Katy Crowley’s Post

Does Anyone Else Dread the 1st of the Month After Job Loss? #FirstOfTheMonth #JobHuntStruggles #EmploymentJourney Why Do Some People Hate the 1st of the Month? For many, the 1st of the month can be a harsh reminder of ongoing struggles. While it signifies a fresh start, it can also be a painful checkpoint for those battling job loss and financial uncertainty. Understanding the Frustration Imagine this — getting laid off last fall, tirelessly applying for positions, and feeling like you’re reliving the same struggles each month. A... Read more: https://lnkd.in/g-it3GwF

Situations Sourced From Real Life : I was laid off from two jobs that I loved. What is the lesson that life is trying to teach me? Perspective Two: The key lessons you can learn from being laid off from jobs you loved are: 1. **Don't Define Yourself by Your Job**: Before the layoffs, you were putting too much of your identity and self-worth into your job titles. You learned that "you're not your job" and that there is more to you than just your career. 2. **Take More Risks**: Losing your job made you realize that the "worst-case scenario" isn't as bad as it seems. This should embolden you to take more career risks and pursue opportunities you may have been hesitant about before. 3. **Prioritize Work-Life Balance**: The layoffs forced you to take a step back and realize you were working nonstop without enough time for yourself. You learned the importance of taking breaks, relaxing, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 4. **Expand and Nurture Your Network**: After the layoffs, you saw how valuable your professional network was in helping you find new opportunities. This has taught you to continuously invest in and grow your network, even when you're employed. 5. **Prepare for Uncertainty**: The experience of being laid off twice has shown you that no job is truly "safe" or secure. This should motivate you to live within your means, build up savings, and be adaptable to changes in the job market. The overarching lesson seems to be that life is teaching you not to take your career or job for granted, and to focus more on developing a diverse set of skills, relationships, and financial stability to weather future uncertainties. The layoffs have been a humbling experience, but one that can make you more resilient and adaptable in the long run.

A number of my friends and former colleagues at Business Insider got laid off today. Being laid off is not fun. It's a shock and a gut-punch. As a person who's lost several jobs involuntarily, I will offer — with breaking heart — the following PSA: If you've just been laid off: Let yourself wallow. Like, SERIOUSLY wallow. Go ahead and be angry and sad and feel sorry for yourself and wonder why the universe is being so unfair. Because the universe is, indeed, unfair. Cry! Yell! Eat too many Cheetos! Ask your doctor for an Ambien prescription! Give yourself some grace. You're allowed to be not OK. Resist the urge to punch a pillow (or, go ahead and punch the pillow) when someone says, "It wasn't personal." This may be true; but at the same time, someone looked at your name and decided you were expendable. There are a lot of business-related reasons you might have been let go — and chances are whoever made the decision felt bad about doing it — but it still feels intensely personal, and you get to own that. Also: If you can, give yourself a break and try not to look for a job for, say, a week or two. I realize this is a luxury not everyone can afford. But someday you will look back on this period of "free time" and wonder why you didn't enjoy it more. It's hard! I still find it hard. But at least for a little while, try to sleep late and binge-watch TV and go to museums and finally tackle that To Do list ... or do nothing at all. Make it so that when you look back on this period of your life, you'll feel that it was time well spent, even if that just means taking a well-earned rest. If you know someone who just got laid off: I've learned this the hard way, but please try to resist the urge to say the following things: - Well, you weren't happy anyway. - I'm sure you'll get another job right away. - This is probably the best thing that could have happened to you. No one wants to hear this. They just want to hear, "This really sucks." And instead of "Let me know what I can do to help," perhaps think of a person you can connect them with, and then offer to make that connection. Don't put the burden on them to tell you how to help them. These are rough times (and it’s not easy for the survivors, either). Sending support — hang in there.

If you have recently been laid off, please take a moment to hit the pause button before you go applying to new jobs. Even if you can only afford to do it for a day, take a step back to think about what you want in that next role. Sleep until you feel well rested. Get a good meal. Let your loved ones know how much you care about them, and how grateful you are for their presence in your life. Then find a calm, quiet place where you can do some serious thinking and writing. Ask yourself what you really want in a job, what would be meaningful, fulfilling. Take time to reconsider how much stuff you really need to buy, and therefore, how much money you need to make. Sell things if you need to. Think about the people in your life that you wish you had more time for, and see if you can make that a reality with the next gig. Use a moment to regain a sense of control, and direction, instead of constantly feeling like you're being pulled this way or that - that you're being forced into something you don't really want. You've obviously had enough of that - no need to continue on that way. I've seen too many of my colleagues jump straight into a job search in a state full of anxiety, meaning that they're not at their best. And that means you might make a bad move, I know I have. So, take a moment - you can't afford not to. Good luck, and if I can do anything to help, reach out.

