stay an active job hunter, but you don't need your 100mbps line from Comcast for your online gaming, or your unlimited Mobile Data plan. As your Mobile plan schedule allows, lower it to just a couple GBs, and use your ISP's modem's built in WiFi. This alone can save you over $100/mo.
Keep your Netflix, because if $9/mo makes or breaks you, you're already screwed, and you'll need the distraction.
Mow your own lawn, clean your own pool, etc.
One of the biggest things is this, and it's kinda counter-intuitive, in a way: don't settle on your job. Unless you really actually want it, don't take the first job you are offered. You aren't required to. (well, Unemployment says you are, but they also say that an adequate 'Job Hunt' mean 3 job related tasks a week. Like, if I send 3 e-mails to some CL ads per week, then Unemployment says I'm 'really trying'. Once I wrote my resume, I could knock that out in a couple minutes. Out of an entire week. See what I mean about government reliant people?)
I turned down 5 jobs before accepting mine. Cause **** that.
I know that you'll soon be feeling desperate, but really look at your bills. Look at what you can minimally afford. The job you accept needs to meet your bills AND be able to put what you lost back into savings. Hopefully there will be a little fun money left over too. Don't accept a job with insane hours (again unless you really want the job) just because the money is good, because when will you have time to job hunt again? If you're working 70 hours a week with an hour commute, the only time you'll have to find a 'better job' is when you're surfing the Monster.com app on your phone while on the toilet.
Sorry for the novel, but hopefully some of it will be helpful. Good luck!
I had quit a previous job due to extremely unfriendly work conditions, and came across this one right after. It was initially a 6mo contract position (not mentioned in the ad). I Interviewed and they liked me, but I was looking for full time work. A couple weeks later, they called me back and said the position was now full time; they liked me a lot and had moved some things around for me to work there full time. I started, and my first task was the initial contract project, and then a bunch of other projects afterwards. I finished the project within about 5.5mos, and at 6mos and 3 days, they called me into the office and let me go. Said my work was not up to standards. No examples as to why, and I'd had 3 good reviews up till then. Full time job, my ass.
The most important thing I learned was to get on Unemployment Benefits IMMEDIATELY.
When I got laid off, I didn't apply for Unemployment for like 3 months because I didn't want to be one of those people who always relies on the government, and I had a very decent savings account. Then I came to my senses and realized that these government programs are MEANT for people like us, who actually NEED it. The mark of a real man is to accept help when he actually needs it, but then to forgo the help once he can stand on his own two feet again.
I forget the exact numbers, but it was like 60% of the salary that I was making. I could not live on it, but it did help slow the bleeding a lot.
Treat job hunting AS your new job. Yes, use some of the time to catch up on some cheap projects, spend more time with family, etc, but plan to spend at least 30 hours a week on something job hunt related.
There are a few 'ministries' around Houston that are hosted by churches that help unemployed people. Not like food and bills and things, but almost like weekly job fairs. A few different businesses come to the weekly meetings and advertise openings, there are 'networking' classes, how to write a resume classes, etc.
All free (at least the ones I went to). Maybe you have something like that near you.
At least get a 'professional' to look over your resume. What looks great to you, could have significant red flags that automatically gets your resume thrown away. Get a 2nd (3rd, 4th) opinion.
Also, always have a cover letter, customized to the particular job. You can have a basic vague template, but always customize it to the job/company. That will catch the eye of the hiring manager and really help you stand out. If you want THIS job, vs just A job, that looks good.
A bit morbid, but start looking at what you can cut back on now, as most contracts have a fee for early termination. You don't want to be down to your last month of being able to afford your bills, only to realize that if you break contract, you will owe several hundred or thousand dollars in early termination fees. It may be better to spend the money now (if you have it) and move somewhere cheaper where you'll 'make it back' in a few months.
Don't renew your cable, rent, electricity, etc for another year long contract. If possible, start on a month-to-month plan. That way, if worst comes to worst, you can break away and leave and move somewhere cheaper without early terminations fees.
Keep your internet and your smart phone, but look into lowering your speeds and data. You need these to stay an active job hunter, but you don't need your 100mbps line from Comcast for your online gaming, or your unlimited Mobile Data plan. As your Mobile plan schedule allows, lower it to just a couple GBs, and use your ISP's modem's built in WiFi. This alone can save you over $100/mo.
Keep your Netflix, because if $9/mo makes or breaks you, you're already screwed, and you'll need the distraction.
Mow your own lawn, clean your own pool, etc.
One of the biggest things is this, and it's kinda counter-intuitive, in a way: don't settle on your job. Unless you really actually want it, don't take the first job you are offered. You aren't required to. (well, Unemployment says you are, but they also say that an adequate 'Job Hunt' mean 3 job related tasks a week. Like, if I send 3 e-mails to some CL ads per week, then Unemployment says I'm 'really trying'. Once I wrote my resume, I could knock that out in a couple minutes. Out of an entire week. See what I mean about government reliant people?)
