Benjamin Riddle’s Post

I needed to pause today and share something heavy on my heart. The news about the recent layoffs has been tough to digest. Seeing so many talented people, who are more than just their jobs, face this sudden uncertainty is disheartening. If you're one of those impacted, I can only imagine the whirlwind of emotions you must feel - fear, frustration, disappointment, maybe even a bit lost. Please know that this situation is not a measure of your abilities or your worth. But remember this, every end is a new beginning, and better opportunities are out there waiting for you. And while it may seem difficult right now, know that you're not alone in this journey. I am here and happy to help. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need to update your resume, practice for an interview, or simply talk about what's next. Sometimes, a fresh perspective or a comforting chat can make all the difference. For the rest of us, if you know of any job opportunities, please share them. Your post could be a beacon of hope for someone in need. Let's stand together, lean on each other, and navigate these turbulent times as one. Remember, it's okay not to be okay and more than okay to ask for help.

I responded to a post about serially being laid-off. I've been part of 4 layoffs/re-orgs in the past 15 years. This seems to be a theme in marketing departments. I thought I'd repost my thoughts here. It is disheartening when you are let go from a job. It's hard to not take it personally. The Rocky quote comes to mind: "You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward." This is easier said than done. The anxiety that comes with losing a job can be crippling. You have to fight through the doubts, and motivate. Apply to new jobs, network, learn new skills. Keep pushing, keep applying, keep interviewing. If you have the know-how in your field, the work will eventually come. Opportunities appear when you least expect. A lot of people aren't great self-marketers. Maybe take the time off to think about "your brand" or what you really want to do. I know that we'd all be happier being the person we want to be and doing the work we want to do instead of the person we think people or employers are looking for. I say all this having my last contract end abruptly, with no immediate employment options on the horizon. Not feeling great about it, but the spark of hope and the thought of new opportunity has me optimistic. Let's see what happens...

You don't have to put a positive spin on your open to work post. You know, the "I got laid off, but gosh my company is AMAZING and I'm so BLESSED" vibe. Layoffs are incredibly stressful life events. It can mean having to radically rethink plans for buying a house, for having kids, for retirement. The idea that the only acceptable response to losing your job is sunshine and rainbows not only screams inauthentic; it also causes real harm. It sends the message that it's not valid to feel hurt, overwhelmed, and like your entire world is spiraling, because a 'true' professional should be able to rise above this. And let's be honest; acting like layoffs are no big deal only makes it easier for companies to get away with the shitty behavior we're seeing right now. I get that no one wants to badmouth their previous company. But there's a world of difference between this and being honest about the fact that layoffs really do suck. It doesn't have to be a "gateway to other opportunities." Or "exploring my potential in a new direction." Or "turning the page into a new chapter for my career." It's allowed to just suck. We don't have to be okay with it. Instead of wasting energy on the positive spin, focus on taking care of yourself. You deserve it ❤️

My heart goes out to folks going through layoffs right now. I've been through a layoff myself and it all feels very personal. Know that it's not about what you did or did not do, and you are not alone in this. Two things I took away from my experience: - I wish I had taken a moment to define upfront what my job search process needed to look like to be sustainable. I just kept going until I was exhausted. How can you build in space to maintain your energy while you do this work? What breaks or activities do you need? - Reach out to your network. Have coffee chats, even if there's not an immediate job opportunity involved. Let them know what you're looking for. You never know what information someone could share with you that will make a difference.

Feeling the anxiety in the air? 🍂 It's not just the fall chill – layoffs are looming. Here’s 5 things I wish I had known before I was laid off last year:     💡 Self-Discovery First: Before you touch your resume, figure out who you are and what you want. Do this before a layoff hits, it's a lot harder afterward.   🎯 Know Your Targets: What’s your ideal industry, company, and role? Start researching now.   💬 Network Actively: Start reconnecting and more importantly making new contacts. People are generally open to networking, especially now. Conversations can lead to unexpected opportunities.   💸 Save for Self-Investment: Unemployment is expensive. You will need resources and coaching to land your next role. Start saving to invest in yourself- trust me you're worth it.   😮💨 Take a Deep Breath: It will be OK, even though it doesn't feel like it. Being laid off is a common event- there is no shame in it. Career transition is a mental game, start your self-care routine now.   🔔 If you’re worried about layoffs and need advice or a listening ear, DM me. We can chat. P.S. This is good advice for anyone looking to be proactive in your career- which I would recommend. Anyone else in my incredible network have advice to share? 🙋♀️