5 People You Should Reach Out to After You’ve Been Laid Off If you’ve been laid off, you’re probably wondering: Who exactly should you be contacting? Here are the five most common types of people you should reach out to after losing your job—and how each can be a valuable resource in your job search. https://lnkd.in/eyv2Br2f

Are you feeling awkward because you still have a job, but someone you know (or a bunch of your coworkers) got laid off? I have some ideas for you! I’ve been on both sides of this, and I didn't do a great job when I was the one who stayed. I’ve been learning a lot during this period, and I’ve found that the people who have helped me the most are people who got laid off at the same time as I did, and especially the ones who’ve also been looking for a long time. They understand what I’m going through. They know about the market and they’re looking for ways to feel useful. We talk about the roles that are out there and what things we're trying. But they can’t always help as much as someone who still has a job, because they have to look out for themselves too. And they might be my competition for a role, which is strange! If you want to help out your laid off pals then we’d appreciate that. Here are some thoughts about what you can do: 1. Reach out! It’s weird not being around the same people every weekday anymore. It’s okay if you don’t know what to say. And you can even tell us that you don’t know what to say when you reach out! And you can keep checking in so we don't feel forgotten. 2. Offer specific things you’re willing and able to do to help. Maybe that’s introducing us to a recruiter or someone you know at another company. Or maybe it’s reviewing our resume or helping us write a case study for our portfolio. 3. If you’re in the same town, maybe you can offer to take us out for lunch or grab a coffee. Unemployment can be lonely! We could use an excuse to put on an outfit and go somewhere! And here are things you might want to avoid: 1. It can be tempting to tell people they’ll find something new soon, or that any team would be lucky to have them. Those are nice things to say, and maybe they’re true, but they often feel more like they’re comforting the person saying them more than the person who got laid off. Some people said I’d find something quickly, but I haven’t, and now I feel guilty about that! 2. Giving unsolicited advice, which includes anything that starts with “You just need to…” 3. Comparing this to any time you got laid off in a good job market, because it’s extra hard right now and it’ll make us feel bad If you’re looking for a job (or you’ve been laid off recently), what are some suggestions you’d add? #JobSeekers #OpenToWork #OpenForBusiness #Layoffs #LayoffSupport

From being laid off to having 2 job offers in a month. Kathy was laid off. And she was understandably upset! Imagine getting ready for the day, jamming to music while you drive to work, already having planned out your tasks. BUT instead, you receive the news you've been laid off. It really sucks. Been there, not just twice, but three times. There's this heavy feeling in your chest. So now, Kathy was experiencing low self-esteem. Questions started to fill her head. → "Why did I deserve this?" → "Am I not good enough?" → "What if I can't find another job?" As her career coach, I knew we needed to address more than just her job search. We needed to rebuild her confidence first. Those negative thoughts swirling in her head were roadblocks to her success. We started by... 1️⃣ Rebuilding her confidence. We focused on identifying the skills she wanted to use in her next job, pinpointing her transferable and marketable skills She started feeling better. Like "Yeah, I DO have those skills." 2️⃣ We figured out what kind of jobs she truly wanted. She'd worked in different fields, but we were able to narrow it down to what she genuinely enjoyed doing. 3️⃣ With this clarity, we updated her resume and LinkedIn profile, making sure to highlight the skills and achievements most relevant to her desired roles. Then, within about a month of working together, she received not one, but TWO job offers! Proof that with the right support and a renewed sense of self, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones. ___________________________________________________________ If you're facing similar challenges, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your next opportunity could be just a conversation away.

"I'm going to get laid off. What if I get laid off?" This is a constant drumbeat in your day. You feel it in the pit of your stomach. The anxiety heightens every time your boss looks at you funny, there's a closed-door meeting or a project is put on hold. So you put your head down, work harder, stay hyper-attuned to what everyone's thinking and feeling, and recommit yourself to being the go-to workhorse everyone can count on. You try to solve problems without asking questions and lay low, hoping to escape any disapproval, disagreement or criticism. You constantly scroll your email, even at night, even on the weekends, for fear that you'll miss something important. I have bad news for you: you're creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Overthinking about a possible layoff can send you into hyperdrive or hiding, and both can make you more susceptible to a cut. Overworking and feeling desperate to prove your worth signals you lack self-leadership. Going into reactive mode in an effort to lay low leads you to pull back on your work, making you more vulnerable to scrutiny. Here are some things you can do to settle yourself and get back in control to minimize your chances of being cut and maximize your resilience, no matter what. 🔥 Check the facts: How much of what you're thinking is linked to reality and how much is catastrophizing, negative interpretation and confirmation bias - looking for things to confirm what you've already decided is true? 🔥 Stay proactive: Strengthen and maintain relationships and communication. Rather than taking on all the work (or avoiding your boss), take an active role in prioritizing high-value work. Get your boss's input. Collaborate with your team and colleagues. Take initiative in a strategic way and stay connected and engaged. 🔥 Tap into your resilience: Let yourself answer the question, "What if I do get laid off?" Make a plan B. Dust off your resume. Network outside your company. Take control. Remind yourself how strong you are, and how resourceful you've been facing past challenges. Reassure yourself you always land on your feet. 🔥 Remember you are not your job: This is the perfect time to remind yourself that attaching your identity to anything outside yourself puts you in a precarious position. You are so much more than the title on the door! I can help you build your resilience and self-trust. DM me to set up a discovery call for 1:1 private coaching. -------------------- I'm Lisa, a 1:1 coach for empathetic achievers who think too much. I'll help you kick the overthinking habit and become calm, confident and decisive. Decisiveness is your superpower! It defeats negativity and fuels success, however you define it. Ready to get to work? 📩 DM me or click the link in my profile to schedule a complimentary consultation. 💡 Sign up for weekly inspiration at lisastryker -dot- com #fulfillment #success #bestadvice #personaldevelopment #leadership #UnderThinkIt

