I Got Let Go

[sonj]

Is it possible to find a decent job after being "let go"?


I feel so depressed. I was just starting to tackle Dave Ramsey's program and then this.

I cut my daughters pre-school down to 3 days a week, instead of 5. I have been avoiding going anywhere.

Thankfully we don't have any CC's but we do have this frigging van payment that is killing us. Not to mention Student Loan payment. We owe My in-laws but they have said we can "work" it off helping them around their house, so that is what I will be doing while I am unemployed.


My DH keeps thinking of a Refi with rates dropping, only problem is, we got a annual 3% interest loan for the next 5 yeas, for home improvements. If we Refi we will loose it and ultimately end up paying more for it.

But I still question could it be worth it.

[PauletteGoddard]

I'm sorry for your job loss, sonj.

YES it is possible to get a decent job after being let go. Even after months of unemployment.

Please do what you can to give yourself energy: supplements, exercise, caffeine, a goal, and take on that world! Job losses happen to many, many people and they rebound and find something better.

Good luck!

[humandraydel]

I'm pretty sure a previous employer isn't allowed to disclose why you no longer work there. It's against privacy laws or something. So, when a prospective employer calls them they can say "Yes, so-and-so worked here from X date to Y date."....and really, that's about all they can say. They aren't allowed to say "Oh yeah, we fired that lazy person for being late 4 times in a week!"

...at least, I think?

[jodi]

DH was fired in 2005 for something he did not do...no recourse as it was a "hire at will, fire at will" agency. Anyway, he applied for unemployment and was accepted into a program that would continue to pay benefits for a year while he returned to school (and did not make him prove that he was looking for a job since he was in school). That kept us afloat - after that year, we just tightened up a bit more while he finished school. He got his first education-related job last week. So, yes, there is life after being "let go". Keep your head up, apply for unemployment if you need it (that's what you've been paying into it for!), and start looking for a new job or job training, if you need to switch fields. I wish you the best. DH would have stayed in his dead-end job forever if the decision had not been made for him - now he is in a field with better hours, better pay, and better retirement. Sometimes things work out for the best even when they don't work out as planned.

[cantretire]

Hang in there - you will get through! Apply for UI first thing in the morning. Then, update your resume and relax for the rest of the day. Send your resume to a friend or two for proofreading and suggestions. If you can, take a day or two to do NOTHING! Give yourself a little time to grieve. It's OK. Spend the time cleaning out a closet, seeing if you need new interview clothes, donate what you don't need anymore. Being productive will help you to feel better, but you won't feel the pressure of job hunting right away.

Make sure you eat right, excercise and get enough sleep. Finalize your resume by Thursday or Friday and start sending it to agencies and any job postings that interest you. Also check out the websites of any companies you think you would like to work for. Spread the word around, everywhere with everyone, that you are looking for work. You never know when a connection will be made.

Where did you get your student loans? If they are Federal, you can get unemployment deferrment. If not Federal, check with the company. They may also have something like that or may be willing to defer or reduce the monthly payment. Just tell them that you can't pay anything right now and they will probably work with you. That will help reduce financial pressure.

Do things that will help keep you positive and motivated. Spend time with family and friends. It doesn't have to cost anything, have pot lucks or rent a movie. Postitive thinking really helps a lot!

let us know how you are doing. Strangers do care!

[cantretire]

Oh, and look for temp work. it will help stretch your UI benefits, in case it takes a while, and will keep you connected with the work world. I found my current job by working temp here.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by sonj

Is it possible to find a decent job after being "let go"?


I feel so depressed. I was just starting to tackle Dave Ramsey's program and then this.

I cut my daughters pre-school down to 3 days a week, instead of 5. I have been avoiding going anywhere.

Thankfully we don't have any CC's but we do have this frigging van payment that is killing us. Not to mention Student Loan payment. We owe My in-laws but they have said we can "work" it off helping them around their house, so that is what I will be doing while I am unemployed.


My DH keeps thinking of a Refi with rates dropping, only problem is, we got a annual 3% interest loan for the next 5 yeas, for home improvements. If we Refi we will loose it and ultimately end up paying more for it.

But I still question could it be worth it.

Sonj, if you don't mind my asking, what kind of work were you doing and/or will be looking for?

[Lori63]

Any temporary jobs available? Substitute teaching?
Try to keep your chin up-best of luck to you

[safari]

AOL laid off 20% of their employees yesterday (2,000 people were let go). They got severance packages ranging from 2 months to 12 months, depending on their level. The severance packages include monthly pay, placement assistance and COBRA.

[sonj]

Thank you for all the uplifting posts!

secretarial skills, and I hope the next company I work at can determine if it will work in less then a year.

[cantretire]

Lori63 - quick sidebar - where you born in '63? I'm a 'Lori63' too!

[InDebtInDC]

I wouldn't worry about it. People quit and get let go on a regular basis. The biggest thing would be to plan your comeback and don't dwell on the past.

In my experience as a hiring manager, when you're interviewing for your new job, don't be afraid to answer questions honestly about your previous job. There are always 2 sides and it's best to present the truth.

Most of the times your new boss won't hold it against you, unless it was something huge you did at your old job. From the sound of your post I don't think that's the case.

Good luck with everything and keep your spirits up. Positive thoughts = confident body language = better things for you.

[Scanner]

I got something to cheer you up:

NPR : Be Cool to the Pizza Dude

Hit "Listen" - it's better than reading it.

[Scanner]

sorry

[QueenOphelia]

Sorry to hear about the layoff.

I was a victim of corporate downsizing in 2004 and can tell you there is ABSOLUTELY life after being let go. You will get something else...probably a better job!

It sounds like you are in good financial shape and are fiscally responsible. You are already ahead of many who have lost their jobs.

I agree with what everyone says and can add:

* Try and enjoy your down time with family and firends.
* It is prime Garage Sale season (at least in the Northeast). Sell sell sell!
* Try and sell stuff on eBay as well. Setup a PAYPAL account for easy transactions

Good Luck and keep your chin up

[InDebtInDC]

Originally Posted by humandraydel

I'm pretty sure a previous employer isn't allowed to disclose why you no longer work there. It's against privacy laws or something. So, when a prospective employer calls them they can say "Yes, so-and-so worked here from X date to Y date."....and really, that's about all they can say. They aren't allowed to say "Oh yeah, we fired that lazy person for being late 4 times in a week!"

...at least, I think?

Do you know what law this is? I've given and received employee referral before and nobody briefed me on this.

[sweeps]

I don't think it's a law, but many (most?) companies now have policies that they don't provide detailed information on former employees to avoid lawsuits. The lawyers win again.

[vsjhoc]

Defamation law.

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by vsjhoc

Defamation law.

True, that's what disgruntled ex-employees try to use against their former employers, but again I'm not aware of a specific law that prevents employers from discussing their ex-employees -- it's just a policy decision.

[Exile]

A prospective employer might ask an applicant's former employer "Would you rehire this person?" If the former employer says no, I think they can get away with that.