I have recently and unfortunately found myself forced into the job hunt again, after being part of a ~30 person layoff at my most recent company. It’s early days in that process, but I am very optimistic. Two things have come out the recent experience so far: being thankful for the time you’re given and finding the silver lining in almost everything you experience.
Hit the Ground Running
First thing first, for anyone else experiencing the aftermath of a layoff, it’s rough out there, but it’s not impossible. Keep your head up, and just keep at it. Most importantly, you need to work your network — both people you know at a company but also any alumni from your school(s). Apply and craft your cover letters to the roles, highlighting your strengths and experiences that don’t necessarily show up on your CV/resumé..
Very quickly, I have submitted a ton of resumés, applied via online applications daily, interviewed, and scoured sites for job openings that are good fit, and align with career goals. All of that is obviously essential to landing your next role, but there’s more you can do for your own physical and mental health. Your outlook and well-being reflect in all things you do — especially interviews and other interactions.
Fitness Helps Mentality
I’ve always been into exercise as a means of staving off stress, but I’ve leaned into that a bit more these past few weeks. I’m lucky enough to have a branch of the YMCA under a mile from our house. My family have always been regulars there, and for me that’s been a combination of cycling, lifting, running, and other fitness-related activities. With the extra time, and the cooling temperatures just now starting to tease us here in North Carolina, I’ve walked to and from the gym more often. That alone is adding a bit of warm-up and cool-down before jumping back into the job searching activities. It’s also added a bit of time for reflection, a little music, and some catching up on podcasts.
Additionally, I’ve also gotten certified to be an indoor cycling instructor. I start leading an early morning class this coming Monday. I’ll be making a few bucks and continuing my fitness journey.
Honoring 9/11
In a time of unemployment, your job seeking activities obviously takes priority, but I long ago found you need balance and breaks in anything you do. There hasn’t been a single day in weeks I haven’t been searching, applying, interviewing, etc. But today, I took a planned single day pause. On this day 23 years ago, planes struck the Twin Towers in New York, and so many United States citizens and first responders lost their lives.
Typically, I haven’t been able to do anything to honor the fallen. But here and now in 2024, a blessing of my new unemployment was being able to volunteer for a pair of events today. The local YMCA branch I frequent had two events that I was honored to be able to be a part of. First, I was able to help setup, serve and interact with our local first responders via a cookout lunch. Multiple fire departments and Raleigh policemen were able to briefly relax, socialize, have a meal, and were given thank you cards from YMCA members and staff.
Then, a few hours later in the same building, I was able to honor in our own small way the fallen first responders who ran toward the towers. On the fitness floor of the YMCA, all day today, two of the stair-stepping machines were reserved for people to climb 110-flights, matching the number that New York first responders climbed on the morning of September 11, 2001. The effort to complete the climb was nothing compared to the sacrifices 23 years ago, but it felt good to do something to honor their memories.
I share these two events, not as humble brags, but rather to encourage others to brainstorm ways to give back in your own communities. Even in times of tight financial and occupational stress, there are ways to squeeze in ways to help others, and in terms feel a bit better and grateful yourself. Neither event today cost me a thing, but time and a little effort. Both helped my own mood and mental state.
Silver Linings
As a technology leader for nearly the last decade, I’ve always both preached and practiced the concept of seeking the silver lining in everything. You have a mundane and repetitive task? How can you learn a new programming language or concept to automate some of that? Have you been asked to do something out of your comfort zone? What can you learn and level up through that request?
Top of mind right now? What are the silver linings coming out of the crappy situation of being laid off? For me, it’s been time to focus on my physical and mental fitness a bit more, and identify ways to become more involved in my community. I encourage you to seek similar things — find the silver lining.