I turned down 5 jobs before accepting mine. Cause **** that.
I know that you'll soon be feeling desperate, but really look at your bills. Look at what you can minimally afford. The job you accept needs to meet your bills AND be able to put what you lost back into savings. Hopefully there will be a little fun money left over too. Don't accept a job with insane hours (again unless you really want the job) just because the money is good, because when will you have time to job hunt again? If you're working 70 hours a week with an hour commute, the only time you'll have to find a 'better job' is when you're surfing the Monster.com app on your phone while on the toilet.
Sorry for the novel, but hopefully some of it will be helpful. Good luck!
Last edited:
AntleredRuin
New member
Then apply apply apply (x about a million). Better to have a hundred offers than none.
I've got a pretty good network of like minded professionals which has been generating leads for me so far. I'm three interviews into an easy fit (going back to a major security software manufacturer), but the money isn't quite where I was, so it's a tough choice of taking the easy route for less or holding out for one of the other opportunities to mature and get closer to my salary requirements.
theesotericone
New member
I've never been laid off but quit my most recent job of three years due to unsatisfactory working conditions. I'd given my employer plenty of chances to make things right and it never happened. Finally I needed to do what was best for me, which was to leave.
I had three interviews during the last 3 weeks and have accepted another job that I will be starting on the 15th. Some offered me less money and I politely declined those positions. One potential employer called me back 30 minutes after I declined with a revised offer for 12% more then there initial offer. The job I took pays almost 40% more than the position I left. It's in my old field of work but I'm looking forward to not only more money but also a better and more fulfilling work environment.
What I'm getting at here is negotiations are part of the deal. Holding out for the correct offer is also part of it. I had a set amount of money in my saving I was willing to deplete in order to continue the search for the best possible job. If I hit that amount I would take the best offer at the time. Luckily, I found the new job quickly and am happy with the terms my new employer and I agreed on. Stick it out for a bit if you can offered it financially. It might be well worth it in the long run.
I had three interviews during the last 3 weeks and have accepted another job that I will be starting on the 15th. Some offered me less money and I politely declined those positions. One potential employer called me back 30 minutes after I declined with a revised offer for 12% more then there initial offer. The job I took pays almost 40% more than the position I left. It's in my old field of work but I'm looking forward to not only more money but also a better and more fulfilling work environment.
What I'm getting at here is negotiations are part of the deal. Holding out for the correct offer is also part of it. I had a set amount of money in my saving I was willing to deplete in order to continue the search for the best possible job. If I hit that amount I would take the best offer at the time. Luckily, I found the new job quickly and am happy with the terms my new employer and I agreed on. Stick it out for a bit if you can offered it financially. It might be well worth it in the long run.
JWaldz
Moderator
There's nothing like being sought after hard by a company, only to quit your current career field job to go work for them, then get laid off 6 months later cus they got ahead of themselves (putting that politely).
That's the only lay off story I have. At least they waited till AFTER I closed on my house. Those first few payments were rough though!
That's the only lay off story I have. At least they waited till AFTER I closed on my house. Those first few payments were rough though!
AntleredRuin
New member
Oh, I'll bet. That'd mess you up good for years.
When I was buying my house last year, I had to just flat out ask my boss if I was safe. I didn't want to go through the hassle of arguing with loan officers and losing a deal, or be stuck with a mortgage payment and get laid off soon after.
Unner
New member
[MENTION=129892]AntleredRuin[/MENTION] seems to have hit the nail on the head. If you're a hard working person things will turn around for you soon.
Sorry to hear that new job didn't work out and wasn't all it was said to be. Hopefully you can find something else you like though!
Sorry to hear that new job didn't work out and wasn't all it was said to be. Hopefully you can find something else you like though!
JWaldz
Moderator
It was literally the difference of 2 weeks. Would have definitely messed us up big time!
JWaldz
Moderator
This was last year.. I've since moved back to a job in my career field and while it may not be AS FUN, it's a lot more stable with 100x's better benefits lol. All is well!
AntleredRuin
New member
Bunch of different factors. Is the money with this old job 'good enough' to tide you over for a while? How are the hours? Bit of a pain transition period, and maybe a bit of a douche move, but what about accepting the job just so you ARE employed and can meet your bills, but keep hunting for a better job? Just don't get complacent.
Geez. I can't tell what's worse: Let you get the house, then let you go, or let you go and make you miss out on the house...
If I recall correctly, my loan officer wanted at least 2 years of stable work. I can't imagine being forced to wait another 2 years if I was that close...
LittleCaesar
New member
No, but my brother was twice, so he decided to go into business for himself. He often tells me "why didn't I do this earlier, I wouldn't be gray at 37". Shareholders at both big companies did him in.
Hard work and determination are omnipotent for life long success IMHO. Good luck OP.
