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#JobSearch : Lost Your Job? Announce It On Social Media, like LinkedIn. Instead of Keeping your Job Loss to Yourself, Leverage it on LinkedIn.

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Losing your job is a traumatic experience. All at once, your life dramatically changes. You immediately start to worry about the financial implications. How long can you last in between roles? What are all the paperwork and other things that need to be reviewed and signed?

You fear telling your spouse and kids. With the labor demand cooling for white-collar workers, it could take a long time to find new employment.

Instead of keeping your job loss to yourself, it is essential that you leverage social media platforms, like LinkedIn and TikTok, to alert others that you are in need of assistance in procuring a new opportunity.

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Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

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Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

Why Go To Social Media?

Social media has become an integral part of the job search and career development process, offering a range of tools and opportunities for individuals who have lost their jobs and are seeking new employment or career advancement.

LinkedIn and other social networks are widely used for job searching, networking and professional development. They allow individuals to showcase their skills, connect with potential employers and stay informed about job opportunities.

Social media offers individuals the opportunity to build and showcase their personal brand and engage with industry-specific content. It can also help individuals stand out to potential employers and recruiters.

Tips For Creating Your ‘Job Loss’ Post

These tips can help professionals effectively share their experiences with job loss online. Simultaneously, you must leverage social media for networking, job hunting and providing support to others in similar situations.

When sharing about job loss, it’s important to be authentic and transparent. This can help others relate to your experience and provide a sense of community for those going through similar situations.

It also gives you a sense of agency, as it is a bold and empowering move. When discussing your downsizing, instead of dwelling on the layoff itself, it can be beneficial to shift focus on what you want to do next in your career and how you plan to grow your skills set.

Many individuals use social networks to provide motivation and support to others who are also experiencing job loss. Sharing your journey can help motivate others and create a sense of purpose.

LinkedIn offers an #opentowork feature that signals to recruiters and hiring managers that you are in the market for a new job. It is important to go beyond the green banner. You want to clearly describe your background, prior experiences, what you want to do next, the type of company and industry and the ballpark corporate title and compensation. This way, people will know more about you and could better offer assistance. If you’re looking to make a career pivot or explore something new, highlight the transferable skills, so it makes sense to prospective employers.

Recruiters and companies are active on social media, and some individuals have received job leads and opportunities as a result of their posts.

Your online content can also be the reason you don’t get a job. Nobody is happy about being given the pink slip. There will undoubtedly be hurt feelings, anger and resentment. Although it’s difficult, always avoid talking negatively about your former employer and co-workers. It will backfire, as those inclined to help you will feel that you might not have the right temperament to recommend you for any job openings. In your layoff announcement, focus on highlighting your positive experiences with the company and some of your success stories.

Forbes.com | January 23, 2024 | Jack Kelly

#JobSearch : 8 Simple Steps To Help You Navigate A Layoff. 2023 has seen a 200% Increase in Overall Layoffs, More to Come. Great Read.

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This year has seen a 200% increase in the overall number of layoffs, with job losses almost reaching levels last seen in 2020, and prior to that in the Great Recession of 2009. Although the pace has slowed into the final quarter, some major corporations are still announcing cuts.

If the worst happens, leveraging tools from organizational psychology can help you navigate what can be a very stressful time:

1. First of all, breathe. Losing a job is a grieving process like any other, so allow yourself time to feel your feelings, all of them. Take a couple of days to process the news, as you are not going to be effective whilst you’re still in shock. Although a layoff isn’t personal, it doesn’t stop it from feeling personal.

2. Next, address what Maslow calls “hygiene factors” and create a strong foundation to support your hierarchy of needs. This starts with a deep dive into your finances: if you don’t already know, calculate your monthly cost of living. The easiest way is to build a spreadsheet and total up all your non-negotiable outgoings. File for unemployment, and take time to understand the terms of your severance, if your company is offering one. In your spreadsheet total up your severance payment, unemployment income, savings and any other liquid assets. Now you can calculate how much runway you have before you need another paycheck.

 

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Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

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Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

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Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

3. Try to maintain regular and healthy sleep cycles (don’t be tempted to go nocturnal for the heck of it) and remember to be physically active. You may have taken the decision to put your gym membership on hold, but that doesn’t preclude you from getting outside for a run or a walk.

4. There is some truth to the adage that “you’re not unemployed – your job is to find a new job”, but that doesn’t mean you should lose sight of the fact that being your own boss comes with certain privileges. Chief amongst them is the ability to set your own hours. Once you get into the rhythm of your job search you can achieve maximum daily productivity within 90 minutes to 2hrs. You do not need to sit in front of your laptop 8hrs a day doom scrolling LinkedIn.

5. Set yourself SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound). It is crucial to be mindful of what is achievable and realistic: you have no control over the supply of jobs so setting a goal of completing 50 applications per day simply might not be possible. You can however set goals around the networking activity you will need to augment your applications. Perhaps start with a daily goal of finding 5 new people to follow on LinkedIn, or leaving comments on 10 different posts. The network effect of this activity will build momentum and broaden your digital footprint.

6. Leverage technology. All the major job boards allow you to create search parameters and set alerts, meaning your first daily task can be applying for all the relevant roles that have gone live in the past 24hrs. Utilize free tools like Teal to help you craft your resume, and to keep track of the applications you’ve sent. Don’t be afraid to use AI tools like Bard and ChatGPT to help you complete onerous tasks like writing cover letters.

