So I Did Lose my Job
So the shocker is to me and others, is today at 4:30 I got laid off. I write a post for my friend Jason about what I’d do if I lost my job. The same day he highlights my response, I actually do lose my job. The irony. Funny enough the night before I heard a pretty emotionally jarring story from a woman who lost her job. When she talked about the way it was resolved I thought, that’s what I hope happens to me if I lose my job. And now I have that opportunity.
I have worked for startups and entrepreneurs for years. For 5 straight years I always had a job. I rarely had to look, the only time it didn’t work out was when it wasn’t time. When it was jobs almost landed in my lap. That’s my experience. This year though is one of the most random yet. I saw a blog that said something like this: life is a jungle, consider it an adventure. That’s my motto.
I’m primarily a web marketer and writer. I’ve been a technical recruiter and a community organizer. Right now one thing I’d like to do: telecommute and write for a magazine, preferably about internet marketing (like ReveNews).
In the meantime I’ve been so busy at work I’ve put off a lot of things on my list. So my start is: I’m going to review an ebook every 2 days. I’m going to work on my affiliate site, write a letter I’ve needed to write, go to the gym every day, etc. etc. I’ll also read through Jason’s blog carnival responses.
Honestly, what Seth Godin wrote about donating your time for 6 weeks sounds most appealing. I’m already thinking I don’t have time!
Carolyn called this morning with some solid advice about starting to see what companies you want to work for first. So I’m off to get a BusinessQ magazine (thanks for the list of Utah firms: http://jobs.utah.gov/firmfind/pgMain.asp?theSessionID=506097911).
I met Jason and Carolyn because of my blog 
Both of them have been really helpful plus good friends. Thank you both.
The biggest question in my mind is: what do I want to do next? It’s not the same answer as it would be even 6 months ago. I have some ideas of what I think I want, but I will ponder this question over the weekend.
I have one last question: is this Groundhog day? and if it is, what’s the key to stop the variations and get on with the real story?
12 Responses to “So I Did Lose my Job”
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November 10th, 2006 at 6:19 am
Sorry to hear this Janet and Good Luck with the opportunity of whatever happens next. Maybe you should consider (if it is possible within the confines of your current situation) going full-time self employed?!
And the weirdness of the timing so close to your recent post!
keith
November 10th, 2006 at 11:03 am
hey Janet… glad to see this post and your resolve and plan. You still have that 1 year free premium to JibberJobber, remember?
Funny, earlier in the day I had a friend’s wife sign up for JibberJobber - she had just been laid off! It is all around, no one is immune, and it isn’t your fault. But I do have a cool thought for you to chew on.
You know I’m big on personal branding… and showing your brand is substantiating your breadth and depth. I think this last few months with X company, as you’ve been less available
has been your chance to gain more depth - lots more depth… so it has been a great experience, helped you grow, and I’ve seen it on your blog posts. Capitalize on that. Good luck, I’d be happy to help where I can!
November 10th, 2006 at 11:18 am
I’m really sorry to hear about your job situation. I agree with Keith that the timing of your article/job loss was weird!
I wish you all the luck in the world on finding your next job adventure!
November 10th, 2006 at 11:33 am
Dang. Rotten timing. But remember the “closing door; open window” adage.
I have some stuff you might want to avail yourself of. (Or any one reading this comment.)
Comcast is hiring.
http://home.comcast.net/~v2y2r0n27rhj6y/Comcast_is_hiring.htm
I’m not a nigerian spammer but I like the intro and I share some thoughts about what to do.
http://home.comcast.net/~v2y2r0n27rhj6y/My_generic_survival_pack.htm
Congrats, you’re now a “turkey”, here’s what I advise my fellow turkeys.
http://home.comcast.net/~v2y2r0n27rhj6y/TURKEY/index.htm
If you send me your “networking profile”, I’ll pin in on my wall above my phone. If I see something, I’ll GLADLY pass it along. In exchange, let me know if you find any jobs for FOWGs that pay an obscene amount of money for a Big Fat Turkey like me.
Hopefully this will make you laff, and see that it’s definitely NOT the worst thing that can happen to you.
(Me getting laid off would be the WORST for a lot of people, because I whine in hig volume STEREO and would SPAM everyone in my Outlook address book.)
Seriously, yell if I can help,
Fjohn
p.s., Weird I was just telling someone that my “turkey farm” (I counsel FOWGs who have been nuked), (girls don’t seem to need it as much) was empty for the first time in a decade. Amazing.
