Laid Off - Day 30

Well, I officially accepted the offer yesterday. 30 days doesn't seem so long when you talk about it. It's a lot longer when your living thru it and don't know the outcome. I'm definately looking forward to the new challenges, the different work environment, and the new position. I'm viewing it as upward movement, will expand my network in the same industry, and hopefully will be the financial position to put my family where it needs to be over the next 10 years.

Things I take away from the job hunting experience and the current economic situation:

1) Headhunters weren't worth the time I spend on the phone with them and sending them my resume.
2) It always pays to treat people right, go with you instincts, and manage fairly.
3) Only pertains if your married or in a serious relationship, but only one of you can be "worried" about the situation. The other has to stay positive.
4) Put your pride away, and tell everyone you know, everyone in your network, and anyone who will listen that you got laid off and if they hear of anything, please let you know. Job opportunities came from some pretty random sources.
5) Never turn down an interview - it's something that gets easier and better the more you do it.
6) If someone is out looking and networking for a job, buy them lunch. That way when you're out looking and don't have an income, they will hopefully buy you lunch.
7) Even in difficult times, don't be afraid to turn down a bad position. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

I'm sure there are more things I learned, but that's the whole point of a blog, right, to just write what you're thinking at the time.

I hope you've enjoyed reading about my search and my success. If you've read the series, feel free to comment.

Laid Off - Day 28

Had what I believe will be the last of the interviews (a 2nd interview in this case) yesterday. It was a multi-person interview where I was across the table from 3 people, all at different levels in the organization (PM, VP, Pres) and all with a much different outlook of what they were looking for in a person and what characteristics they thought were important. First, based on the fact that I got my schedule messed up and showed up 1/2 hour late, I wouldn't be making me an offer. If I allow myself to get beyond that fact, I'm just don't think the position they're looking to fill in that organization is right for me. So, on Day 28, I believe I will be making the final deal with the other opportunity I discussed at Day 26 and if all things go well, come Monday, I'll be back to work.

I read one of many "Laid Off - How to Deal with it Articles" yesterday and the one premise that this author threw out is that for every $20,000 of salary you make, it will take another month to find a job. Obviously not the case for me. Now, one could argue that I knew the layoff was coming for sometime before it actually happened so I had things already lined up as far as some first interviews and such, but I still think that only saved me 15-20 days, not the months and months this author would leave you to believe. Just don't always buy into what you read. I don't know what that guy's agenda is, my guess is that he is also the owner of the job bulletin board, so the longer you're out of work, the more hits he gets on his website.

Laid Off - Day 26

Getting very close to something. I did turn down one offer and a few things have slipped thru the cracks, but I have one 2nd interview tomorrow and a decision to make on another offer by wednesday. Unless something miraculous happens in the interview, I'll be taking the offer. Different segment of work, new challenges, some financial risk, but in the long term, I think the right decision. It still comes down to the people I'll be working with in an everyday situation and I've know this group for a long time and think I can help them as much as I'll learn from them. So, it looks like at the end of the day, I'll have been laid off for 1 month. With unemployment still climbing and the construction economy still not "turning around", I would say that's pretty good.

It's been an interesting time, there are those that checked in pretty regularly and those that stayed at arms length. I think it's a awkward situation for some and kind of like a death in the family, I'm not sure what are the correct words for someone who is out of work.

As I'm getting ready to start with this new opportunity, I still have a ton to be thankful for and get ready for a whole new ride.

Laid Off - Day 13

Well -

Big day as I received my first offer in this new world order and it's 35.7% lower than what I was making 13 days ago. The numbers just don't work although I think it would be a job I could do very well and is in a whole new industry (consulting, energy efficiency, utilities) and so that led to the reduced offer. I understand in this new economy I'll be taking a hit, but the economics of keeping everything together and moving a least a little forward just don't work with that cut. I'm going to slow play my response as I have another interview tomorrow that I consider strong, and hopefully significantly higher in pay if not in ideal positions, but we'll just have to see.

Kids driving me nuts, me driving mrs. ghost nuts, the whole thing just doesn't get easier if this goes into the summer.

Laid Off - Day 8

Days on the open market: 8
Sent Resumes: 30+-
Interviews: 6
Breakfast/Lunches: 3
2nd Interviews: 0
Offers: 0

I still consider I have 3 strong leads that should pan out one way or another by mid next week. Then I think I have to open the search up wider than I'm currently looking at. Still positive, but would like to see something come thru soon.

Will update next week, but hopefully it's to post that I have a job offer and am mulling it over.

Laid Off - Day 1

So, this is a whole new game. Haven't not had a job since probably the summer of my junior year in high school. Giving myself today, tomorrow, and the weekend for resorting (and a few interviews that were previously scheduled) and then I think I have to start scheming and planning on Monday what I do so I don't get annoyed with the kids, the wife doesn't get annoyed with me, and the whole thing descend into chaos quickly.

Plan #1: Put off planning to Monday.
Plan #2: Shower
Plan #3: Go to Interview
Plan #4: Mow the yard (to be continued 1x week)
Plan #5: Take out the trash.

That should end day #1 without a job.