7. Practice gratitude, and if you can, give back. Navigating a layoff is emotionally challenging, but the research shows that practicing gratitude can have a transformational effect. Furthermore using some of your free time to volunteer in your community can be both emotionally rewarding, and can help strengthen your network.

8. Don’t be afraid to lean on your community, share how you’re feeling, and ask for support in the way that you need it. Former coworkers may want to help, but be unsure on how to offer it, so it can be helpful to provide them with a menu of options. Creating a simple framework like: “a) write me a recommendation on LinkedIn b) review my resume c) introduce me to folks at your former company” is a great place to start.

The advances in consumer facing technology and the macro-economic environment have created a perfect storm in the talent marketplace, meaning that your job search will likely be a marathon, and not a sprint. Establishing a strong foundation, including a clear view of your personal economic runway, is a critical first step in helping you navigate the period between getting laid off, and finding your next role.

Creating a framework for your job search activity, anchored with SMART goals, helps you hold yourself accountable on a daily basis. Practicing gratitude and leaning into your community will help to sustain y0u through the low moments that will inevitably be a feature of your job search. Rest assured though, that like all the previous economic downturns, this too shall pass.

Forbes.com | November 16, 2023 | James Hudson

#JobSearch : How To Cope With Being Laid Off. After Death, Job Loss is Ranked as One of Life’s Most Stressful Events. How did You Manage?

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Employers have been downright coldhearted lately in how they have laid off people. Jacob waited on Zoom for the company meeting to start. Several hundred sales reps and managers from across the US were tuning in to hear the latest sales news from the company’s vice president. Instead, Jacob got the shock of his life. With panic in his voice, he called for career help and said, “The VP opened the meeting to announce that everyone on the call was being let go, effective immediately. It was a cost-cutting measure. The company was moving all its sales jobs offshore. I couldn’t believe it. In the span of three minutes, we were all fired with only two weeks’ severance. I’m frantic about losing my job. I’ll blow through my savings by the end of the month.”

“After death, job loss is ranked as one of life’s most stressful events,” says Dr. Gregg Jantz, a psychologist and founder of A Place of Hope, a counseling and treatment center. The bestselling author of The Anxiety Reset continued, “People feel a betrayal of trust, especially when the job loss comes as a shock. It’s so traumatic.”

As the tech industry continues to make headlines each day with more and more layoffs, it’s hard to handle all the feelings you face as you make this difficult career transition. Dr. Jantz stated, “The normal response to betrayal is intense anger. It is a sense of injustice, feeling that the employer didn’t respect or value you. People get very upset thinking the employer didn’t appreciate all their hard work. As a result, you want to get even, retaliate, and strike out at those you think have wronged you. We want revenge,” he stated. Jacob echoed that sentiment, mentioning a colleague spilled water on the company laptop to destroy it before he sent it back.

Couple job loss with what Dr. Jantz sees happening throughout the nation. “We are in the middle of a mental health crisis in our country. The No. 1 diagnosis in America is anxiety, and No. 2 is depression. When you lose your job, these feelings intensify.”

What Not To Do

This transition will not be easy. You’ll have a range of emotions that contribute to the blues. You may also experience uncontrolled fear, negative self-talk, devaluing yourself, self-pity, and moping.

You’re entitled to your feelings. Don’t ignore them—but be careful. Dr. Jantz warns that you don’t want to sabotage your future. You might do something that you’ll regret. Do not comment on social media or express anger at your boss or company. They may be wrong, but you have much more to lose than they do. Instead, Dr. Jantz recommends you allow 24 hours to pass before you do anything. You need time to lower the intensity. Instead, if you vent too fast—sending nasty, raging emails or social media posts—you will become a victim, and this action will make your job search longer and harder. When you display anger and feelings of betrayal, the danger is that you’ll be radiating a spirit of blame in your communications. You do not want to come across with that attitude in an interview.

Carefully select the people you share your feelings and outrage with. Dr. Jantz advised, “Be careful what you do to the people around you, such as continuously venting, being irritable, displacing anger at others. You are targeting it at friends and family that love you, and they had nothing to do with this event. This is not the way you should release your feelings.”

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Coping Strategies

You can do several things when you are handling these overwhelming feelings. Here is what Dr. Jantz suggests.

 

  • Practice good self-care, including nutrition, sleep, and exercise. If you feel anger, pair it with some movement—walking, working out, exercising—as you process that anger. Put feelings on paper. Turn away from self-destructive behavior, and don’t punish yourself. Refocus and define what you must do to fortify yourself to increase your well-being. If you isolate, stay at home, and withdraw, you may suffer from depression symptoms.
  • Resilience is what you want, not to feel defeated. Ask yourself, “Am I full of anger and bitterness? Has anxiety and fear taken over my life? (Take an anxiety test here.) Use positive self-talk to reassure yourself that there is nothing wrong with you and that you aren’t defective, just going through a rough spot.

 

To jump-start, your job search, read this Forbes article: How to Quickly Bounce Back From A Layoff

 

Forbes.com | Februrary 1, 2023 | Robin Ryan 

#YourCareer : You Are Not Your Job. The Recent Wave of Layoffs is a Wake-Up Call that You are Not your Job. GReat REad for All!

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The recent wave of layoffs is a wake-up call for you to realize that you are not your job. Your identity is not the company you work for—no matter how cool and prestigious it is. You are also not your net worth, the neighborhood you live in or the Lamborghini you drive.

