Maybe getting laid off....what shouId I be doing right now?
Depends. I was mercifully let go in the spring from my last company. It was the third round of layoffs in a year and not entirely unexpected. I already knew from the prior two rounds what the exit package would look like, and it included a 60 day "non-working notice period" which basically meant - we'll pay you to sit home for two months. In the end, I found something that started before the notice period was up so I was able to just bank the severance. Not a bad deal.
Start reaching out to connections on linked in. Set up 1-2 interviews now even if for jobs you don't really want. I found myself to be very rusty in interviewing ( and really nervous)- I blew a few initial interviews and in hindsight, it would have been helpful to build confidence and practice a bit earlier.
Take care of doctors appointments this month. Even though COBRA eligible, if you switch jobs probably new insurance and I found the cobra switch to be a bit of a hassle ( I remember some delay in coverage the first few days but that may have been my companies fault). If possible, pay off cc debt this month so it doesn't "hurt" so much next month if you are UE. Read up on the NJUI website now so you are ready to file right away.
A better job is around the corner. Don't worry! Good luc
Get on LinkedIn, if you're not already.
During layoffs is when everyone in the company seems to connect with everyone else. It may not help immediately, but in the long-term you know where your former co-workers went (and who stayed at the old company). It can provide links for co-workers who might give you good recommendations, places to ask about positions, or places to contract/collaborate with (or poach from), etc.
In other words, if you don't end up where you want to be right after these layoffs, if you want to change positions again, your connections on LinkedIn can then give you a good network to start from.
Build up your network. Create or update a profile on LinkedIn, connect to as many people as possible, follow people and interest groups on Twitter. Also research recruiters in your field - or similar fields - and introduce yourself. Reintroduce yourself to past colleagues.
Also, though your resume may be "updated," make sure it is compelling, shows achievements and real goals met/surpassed. Have a friend or colleague look at it. You may need a 2nd or 3rd version for different types of jobs.
And if the layoff comes, consider having an employment lawyer in the employer's state look at the offer (consider it an offer, not a done deal), s/he might be able to negotiate a better settlement. Best of luck.
Also - step back and breathe- step back meaning determine if you like to career path you are on or if there is opportunity to re-define yourself - maybe create a few resumes if you would like to branch out.. one for current trajectory the others for new angles for what you would like to transition to
On NPR today they were giving data on jobs reports and it looks like there is strong hiring etc so its not a "horrible" time to get "impacted"
Also if you are going to move or re-finance do it quickly to get mortgage approval
Print out or send yourself anything on your work computer or office server that you might need in the future (databases, mailing lists, old work of yours you want to save, etc.). You might not get access to your computer again after the deed is done, so think about all of that kind of stuff now.
Start now.
imonlysleeping said:
Print out or send yourself anything on your work computer or office server that you might need in the future (databases, mailing lists, old work of yours you want to save, etc.). You might not get access to your computer again after the deed is done, so think about all of that kind of stuff now.
krnl said:
Start now.
imonlysleeping said:
Print out or send yourself anything on your work computer or office server that you might need in the future (databases, mailing lists, old work of yours you want to save, etc.). You might not get access to your computer again after the deed is done, so think about all of that kind of stuff now.
Start now, but within bounds of your firm's policies, as they could easily be tracking large downloads, etc.
Figure out if cobra or Obamacare is best for you, if you anticipate being out of work or freelancing for awhile. Each one needs to start on the first of the month and once you've signed on to Cobra you won't be eligible for Obamacare
susan1014 said:
krnl said:Start now, but within bounds of your firm's policies, as they could easily be tracking large downloads, etc.
Start now.
imonlysleeping said:
Print out or send yourself anything on your work computer or office server that you might need in the future (databases, mailing lists, old work of yours you want to save, etc.). You might not get access to your computer again after the deed is done, so think about all of that kind of stuff now.
Agree on all three of the above. You may not readily realize how reliant you are on your email contacts until you don't have internal directories at hand. Worst case take hard-copies if USB ports are disabled.
get all your email and client contact information, internal employee roster, etc so you can maintain contacts.
get everything personal off your computer, company phone, etc.
Linkedin absolutely, and a serious personal email address "bsmith@gmail" not aol, not a silly name, etc.
afa said:
Figure out if cobra or Obamacare is best for you, if you anticipate being out of work or freelancing for awhile. Each one needs to start on the first of the month and once you've signed on to Cobra you won't be eligible for Obamacare
curious - why ? When Cobra ends cant one transition to obamacare?
imonlysleeping said:
Print out or send yourself anything on your work computer or office server that you might need in the future (databases, mailing lists, old work of yours you want to save, etc.). You might not get access to your computer again after the deed is done, so think about all of that kind of stuff now.
This is a fast track to a law suit for stealing company (intellectual) property or a tip-off that you intend to violate a non-compete/non-solicit clause. DO.NOT.DO.THIS.
new207040 said:
afa said:curious - why ? When Cobra ends cant one transition to obamacare?
Figure out if cobra or Obamacare is best for you, if you anticipate being out of work or freelancing for awhile. Each one needs to start on the first of the month and once you've signed on to Cobra you won't be eligible for Obamacare
No--we're in this situation right now. If you're signed up for Cobra you aren't eligible for Obamacare for another 6 months or something, because you have insurance even though it's costing an insane amount of money. My husband's company didn't send the Cobra info until after the 1st of the month (because their HR person was on vacation so oh well for us!!) so we didn't have that info in time to get on Obamacare for Sept which is like a grand less per month. It's really frustrating and if we'd known we'd be in this situation ahead of time we would have been able to get all our ducks in a row.
