Monday, June 15, 2009

Pachi's 4 Step Plan to Post Lay-Off Happiness

I'm happy to say I've landed a job! Two jobs, actually, but I'm completely excited for the one that I've accepted. I think it'll really grow my product management experience in consumer products and I can simultaneously learn how to use Ed's SLR camera, LOL.

I've been sharing my lay-off experience with a lot of people, and figured I should write them down in the case that it may be helpful for those who are currently going through the same thing.

Step 1: RELAX

There's the temptation of completely freaking out and spending your entire day job hunting. I did this for almost two months to no avail. I recommend doing the following before/during your job search:

Travel
Self-Evaluation
Develop priorities in life, career
Take classes - helpful for next job or for personal enrichment
Spend time with POSITIVE friends
Exercise
Volunteer
Learn to appreciate life

Step 2: AVOID THE FOLLOWING
It's pretty easy to stress during the search, especially if you're the sole provider for the family, but if you have some savings and can still pay your mortgage and bills, you have a lot to be grateful for. I recommend eliminating the following:

-Random mass application to any and all jobs that you see on job boards, regardless of company
-Spending time with negative people, people that make you feel self conscious/bad about yourself
-Staying all day locked up in your home

Step 3: DEVELOP YOUR LIST
I strongly urge everyone to go through Step 1 before jumping to Step 3, simply because you will feel more enriched and not regret this time in your life, but if you must, Step 3 is the point where you begin to plan for your transition.

a. Develop a list of your Strengths, support with examples of how've you demonstrated this in various job positions you've held
b. Develop a list of Job Functions you believe can capitalize on these strengths. Don't be afraid of listing something you've never done before. Call upon a mentor/career coach to ID these job functions if needed, based on your strengths.
c. Develop a list of Companies you'd like to work for.
d. Figure out Who You Know at these companies you'd like to work for. Or identify a friend of a friend, and see if your friend can set up an introduction (LinkedIn or other) so you can speak to them.
e. Find the positions that are open at the companies you want to work for, and ask friends/acquaintances at that company to pass your resume to the recruiter or hiring manager. Attach as super compelling cover letter describing how you will positively impact the company in that position.
f. Practice, practice, practice. Write down every possible interview question you think you will get, and practice!

Step 4: WELCOME NEW OPPORTUNITIES
You have to keep an open mind during this time. You may have strengths in areas you have never realized, so be open to new opportunities that are thrown your way. This is the time to take advantage of growing yourself in an unexpected direction.

I saw this quote in someone's posting on LinkedIn. And can't agree more!

THE MEANING OF SUCCESS:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you for those who have been so supportive during my job transition, and I look forward to growing in this next stage of our lives!