Upon meeting someone, the first question you typically ask is, “What do you do?” The answer is intuitively interpreted as a request to provide your job title, the company you work for and what you do at the office or virtually at home. It’s not, “I’m a husband, father of two kids and the pet dad of two adopted cats and dogs.”

The reason for this knee-jerk response is that, in American culture, identity is inextricably tied to your job and career. It becomes a defining character, identity and personality. You’re known as the lawyer, investment banker, accountant, doctor or startup founder. These identifiers indicate your social status and allude to how much money you make.

 

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

The Wake-Up Call

When you’re wrapped up in your job and company, getting let go is devastating. The loss of income is difficult, and you worry about making ends meet. While money is essential, the existential dread and thoughts over who you are now are emotionally and mentally painful. It took the downsizing to realize just how much you are your job.

Those who’ve devoted everything to their careers have now woken up to the fact that they’ve fallen out of touch with family and friends. Since you were so busy cultivating your professional life, you put your family, friends, hobbies and social events on the back burner. On top of the stress of looking for a new job, you feel isolated and adrift, not sure who you are anymore.

In what is being deemed a white-collar recession, nearly 160,000 and 56,570 jobs were lost in 2022 and 2023 respectively in the tech sector alone, according to Layoffs.fyi. Several other industries, including Wall Street and the media, are also undergoing downsizing.

If you spend time on LinkedIn, you’ll see a constant flow of posts from people formerly working at big companies, such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, Stripe and Meta, announcing that they’ve lost their jobs. Most people offer a stiff upper lip, speak fondly of their work experiences, appreciate the time spent at the organization and love the folks they’ve worked with. On TikTok, you’ll see younger workers revealing their raw emotions, many crying and expressing heartfelt messages about being downsized.

What To Do Next

The dot-com boom and bust in the late 1990s, downsizings during the financial crisis in 2008 to 2010, job losses in the pandemic’s early months and the current tidal wave of layoffs clearly show that there are no guarantees of job security.

Think deeply about what you truly want to do and achieve in your career. Try to avoid following the herd and the well-trodden path you instinctively believe you’re supposed to be on because of the expectations of your family, friends and society.

Ask yourself what you are passionate about and good at that can offer a compensation that you’re comfortable with. Seek out opportunities that provide meaning, fulfillment and purpose. Don’t make a decision based primarily upon the marquee name brand of the corporation that will impress your old college buddies, but could make you miserable. If you find something that makes you happy and affords a better quality of life and work balance, go for it. It’s okay not to be a startup founder of a multibillion-dollar unicorn company.

Find friends outside of your office and profession. Get involved with activities that have nothing to do with your job. Cultivate new hobbies and passion projects that make you more multidimensional, not just a work drone. Use your paid time off to take vacations to decompress, explore the world and open yourself up to new vistas. These and other nonwork events and activities will make you more well-rounded, and your identity will culminate in more than your corporate job title.

The big takeaway lesson from the wave of layoffs is that you can lose your job at any time. Given the precarious nature of work, make sure you don’t sacrifice your time, energy and life—your whole self—for a company that will just fire you via email to cut costs and make shareholders more money on the stock holdings.

 

Forbes.com | January 24, 2023 | Jack Kelly 

#YourCareer : White-Collar Job Cuts Call For Workers To Make Themselves Indispensable.. What You Need To Do To Keep Your Job Great REad!

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In the new austerity era, white-collar workers will bear the brunt of layoffs. Historically, heading into challenging economic times, blue-collar or frontline workers would be the first impacted by layoffs. In this current wave of downsizings, tech layoffs quickly rolled over to media, mortgage, finance and other sectors.

After years of halcyon times, it’s time for office workers to be circumspect and hold onto their jobs. The days of quiet quitting, acting your wage and joining the Great Resignation are over. Now, you need to make yourself indispensable.

You must go above and beyond what was in your initial job description. Remote work provides a healthy balance of life and work, but go into the office five days a week. Put in the hours, but also keep an eye open for new opportunities—just in case you’re targeted for the next round of downsizing. Integrate yourself with your boss, so you know what you need to do to exceed expectations and hold onto your job—or possibly get a promotion—while others who are not “playing the game” are unceremoniously shown the door.

The Job Cuts Keep Coming

The plan, as it relates to job cuts, seems to be working for the Federal Reserve Bank. More than 150,000 tech workers were let go in 2022, and the new year ushered in thousands of more layoffs in January, as companies held off downsizing until after the holidays. Amazon says it’s letting go of more than 18,000 workers, up from the 10,000, which was estimated in November. Video platform Vimeo cut 11% of its workforce in pursuit of “ongoing cost discipline.” Salesforce is shrinking its 80,000-person staff by 10%. The software company added 30,000 jobs over the course of the pandemic, which CEO Marc Benioff now admits was “too many people.” Goldman Sachs is set to lay off around 3,200 employees. Coinbase plans to lay off 950 staff members, or around another 20% of its team.

What You Need To Do To Keep Your Job

Now is the time to take assertive control over your career by making yourself indispensable. Start by scheduling a conversation with your manager and human resources. Tell the parties that you love the company, your job, your boss and your co-workers and want to progress within the firm. Then, share what you’d like to achieve. It could be a lateral internal transfer or greater responsibilities. Flip the script by inquiring about what plans they have for you.

The best outcome is that they say you’re a respected professional and see good things for your future. If you leave the meeting feeling that the company doesn’t value your contributions and hasn’t put much thought into your career trajectory, it’s a sign that you should start thinking of the next play.