It happened to me too. I was laid off.   And I was devastated.   My self-worth plummeted.   Everything I thought I wanted in my professional career all came into question.    The job was coveted.  The work was interesting. I was *supposed* to love it.   But the truth is,  I was miserable.  I dreaded waking up every morning.   The people were smart. The place was inspiring. But I hated the actual job.   It didn’t suit me.   I was following someone else’s career path, instead of carving my own.   Once I realized this, I made a promise to myself: I will never work for anyone else ever again.   The first few of years of self-employment were grueling.   Starting from zero. Months without pay. Bank account scraping empty.   Many times, I wanted to give up. Get a job. Go back to agency life.   But a friend wouldn't let me quit. They said:    “Just keep going. It will work out.”   So I did.   Endless emails.  Countless cold calls. Literally knocking on doors.   Self-promotion made me cringe. But, I got over it. I had to.   I did whatever it took. Even when I thought it was pointless.    Because the true test of failure wasn’t going back to a corporate job,  it was breaking the promise I made to myself.   And slowly, one small project at a time. one client at a time, one relationship at a time...    I built a company. Not just from scratch, but also from grit.   I kept my promise. Because I had support (and admittedly, privilege— more on this another day).   I carved my own career path. Because I had walked someone else’s, and ended up lost.   I created a new life. And it’s one that I love.   This year, I’m celebrating 15 years of self-employment. And every day is a pinch-me moment.   I wake up each morning excited to start my day.    I love what I do and who I work with. I’m truly living my dream.   I’m deeply grateful to all the clients, contractors, friends, and family who supported me along the way. I couldn’t have done it—and keep doing it—without you.   Even though being laid off was one of the scariest experiences I've had, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.   I’m thankful it happened.   If you were recently laid off, I hope that one day you will look back and feel the same way. Just keep going. It will work out.

Losing a job is hard, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Which is why what you do immediately following it is so important... Back in 2022, I was laid off due to financial hardships in the company. I loved my job, loved the people I worked with & when it happened, I remember being slightly paralyzed, it's not something you expect to ever happen, and for me, working in retail for 14+ years, I'd never experienced anything like it and although I was told it had nothing to do with performance, you can't help but take it personally. Then, after a little while passed, I knew that if I wanted to get my next job, what I did next was crucial, & despite the wound being raw, if I could do something in this moment, a moment I felt "weak", then moving forward will only get better. I formulated a plan, told myself to take this on the chin, but keep my head up and work toward my next job. This of course, included the good ol' LinkedIn post stating you've lost your job, but I came up with a different idea when it came to reaching out to each person I dealt with at my former employer. I decided to write each of them a personalized thank you note, and although I was let go, that doesn't mean my experience there didn't help my career. I also couldn't forget this was the company that gave me a chance to work in my dream role as a software developer. So I took a whole day and wrote 15+ letters, each personal, something specific I wanted to thank them for and how grateful I was to have known them and learned from them. While this didn't get me my job back (nor did I expect/intend it to) it did give me a sense of closure, not to mention the feeling of "I took this situation, didn't lose myself, and did it the right way". Then came the brain work, I was laid off, potential employers could ask about this, how would I answer? Instead of formulating some basic answer, I took it as a time to reflect, if Costco taught me one thing (and it taught me a lot) you can ALWAYS get better. While thinking of answers I also took the chance to reflect and help myself grow as a developer and worker in general. I networked, not just talking to people on LinkedIn, I went to lunches & activities with connections. I put my head down and grew as a developer. Learning new languages, finding new and exciting projects to help me, but also help my resume. Then, low and behold, I found a company I'm incredibly proud to work for The Davey Tree Expert Company and the rest is history. I've had people who've been let go reach out to me on ideas for side work and they often have this sense of "they said it wasn't me, but I can't help think I could have done more and kept my job". This thought will hold you hostage, in the end, you were let go, regardless of what the reason, you can waste the time wondering all these different things, OR, look forward & realize the sooner you leave that behind to work on your future, however that may be, will not only be better for your career, but also, FOR YOU.