The landscape is changing. Anyone who tells you differently - they are not aware. Nothing is secure, nothing guaranteed. You can put in your 110% to make it better, to get ahead, to help the team - this effort will not always result in support and recognition. Nope. Don’t be fooled - do your best, learn and adapt (without being told to), and be aware. Otherwise, the rug will be pulled. You’re as good as your last big project. Your dedication will be recognized, but not necessarily rewarded. I’ve been through several layoffs. You’re only good until the “next big thing” comes along, if you’re not careful. Eyes wide open, don’t be caught unaware. Your heart is in the right place, just not always critical to the next big decision from higher up. Be strong, be brave, be adaptable. You will never know when you need that. Positive vibes to all of you (and I’m seeing a lot of you being affected now), you will adjust/change direction. It might not be what you want, but resilience is not something taught - it’s learned, through experience. Cheers 🍻

The largest group of professionals I have encountered since November 2022 consists of those in game recruiting and talent. They are outstanding, exerting tremendous effort to place all of you in jobs you love. Often burdened with overwhelming workloads, they go above and beyond their duties to volunteer their time and coach others. The community is filled with heartfelt dedication, and I am profoundly grateful for the invaluable time so many have contributed as my friends to establish this community and support numerous of our resources. This is why I address you once more, urging the small yet vocal group of individuals involved in such actions to cease harassing our colleagues in game talent and to stop being toxic towards them. These individuals remain unchanged from before any specific layoffs occurred. They are not responsible for such decisions. Attacking them solves nothing and, in fact, exacerbates the situation by harming some of the kindest people in the industry. Moreover, I know for a fact that such behavior demotivates many from offering their time and energy, which they do voluntarily, to aid and expedite our industry's recovery. Being deeply integrated into this professional sphere, I am privy to numerous stories, shared both privately and publicly through posts and comments. Everyone sees what you say; everyone knows who you are. If you need to express your frustrations, there are constructive methods and numerous channels available for doing so. Do not aggravate an already difficult situation for all of us, who are eager to see you succeed, by being disrespectful to someone and thereby tarnishing your own reputation. I expect better from everyone in the gaming community - a sentiment shared by the vast majority. Like you, many have lost their positions; many feel the impact of these layoffs personally in ways you might not realize. In some cases, those you criticize may have been laid off themselves or might face layoffs in the future, just like you. We are all part of the same team here. This has become a real, serious problem. Please stop. Thank you.

Two strong themes are emerging from my conversations in the last day in the aftermath of mass layoffs at work. First, no one discusses the onset of survivors’ guilt and imposter syndrome for people who make it through a mass layoff event. Maybe it’s considered taboo to talk about your problems when you are employed and others are not? Second, we don’t discuss the mental health aspect of being laid off enough. There’s the compulsion to mask the fear of the unknown after a layoff, and because most of us cannot go on with extended unemployment, rather than grieve what has happened and truly process it, we dive right into networking and job searching, which isn’t super healthy. Honest and frank conversations about the effects of layoffs, both seen and unseen, are something that I hope to see more of on LinkedIn and in my personal connections as mass layoffs, even in a “good economy,” continue to occur with regularity.

Shhhh 🤫 This is one piece of career advice you DO NOT want to share with your employer. “You should NEVER take yourself off the job market” EVER! I don’t care if you have a good job, or if you have no job at all, you should never stop your job search. Seem a little extreme? Think about it like this… Any company you work for is looking out for themselves and their stakeholders first… why shouldn’t you do the same? Company loyalty starts and ends with their bottom line. Just look at the recent tech layoffs if you want to see “corporate loyalty” in action! Now, don’t take this as an excuse to perform poorly or act unprofessionally… Instead, think of it as an invitation to prioritize yourself in your career. This starts with always being on the lookout for new and better opportunities.  With this attitude you’ll be ready if something happens at your current employer. And if nothing happens, and you simply want to enjoy a better job opportunity, you’ll be ready for that too! Happy searching : )

In my years of experience, I've witnessed varied economic tides. But recently, the volume of outreach, the sheer number of talented individuals experiencing layoffs, is reminiscent of the 2007/2008 period. The reality is undeniable. Layoffs have become an intense phenomenon, causing ripples in industries across the board. For many, it's not just about losing a job; it's about an abrupt halt to a journey they've passionately been a part of. However, in these challenging times, there lies an opportunity. For organizations, it's a chance to re-evaluate strategies, to show empathy, and to guide those affected with care. After all, the mark of a company's character is best revealed in trying times. For individuals, it's a moment to introspect. While the pain of a layoff is real, so is the potential for growth, for redirection, and for rediscovering one's true career calling. In my conversations with both companies and individuals, a consistent theme emerges: resilience. The world may seem uncertain, but with resilience and a positive outlook, we can navigate any storm.