If there isn’t a path forward, continue to smile, work hard and produce, but also hedge your bets by getting in touch with respected recruiters in your space. Build a list of target firms you’d like to work for. Find the in-house talent acquisition recruiters, human resources representatives and prospective hiring managers and send them a LinkedIn invite or InMail, along with your résumé as an attachment.

Go into the office five days a week, even if your company offers remote or hybrid work options. You’ll disproportionately benefit from the proximity bias compared to your peers that are just small boxes in a Zoom video.

Exceed expectations by asking for high-profile, difficult tasks that others run away from. Disassociate with toxic colleagues who bring down everyone around them. You’ll need to put in quality hours to showcase what you’re capable of, demonstrating that you’re a keeper. Make sure that your boss and their managers are cognizant of your achievements. Shy away from boasting, but subtly let people know about your victories.

It will take hard work and patience. You’ll win fans by showing up and killing it every day. People will start perceiving you as one of the best go-to A-players that is irreplaceable and destined for great things in the future.

 

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Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

Don’t Do This

You may feel resentful that you’re not getting promoted as fast as you’d like and raises, promotions and stock grants aren’t offered as freely as in the past. Despite the setback, don’t become bitter and vindictive by overtly complaining to co-workers or start quiet-quitting. You won’t be helping your cause with a bad attitude.

There has been a trend of workers chasing clout by airing internal dirty laundry on TikTok, Twitter and other social media platforms. It may give you a temporary high; however, there will be repercussions. You’ll lose favor with the bosses and prospective future hiring managers may rebuff your behavior, concerned that you’ll also say derogatory things about them.

Why Did Everything Change So Quickly?

With the availability of cheap money, interest rates artificially kept low by the Federal Reserve Bank and a boom in demand over the last couple of years, companies aggressively hired personnel. The exuberance was muted when the trillions of dollars in stimulus funds flooding the market to keep it going during the pandemic caused, in part, 40-year record rates of inflation. To counter the devastating impact of runaway inflation on American families, the Fed hiked interest rates to cool down the economy. An intended consequence of this program is to nudge businesses into cutting costs and laying off workers.

Forbes.com | January 11, 2023 | Jack Kelly 

#JobSearch : Concerned About Layoffs? 7 Actions To Take In Advance Of A Career Disruption. Great Holiday Project. MUst REad for All!

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Morgan Stanley, Pratt & Whitney and DoorDash are among the companies recently announcing layoffs. With downsizing affecting different industries and small to large companies, it makes sense to be prepared for a disruption in your employment – a job search “go kit” as Boyer Management Group puts it. This is especially true if there is an organizational change, such as a company merger as in JP’s case, or a change in leadership or company strategy.

Request: The company merged, layoffs are coming, and I need to prep for a transition. – JP

Answer: Especially with a turbulent jobs market, you might write something on having your job search “go kit“ ready in the event that his or her job situation can change suddenly in this economy. – Boyer Management Group

This isn’t about encouraging unnecessary anxiety, but rather, being proactive while things are still calm so that you are several moves ahead if something does happen. By taking preemptive action in advance of a career disruption you’ll be able to transition quickly into an active job search. Speed is especially important if you financially need to land your next job quickly and also to stay ahead of all the other job seekers who are laid off alongside you.

Here are seven actions you can take now that will enable you to bounce back from a layoff more quickly:

1 – Confirm your existing severance policy

It’s helpful to review your severance policy when you don’t need it, so there aren’t any negative feelings clouding your judgment. With a clear head, you can list any questions you need to research further, as well as think about what you might negotiate for should a layoff occur. Knowing what you’re entitled to allows you to plan how much runway you have to find your next job and therefore more realistically plan your job search.

 

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Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2 – Run your numbers

Severance is just one piece of your financial puzzle. You might have savings, another salary in the household or other income sources that will affect the deadline for your job search. Yes, you could wait till you’re laid off to do this accounting. However, knowing your numbers sooner than later gives you more time to plan. You might realize you have more time to look and want to go after a career pivot. Or, you might pursue a longtime dream to start a business or take a longer sabbatical.

3 – Explore lateral move prospects

On the flip side, your numbers might show you can’t afford much, if any, time off. If that’s the case, one of the fastest ways to land quickly is to move within the company. Know what the company policy is for exploring openings in other departments, subsidiaries or regional offices. See if you can find examples of people who have moved from one role to another, or who started as employees and are now consultants. Consulting to your company is also an option — even when a company lays staff off, they may still need the work done and would be willing to hire back staff on a contract basis.

4 – Collect contact information for references and supportive colleagues

Hoping to land within your same company is just one option, and the most productive job searches keep multiple options in play at a time. This means, you’ll want to be ready for an external job search, and that means having professional references for your work, as well as supportive colleagues who can point leads in your direction. Once you leave your company, you leave your equipment and your email platform behind. Make sure that you have in your personal phone and personal email the contact information for all the people with whom you want and need to stay in touch.

5 – Rekindle key external connections

In addition to current colleagues, your network should extend outside your company. (Networking done correctly doesn’t tip off your company that you’re looking!) Former colleagues, social relationships, even classmates from years or decades back are potential resources for your job search. If you have let these relationships lapse, take time now, while you aren’t looking and don’t need anything, to get back in touch with your extended network and rekindle lost connections.

6 – Update your marketing material

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your most recent role and accomplishments. As you rekindle outside connections, you may find yourself catching people up on what you’ve been working on – that’s a mini cover-letter. If you catch up over coffee, your introduction is a networking pitch that will help you later in career fairs and interviews.