Hard work and determination are omnipotent for life long success IMHO. Good luck OP.
There are several folks I've worked with in the past that have moved into the indie consultant role, but as a guy who grew up in a family owned business from the ages of 13 - 19, I know that controlling your own destiny like that can be just as bad as working for the man at times. There were tight times more than there were good ones growing up.
Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
Got laid off several times when I was young, then went into self-employment. No more layoffs, but a whole new set of worries. Thank God it's all behind me now.
Good luck with your job search!
Good luck with your job search!
I had worked pretty consistently from 13 on. About 5 years ago I switched to contract work in industrial construction. Jobs lasting from a few months to a year or more. Last November I knew my layoff date was coming so my wife and I bought one way tickets to Asia. My boss quit right before I was to be laid off and they asked me if I wanted to replace him for a few more weeks but I turned it down.
I didn't know how I would handle time off. Had never done it and I'm a majjjjor creature of habit. I worked 900 hrs of overtime last year so didn't know if I'd go completely stir crazy. My mom figured I'd be back from Asia working within a month of leaving. Turned out we stayed in Asia for 8 weeks. Then that wasn't enough so we did a 3000 mile 2.5 week adventure motorcycle trip from Phoenix to Cabo San Lucas and back. Once I returned I slowly started looking for work. Landed a good job in about 3 weeks and pushed the starting date a few more weeks.
I'm 29 now and have been working a lot and saving a long time to retire early, but I had no idea how I would handle it when that time comes. After this layoff/hiatus it showed me that I can not work and truly enjoy it. We live in a fifth wheel full time due to work, but I'm sure once we have a house and all that it will make taking time off even better to fulfill my hobbies.
ENJOY the time while you can! If you can afford to, take a trip you'd never have the time to do otherwise! I find it to be the best time to use $ on experiences as opposed to items.
I didn't know how I would handle time off. Had never done it and I'm a majjjjor creature of habit. I worked 900 hrs of overtime last year so didn't know if I'd go completely stir crazy. My mom figured I'd be back from Asia working within a month of leaving. Turned out we stayed in Asia for 8 weeks. Then that wasn't enough so we did a 3000 mile 2.5 week adventure motorcycle trip from Phoenix to Cabo San Lucas and back. Once I returned I slowly started looking for work. Landed a good job in about 3 weeks and pushed the starting date a few more weeks.
I'm 29 now and have been working a lot and saving a long time to retire early, but I had no idea how I would handle it when that time comes. After this layoff/hiatus it showed me that I can not work and truly enjoy it. We live in a fifth wheel full time due to work, but I'm sure once we have a house and all that it will make taking time off even better to fulfill my hobbies.
ENJOY the time while you can! If you can afford to, take a trip you'd never have the time to do otherwise! I find it to be the best time to use $ on experiences as opposed to items.
About ten years ago the company I worked for moved our department from Illinois to owings mills md. They really wanted me to move there or at least stay with them until the move was complete including multiple trips out there. Long story short wife and I got a free trip out to look at houses and a pretty decent severance package. Got a job just as unemployment ran out. Good luck!
Over the last 12 years, I've visited 18 countries and 34 States both for work and for pleasure, so other than getting back into the work force (which is looking good so far.. heading up to Denver next week to meet with the founder of a security start up), I've been working on my 24-pack. Fortunately May in Texas is a wonderful month to be unemployed.
Sifrk
New member
Been laid off twice actually. Post-college, I've had four jobs, been laid off of two. Not the best of averages. The first was a department-wide cut (everyone); second was a deep cost cutting initiative with hundreds impacted. Nevertheless, it's nothing you can control. And truthfully, I know some will not believe me, but in both cases, I welcomed the layoff. By the time they came, I felt I was pretty stagnant and the routine and doldrums had set in. Being shown the door lead me to similar work but whole new challenges.
Just speaking for myself, I've learned that these things will happen and if I'm smart, I'll prepare for them. Keep a reserve of $$$ (BS to those who say they can't), stay up on your skills, learn new skills, look out for #1 (yourself), and network where you can. When you land your next job, and you will, evaluate it and the company. Make sure the work is inline with what you're looking for and there's advancement opportunities. Yes, of course, if you're trying to make rent / mortgage payments, take the opportunities as a holdover but keep looking. Don't get frustrated, it's a tough market out there.
Best of luck!
Just speaking for myself, I've learned that these things will happen and if I'm smart, I'll prepare for them. Keep a reserve of $$$ (BS to those who say they can't), stay up on your skills, learn new skills, look out for #1 (yourself), and network where you can. When you land your next job, and you will, evaluate it and the company. Make sure the work is inline with what you're looking for and there's advancement opportunities. Yes, of course, if you're trying to make rent / mortgage payments, take the opportunities as a holdover but keep looking. Don't get frustrated, it's a tough market out there.
Best of luck!
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