Yeah, sorry, should have phrased it better! But that extra $1k a month REALLY makes a difference when you've just been laid off, so if you know it's coming it's good to get the info to compare immediately
bella said:
imonlysleeping said:This is a fast track to a law suit for stealing company (intellectual) property or a tip-off that you intend to violate a non-compete/non-solicit clause. DO.NOT.DO.THIS.
Print out or send yourself anything on your work computer or office server that you might need in the future (databases, mailing lists, old work of yours you want to save, etc.). You might not get access to your computer again after the deed is done, so think about all of that kind of stuff now.
Depends. If you are diwnloading perf appraisals, samples of work you did and email contacts to network finding a new job, you are okay. If you are downloading things like employee confidential data/files or sales lead sheets-that could be a big no-no.
Sorry I have no advice but I keep misreading the title as :
Maybe getting laid....what should I be doing now
conandrob240 said:
bella said:Depends. If you are diwnloading perf appraisals, samples of work you did and email contacts to network finding a new job, you are okay. If you are downloading things like employee confidential data/files or sales lead sheets-that could be a big no-no.
imonlysleeping said:This is a fast track to a law suit for stealing company (intellectual) property or a tip-off that you intend to violate a non-compete/non-solicit clause. DO.NOT.DO.THIS.
Print out or send yourself anything on your work computer or office server that you might need in the future (databases, mailing lists, old work of yours you want to save, etc.). You might not get access to your computer again after the deed is done, so think about all of that kind of stuff now.
Not sure that is quite true...my former employer did not allow keeping copies of any company documents (including ones own work products and internal magazines).
Stock up (this is general advice, not maybe too helpful if it is happening within the next payday or too) - if you think you may be out of a job "soon", get those things you only buy occasionally: salt, sugar, razors, shampoo, dish detergent, paper and printer ink, and so forth (take a look around your own house to see what it would be for you) - and buy yourself a few gift cards for luxuries - cinema, bookshop, restaurant, cosmetics, whatever counts as a luxury for you.
And if you're likely to go to (say) NYC to look for work, buy yourself one r two ten-trip bundles for the train.
Ok if you don't already have it, I would sign up for a home equity line of credit while still employed. You don't have to use it but good to have. You won't be able to get it if you are out of work
If your company offers any out placement services, take advantage of them! The resume and interviewing services are outstanding even if you think you have a strong resume and interviewing skills. I also agree and endorse LinkedIn. Be sure to read up on creating a profile, use key words in your description so when HR professionals do their searches they can find you. Good luck!
I found outplacement assistance (LHH) to be useless. I would have preferred a $10 Olive Garden gift card.
conandrob240 said:
bella said:Depends. If you are diwnloading perf appraisals, samples of work you did and email contacts to network finding a new job, you are okay. If you are downloading things like employee confidential data/files or sales lead sheets-that could be a big no-no.
imonlysleeping said:This is a fast track to a law suit for stealing company (intellectual) property or a tip-off that you intend to violate a non-compete/non-solicit clause. DO.NOT.DO.THIS.
Print out or send yourself anything on your work computer or office server that you might need in the future (databases, mailing lists, old work of yours you want to save, etc.). You might not get access to your computer again after the deed is done, so think about all of that kind of stuff now.
At every major firm I've worked for, ALL of that is considered company property. And for those times when it's unclear, it is sometimes less what it is than where it is (i.e. Housed in a company PC or laptop) that makes it verboten.
ctrzaska said:
conandrob240 said:At every major firm I've worked for, ALL of that is considered company property. And for those times when it's unclear, it is sometimes less what it is than where it is (i.e. Housed in a company PC or laptop) that makes it verboten.
bella said:Depends. If you are diwnloading perf appraisals, samples of work you did and email contacts to network finding a new job, you are okay. If you are downloading things like employee confidential data/files or sales lead sheets-that could be a big no-no.
imonlysleeping said:This is a fast track to a law suit for stealing company (intellectual) property or a tip-off that you intend to violate a non-compete/non-solicit clause. DO.NOT.DO.THIS.
Print out or send yourself anything on your work computer or office server that you might need in the future (databases, mailing lists, old work of yours you want to save, etc.). You might not get access to your computer again after the deed is done, so think about all of that kind of stuff now.
Me too. Be very, very careful with what you take from work. All of those things at my work are considered company property. If you take it and they find out, my company has been known to start legal proceedings against people.
Just want to wish you the best of luck with this. All of this advice sounds good except for the contradictory advice which is at the very least, interesting.
Well, as it turns out my instinct was correct. I was one of 260 people whose job was eliminated. Still in a bit of shock, and relief if I am being honest. So I am not familiar with how unemployment works. I live in NJ but worked in NYC. Where do I apply? Do I wait until severance expires? Any input is VERY much appreciated!
Thanks all
Sorry to hear this Luigi -- I've been there, and it's not easy. Can end up a good thing though--so good luck. It's been a couple of years so things may have changed but you can apply for unemployment right away. In New Jersey it can all be done on-line--not sure about New York.
So sorry to hear this. That just sucks. Sending positive thoughts your way. To your question, I believe you file in the state you were employed in (NY), and you should do so as soon as permitted. The NYS Dept of Labor website likely explains how long you have to wait, but I'm surprised you were not given instructions on how to do this by your former employer (such as the reason for your filing a claim, which sounds like "Reduction in force"). Best of luck.
Word is out that lay offs are coming at the end of the month. Don't know if I am on THE list or not, but as I (and everyone else) ponder the possibilities of being out of work, it occurred to me that there may be things I should/could be doing right now to make a job loss less devastating. Resume is up to date, and I am applying where I can, but I wonder if my fellow MOLers who have been through something like this have any advice gained in hindsight, be it financial, physical, social etc. BTW I am late forties with kids in college. Thanks in advance all!