7 – Itemize the help you need

As you pull these items together – your marketing material, contact list, references, relevant financial numbers – you’ll find some actions easier to complete than others. This gives you an important early indication of where you’ll need help in your job search. Start thinking now about how you’ll get that help – whether you have a mentor or coach you can tap, what your alma mater or local library offers, what books or blogs you can start reading.

Positioning yourself to bounce back from a layoff will help you even if you’re never laid off

A bonus of working on your job search go kit is that these actions will help you even if you don’t use the actual tools in your kit. Knowing your numbers gives you peace of mind or a much-needed jumpstart to save more. Having updated marketing material helps you take advantage of unexpected recruiter calls – or the next opportunity to ask for a promotion or raise. Preparing for the worst increases your resilience and confidence, so you can focus on performing on the job – or taking a much-needed rest for the holidays.

 

Forbes.com | December 23, 2022 | Caroline Ceniza-Levine

 

#JobMarket : Recent Large Layoffs Shatter The ‘We Are A Family’ Myth. Where Do You Think the Team or Family Concept is Today?

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The belief that a company is a family has irrevocably been busted. When times were good, tech companies offered top talent substantial pay packages, perks and amenities. Now that the economy has shifted, around 119,155 people have been laid off from startups and tech companies just this year, with more losses projected.

Families Don’t Fire Their Kids

When things go wrong, a family does not fire its kids. However, this is what is happening now. CEOs offer yoga and meditation studios and free laundry services and meals, blurring the lines between work and home life.

Once leaders like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and self-appointed chief twit Elon Musk made business decisions harming the financial standings of their respective organizations, large layoffs were ordered.

Zuckerberg announced that 11,000 workers would lose their jobs. Meta has had to contend with its disastrous foray into the metaverse, privacy issues and the ascendancy of TikTok stealing its thunder and market share.

As things turned terrible, instead of cutting his own compensation, Zuckerberg’s knee-jerk reaction was to downsize hardworking employees and contractors. He’s one of the wealthiest people in the world. If the company was truly a family, the patriarch would have accepted blame and taken other cost measures instead of letting so many people go.

Musk went from being heralded as one of the best entrepreneurs of his generation to creating a dysfunctional family at Twitter. There was no love when, upon his arrival, he ousted top executives “for cause” to allegedly avoid paying their multimillion-dollar severance packages.

Musk’s predecessor, Jack Dorsey, promised at the beginning of the pandemic that his tweeps could work remotely forever. That promise was dashed as Musk called for everyone to return to the office. There was little to no consideration that workers moved outside of their San Francisco headquarters and were unable to commute or changed their lifestyle based upon Dorsey’s message. His management style seems familiar to some family members who are stuck in one-sided toxic relationships. A steady stream of management and workers are divorcing themselves from the chaotic so-called family.

Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of the FTX crypto exchange, was believed to be a boy genius. He was thought to be worth more than $16 billion. He had naming rights at a stadium, Tom Brady and other stars shilling for him and was the second largest donor to President Joe Biden.

Within 48 hours, Bankman-Fried’s empire and reputation crashed. There are allegations that he ran his Bermuda-based digital-assets platform as an alleged Ponzi-type scheme. He was accused of using customers’ assets to fuel high-risk trading and other questionable activities.

FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Friday and Bankman-Fried, in a statement, announced that he will be stepping down as CEO of the company.

Although the trading was conducted by a bunch of “kids” in a penthouse apartment shared with Bankman-Fried, the head of the family wouldn’t place his workers and customers in such a precarious position. Investors may end up losing all their money. Not only will workers lose their jobs, they’ll be investigated by several regulatory organizations and likely sued by innocent investors to get their money back from the alleged fraud that was perpetrated.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

It’s Not A Family; It’s Just Business

For decades, corporations have branded themselves as a big, happy family. It’s not just a job you’re accepting, it’s entree to a new family. Self-serving makes it feel as if the employee is valued and will be taken care of and appreciated.

The reality is completely different. It’s transactional. You’re hired for a specific role and offered pay for your time and services. If you exceed expectations and are highly productive, you’ll be rewarded with more money, bonuses and promotion.

If you don’t meet expectations, you’ll be placed on a performance improvement plan and scrutinized by human resources, your immediate boss and senior-level executives. If you don’t improve, according to the company’s assessment, you’ll be shown the door. This is not what being part of a family is all about. In a family, you love and support everyone unconditionally.

The family mantra is insidious. It makes you feel that you need to work hard and put in long hours and weekends to please your bosses, as you want mommy and daddy’s approval. If you don’t work hard enough, there is the pressure that you’re letting down your brothers and sisters.

To be generous, perhaps some C-suite executives do feel that the workers are part of a big, happy family. That mindset was a vestige to the 1950s when a person didn’t have to go into debt with college loans, would take a job with a local company and stay there for most, if not the entire duration, of their career. It was a more paternalistic period. This is not the case anymore.

Your Company Is More Like A Sports Team

The workplace is more like a sports team. The franchise owner seeks out the best players and offers them huge compensation packages. The big payouts are designed to motivate the players to win. Winning games brings in attendance at the stadium, lucrative television and online contracts, selling more merchandising and other revenue flows.

The owner and managers love their star athletes. However, once their talents start fading, the owner will trade a beloved player to another team for a better, younger rising star. It’s the same at companies. If you do well, you’ll be rewarded. When you don’t produce, you’re gone.