November 10th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Sheesh - the one day I don’t start my day with a blog sprint and there is something worth commenting on. I had to heard it over Jason and my business lunch today…
I agree with Keith - How realistic is it for you to strike out on your own? From the work you’ve done with this site I assume you’ve built up a personal brand of some value. What would be holding you back from doing something like consulting full time?
November 10th, 2006 at 2:33 pm
thanks everyone who has commented so far! I feel like I have a blog community. You’re the first ones to call, comment, and email support. Amazing. I love it. I have been on the phone since I woke up this morning. In the past I would not have said anything until it was all worked out. If anyone wonders why I’m so transparent, this is why…
As for consulting the biggest headache for me is cash flow. People pay late but your mortgage is always due…otherwise I love the idea. It’s something I’m thinking about.
Best
Janet
November 10th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
Cashflow is a big issue - and the key thing to keep in mind as you bounce between “Think Positive and Make it Happen” V “Be Sensible”
Some limited savings helped us (myself and family) during my consultancy start-up this year and without those times would have been really tough as opposed to just strained. The lack of cash causes strange thinking distortions and an inability to function creatively. Without a cushion for basic requirements (or a second income in the household) then consulting could be tough.
Having said that a core contract for 2 to 3 days a week - even at minimum levels - could give you the leeway you need.
One way or another make a decision that you are happy with and stick with it.
keith
November 11th, 2006 at 10:46 am
Janet
So sorry about your situation. I contributed to Jason’s blog carnival and linked to your site from Jibber Jobber. That is how I found out about your situation. I am happy to help any way that I can.
I have a couple of job search suggestions for you. First of all, if you have worked for start-ups and would like to continue doing so, you might start researching VC firms. More specifically, go to VC websites and see what companies are part of their portfolios and see if there are any companies to which you would like to apply. I wouldn’t worry too much about job openings…if you find a company that looks interesting send a strong cover letter and your resume to the CEO. Sometimes they will create a job for you. Other times you can make great contacts that will lead you to other jobs. Of course, you should apply for any openings that are appropriate. I happen to have a list of (I think) all VC firms in the US so just email me if you want me to send it to you.
You can also go to Linked In and do a location search to find companies that you may not have heard of. You don’t even need to try to contact the companies through the employees who are listed on Linked In. You can just find company names (usually there is a short description listed in personal profiles) and if any look interesting just find the company website and conduct further research there.
Best of luck,
Liz Handlin
http://www.ultimate-resumes.com
November 11th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Janet, My dear friend and Fairy Godmother!
You have a strong network of friends and professionals nationwide, now it’s time for claiming http://www.thesecret.tv! You get to create your dream and the cash flow will follow. Not to worry. Consider the lilies…
I’ll keep my eyes and ears open and see what opportunities I hear of.
You can always brainstorm with me too! If you want to volunteer for a non-prof like Seth Godin says…we need some help marketing our One Heart Bulgaria CD.
And Start Up Princess could use some help. Ha! 
Take care always,
Kelly
November 11th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
If I didn’t mention it in the pages I suggested to you, and you do get on LinkedIn, feel free to send me an invite.
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=214231
I’d be glad to accept. I’d invite you, but I’m down to my last five hundred invites, and I’m saving them for when I get laid off. I’m sure I will; just a question of when.
How’s that for fatalistic?
November 13th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
Janet,
in twenty years of working so far, I have not yet managed to gain your expertise at targeting new jobs, not as well as you described in response to Jason’s recent carnival. However, I will be honest and say that for me, loosing a job has NEVER been anything but a blessing in disguise. Working for a startup for five months without salary - now that was painful - but outright expulsion from a post has always turned into a BIG advantage within a relatively short time.
I really hope you can believe in this because you now have the opportunity to make any career change you wanted, but were maybe afraid to go for. And, as if you need me to point it out, you are available full time to do your strategy, marketing and any direct selling. Unless of course you’re up for a sabatical, because a rest is as good as a change when you need to regenerate completely.
Your friend Kelly (startupprincess) mentioned “The Secret”, and if she has indeed gifted you a copy of the DVD then you will find ironic pleasure in the thought that you “attracted” this change so that you can go onto something better that will make you happier.
Dare to dream and you will be amazed at what life will bring you in return
A big smile from Artemgy
November 14th, 2006 at 12:41 am
Liz,
thanks for the great tips!
Kelly, thanks for the encouragement!
Artemgy, beautiful comment and very much appreciated. I agree. I choose to see this as a blessing. We’ll see where it leads.
Again, this community has been so supportive and helpful. I’ll keep you posted, as usual.
Janet