Forbes.com | November 11, 2022 | Jack Kelly 

#JobSearch : 4 Ways To Minimize Career Risk In A Market Downturn. Great Read!

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As multiple companies (Intel, Warner Bros. Discovery, Robinhood) announce layoffs, aspiring career changers like Kera might decide to pause their efforts. If you’re already anxious about the economy, you may not want to add on the anxiety of a job search. Even if you’re lucky enough to land a new job, job security is more tenuous for the new hire — you might be first-in, first-out in a market downturn. If your emotional and mental health is tenuous, the stress of a new job might be too much.

How do you move forward with a career change given the emotional and mental health issues during this pandemic and economic downturn? This is probably the most significant issue holding me back from actively pursuing my career pivot rather than continuing to “plan” for it. I still have a job that still provides a paycheck for now at least, and even though I am deeply unhappy in this job I am very hesitant to make that leap for fear of not being able to provide for my family (I am the sole income earner at the moment) just for a chance that I might be happier in a different job / company / industry. – Kera

However, you don’t have to quit your job right away. You can still move towards your dream career without jeopardizing your income. Even in a down market, you can minimize career risk while maximizing your chances at landing a job you love.

1 – Learn to be happy in an unhappy job

Jay worked in a niche area of tax where the typical career path stayed at one level for years. He was feeling stagnant, but generally liked his work and colleagues. Rather than quit a mostly good situation, he tackled the specific area of concern – his lack of growth and challenge – by pursuing professional development outside his job. He took on an adjunct role and became active in his trade association. While he eventually left his job, it was years later, and his outside-of-work efforts were significant in helping him land his next bigger role.

As Jay did, pinpoint the specific reason for your dissatisfaction with your current job, and work on that specifically. You might be able to find enough fulfillment outside of work that your unhappy job counts for less of your overall well-being. Or you might be able to work with your manager on restructuring the scope of your job, changing up your schedule or improving your work environment. Figuring out how to be happy in an unhappy situation helps minimize career risk for several reasons: 1) you’re not in a rush to leave and won’t settle for a suboptimal move; 2) you increase your resilience which is a helpful trait for managing the invariable ups and downs of a job search and overall career; and 3) you maintain an upbeat demeanor which makes you more attractive to employers, including your current one.

 

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We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

Article continued …

2 – Start your career change quietly

Maybe you have already tried talking to your manager, or changing other areas of your life instead of your job. But you know for sure that it’s your job at the root of your unhappiness, and it has got to go. You can look for a new job or work on a career change confidentially, without jeopardizing your current job security.

Never use your work computer, email address or other work-provided resources for your search. Schedule your research, networking and other activities for lunchtime, breaks and after work. If you’re working from home, make sure you’re available when you’re expected, and don’t get sloppy about taking off so much time that you can’t get your work accomplished.

3 – Target a career change that doesn’t require a pay cut

It’s a myth that changing careers means making less money. One policy analyst moved from non-profit to technology, so he actually made more money after switching industries. You can help your chances by targeting high-paying industries. Then, save your raise as a buffer in case of a market downturn!

Even if you’re already in a high-paying industry, a career change may still be feasible. An investment banker moving to education did give up the big banking bonuses, but she actually made the same base salary when making the switch. She was able to land a senior enough role in her new industry by focusing on transferrable skills and expertise to the new industry – something all aspiring career changers should do.

4 – Negotiate your next job offer with job security in mind

There’s a real risk of moving to a new job, and being the first-in, first-out in a downturn. Before accepting a new job, negotiate a severance package if your job is eliminated or restructured into something materially different. It doesn’t cost the company anything to guarantee your severance because they only pay for something they do (like job elimination or restructuring). Guaranteed severance clauses are typically structured so they don’t get paid out if you quit or get fired for cause.

In addition to aiming for guaranteed severance, you can improve your job security by thoroughly researching a company before you join. Is their industry growing? Is their market share within the industry growing? How strong is their financial position? How strong is the specific department you are joining?

Career risk exists whether you stay where you are or make a move

Sure, career change entails risk and discomfort. However, staying where you are still carries risk, and if you’re unhappy where you are, you’re already uncomfortable. The risk in staying put is that you still might be laid off, even if you are long tenured. Furthermore, your inertia might cause your skills to atrophy, your expertise to get outdated and your motivation to disappear – making you less competitive, once the market does improve. The best way to minimize career risk is to continually grow and challenge yourself – including stretching past your fear towards your dream career.

Forbes.com Author:  Caroline Ceniza-Levine
Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.
Forbes.com | October 15, 2022

 

#YourCareer : Fed Chair Jerome Powell Says Fighting Inflation Will Cause Job Losses: Here’s What You Need To Do Now. In these Challenging Times, you Can’t be Complacent. MUst REad!

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In a blunt 10-minute speech at the annual Jackson Hole Economic Symposium on Friday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said he’s following through with his promise to raise interest rates and do what’s necessary to cool down the economy.

Powell didn’t pull any punches saying that higher interest rates will push down inflation to the Fed’s 2% target level. As a result, the U.S. will experience slower growth and a weak job market. He freely acknowledges that many Americans will feel the ‘pain’ and lose their jobs.

How We Got Into This Predicament

Going back to the financial crisis, before Powell, the Federal Reserve Bank used its financial tools to prop up the economy and stock market. The Fed’s policies remained essentially unchanged up until now.

During the pandemic, Powell and the federal government flooded the economy with trillions of dollars to provide much-needed funds to families and businesses. One of the united results was the creation of an everything bubble ranging from runups in the stock and cryptocurrency markets, and venture-funded startups that minted multi-billion dollar unicorn companies.

Powell is in an unenviable position to make the economy worse before it can get better. It’s frustrating that we need to trust Powell, who, along with Treasury Secretary Janet Yallen, missed the harmful effects of inflation early on, claiming it was only “transitory” and would subside after a while. It didn’t, and inflation hit 40-year record highs.

Americans are now paying the price for the bursting of the bubble. The Fed and government’s massive spending programs led to record levels of runaway inflation, creating another tax on people and companies.

How Does Powell’s Program Work?

To dampen the economy, Powell is raising interest rates and withdrawing all the quantitative easing policies that were in place. In a more fiscally restrictive environment, businesses will feel the pain.

They will no longer have access to inexpensive funding, and their costs will dramatically increase. One of the intended results is that businesses will enact massive layoffs to cut costs. On a nearly daily basis, companies are announcing layoffs, hiring freezes, allowing attrition without replacement and rescinding job offers.

Powell has been telling the country that he will cause pain by raising interest rates and through quantitative tightening. The problem is that Wall Street and others didn’t take him seriously enough. They were betting that he was bluffing and would eventually ease up.

After an initial shock from Powell’s policies, stocks plunged but later rebounded, as investors thought they were out of the woods. Their misplaced optimism may have been the impetus for Powell’s no-nonsense blunt message.

His thesis is that as the economy shrinks, people lose their jobs. As more people lose their livelihoods, they’ll forsake spending money on purchasing goods and services. When this happens at scale, the economy contracts, causing a downward spiral.

For instance, interest rates on buying a home nearly doubled recently. The housing market went from people bidding over the asking price to families walking away because they couldn’t afford to pay the higher monthly mortgage rates. Housing is one of the largest sectors. If people cannot buy homes, there will be less need for architects, real estate agents, contractors, electricians, carpenters, plumbers and other blue-collar professionals.

 

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Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

 

Wall Street’s Harsh Reaction to Powell’s Speech

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, a bellwether index for the stock market, plummeted more than 1,000 points on the news. Other major indices plunged as well. According to Bloomberg, Powell’s bare-bones speech resulted in a massive loss of around $78 billion for the fortunes of some of the world’s wealthiest people. To be clear, unless a person sold their securities, it’s only a loss on paper. If the stock market turns around in their favor, the values may increase again.

  • Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder and former CEO, lost $6.8 billion.
  • The high-profile Tesla CEO and possible Twitter boss, Elon Musk, lost $5.5 billion.
  • Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, watched as he lost 2.2 billion dollars
  • Grandfatherly Warren Buffett’s net worth fell by $2.7 billion.

 

What Workers Need To Do Now

In these challenging times, you can’t be complacent. Take action to protect your job or make efforts to find a safe role elsewhere. You may have to make some sacrifices. For example, you may prefer working remotely, but consider going into the office to be seen. Once key managers and executives notice your work ethic and productivity, they’ll view you as indispensable.

Below are areas you can be proactive now: 

1- Get in touch with members of your network. Ask around to see if anyone has some good job leads or can make introductions to a target company that you’d love to work for. If you decide to switch jobs, make sure the new firm is financially strong and doesn’t have plans to lay off employees.

2- Update your résumé and LinkedIn profile. Find recruiters who specialize in your space and can keep an eye open for opportunities. Don’t take too much risk with your investments in stocks or cryptos.

3- When you interview, don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. You want to ensure that the position is right for you and that you’re not just jumping on the first offer. Avoid disparaging your former boss, company and colleagues, as it’s a turnoff to interviewers. They’ll assume you’ll talk bad about them too when you leave.

4- If you want to remain with your company, request a meeting with your boss. Tell them you love the place, think they’re a great manager and believe in the corporate mission. Share with them your goals and aspirations. The best outcome would be that your supervisor is relieved the conversation isn’t about quitting, and they’re delighted that you’re committed to the company and want to advance. You can collaborate on a path to reaching your desired role within the firm.

5- Pay close attention to your finances. Pay off credit cards and other debt, as the interest rate will escalate. Reign in unnecessary expenses. Put aside money, in case you are out of work for a while. Find ways to earn additional income streams. This could include gig work, starting a side hustle or an online business.

6- Use this time to learn new skills that will make you more employable. There are many online courses such as the Flatiron School, Goodwill, Coursera and Codecademy. You could sign up to learn in-demand skills. The classes can be attended whenever you want. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a certificate, badge or accreditation that could help you advance within your organization or when you’re hunting for a new job.

Try To Stay Positive

It is easy and understandable to become despondent during tough times. You can’t let people pick up on it. Work on your mindset, as you need to be mentally strong during tough times.

Hiring managers and interviewers desire winners who are positive, confident and charismatic. Cast aside any negative thoughts and teach yourself how to come across as likable and charming. When a business conducts layoffs, management is more prone to retain people they like and are comfortable working with, even if it’s a choice between a more experienced colleague.

 

Forbes.com | August 27, 2022 | Jack Kelly

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 8K Reads! 5 Ways To Manage Your Career Ahead Of A Recession. Chances are You’re feeling some Concern about the Economy and the Job Market.

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If you’re an employee, chances are you’re feeling some concern about the economy and the job market. And your concerns are reasonable, given the number of companies taking action to lay off workers or freeze hiring.

But while it’s easy to let your anxiety take center stage, you can respond proactively and also protect your current position with some pragmatic choices.

Concerns Are Justified

As you consider how to react to the current context, it’s helpful to be clear about what’s going on and focus on the facts. According to a study by the Conference Board, 41% of respondents believe we’re already in a recession, and 33% believe we will be in a recession in the next six months.

Much of this belief is based on organizations which are tightening their belts. For example, 36% of people say their companies are restricting hiring to critical roles, and 22% say hiring has been frozen entirely. Another 19% report their company has taken steps to restructure, and 13% say their organization is laying people off.

A study of 4,500 people by FlexJobs reinforces concerns with 25% of people saying they’ve been laid off or know someone who has. And 18% of people have had an offer rescinded or know someone who has. According to the Conference Board research, concerns about job loss are concentrated among Millennials with 64% expressing worry compared with 46% of Gen X and 26% of Baby Boomers.

 

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

Taking Action

While it’s best to stay calm, it’s also smart to know what’s happening around you so you can respond constructively.

Focus on Your Finances

Choices about your career are closely tied to your finances and the degree to which you feel financially secure and financially flexible. Whether you’re facing a potential layoff or a job change, these experiences are woven closely with your financial position. Many people are fearful. The Conference Board found 60% are worried about a decline in the stock market. This was especially true for Baby Boomers, 71% of whom are concerned compared with 59% of Gen X and 43% of Millennials. In addition, people are also anxious about losing their jobs (42%) and the loss of health benefits (14%).

By making some changes in your investments, spending and budgeting, you can shore up your position for a shifting job market. In the Conference Board research, 66% of respondents plan to respond to economic slowdown by curtailing their spending or delaying bigger purchases (54%) like cars or houses. Many (32%) are planning to increase savings or shift their investment portfolios (19%) to reduce risk. All of these are strategies you could consider.

The bottom line: More financial freedom also gives you greater career confidence—knowing you can survive if your job is eliminated or if you want to jump to another opportunity.

Focus on Your Choices

Another key step you can take is to evaluate where you are in your career—and whether you want to dig into your current role or make a change.

In the FlexJobs study, inflation was a factor for 80% of people who reported it’s impacting their career decisions. And 73% of people said the biggest concern affecting career choices was a recession. According to the Conference Board study, 40% of Baby Boomers say they’ll delay retirement if there is a recession.

Given these factors, there are three ways you can think of your choices:

  • Consider how much you’d like to make a change, knowing the job market is tightening. Focus on two questions: What’s satisfying or dissatisfying in your current role? How important or impactful are those elements for you? For example, if you lack a sense of meaning in your work, and if this is having a significant effect on your motivation and happiness, it may be wise to make plans for a job search. On the other hand, if the organizational communication is sub-par, but it doesn’t have a huge effect on your day-to-day experience, your best bet may be to stay where you are.

 

  • Consider whether something better is available. In a tighter job market, you may also have less power than you had in the past—in terms of demanding pay, benefits or even remote work. In the FlexJobs survey, 44% of people thought it would be harder to find a remote job in the coming year. They’re probably right. Greater numbers of employers are seeking to bring people back to the office at the same time more people are looking for jobs—and people are increasingly willing to take jobs that require time in the office.

 

  • Also, consider how much effort you’d like to put into a job search. In the FlexJobs survey, 62% of people didn’t feel very confident about their ability to find another job, given the market. In addition, 43% said it took them more time to find a new job than in their previous searches. Know that if you choose to make a change, there will be a fair amount of effort you’ll need to spend on searching for a new role. Factor this into your decision making.

 

Focus on Performance

Another way to respond to potential headwinds in your job security or career options is to perform brilliantly and bring your best. When times are tough, it’s easy to become anxious or distracted. Don’t lose your attention, and avoid getting pulled into the rumor mill. Employers value those who keep a cool head and maintain engagement, even when things are challenging.

Focus on doing great work. Focus on your customers (internal or external). Focus on your team and your colleagues, and delivering great outcomes to them. When you can maintain your motivation, it will enhance your value and your job security.

Focus on Your Network

Another smart investment of your time and energy through tough times is in your network. You may be facing concerns, but so are your friends and co-workers. Tune in, ask questions, listen and demonstrate empathy. When you focus on the community and how you can support others, it will add to your own happiness and fulfillment, and will be a benefit to the team.

In addition, renew connections in your network. When you invest in your relationships on an ongoing basis, people are more likely to be present if you need their help in testing the waters for a new opportunity or seeking a new role.

Focus on the Future

You can also manage your concerns and reduce your worry by focusing on the long view. Remind yourself there are always ebbs and flows in the economy and in any role—and you have the skills and talents to get through successfully. Focus on what you can learn as you face challenges and overcome them.

Ironically, when things are significantly disrupted, the situation can be especially rich for new possibilities. You may find yourself with severance or outplacement support to find the new job you’ve been wanting anyway. Or the company restructure may position you perfectly to take on a new role which is the perfect next step.

Resilience is about three things: knowing what’s happening, making sense of it and then responding or improvising. Stay informed, evaluate how the situation is affecting you and then be proactive with your response. Every tough situation you encounter builds your capability and your adaptability. Resilience is a muscle you can build, and focusing on your own ability to get through will help.

In Sum

You may face challenges, but you can be proactive and protective. Shore up your finances and evaluate your current role. Ensure you’re adding value to the company and community. And overall, stay optimistic. Give yourself permission for a down day now and then, but then get back up and look forward—to all that will be coming over the horizon.

Forbes.com | August 23, 2022