Free Career and Job Search Advice

dejaluv · New User Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 5 Career Advice: +0/-0

In the 7 years prior to August of 2006 I had only worked for two companies. In August 2006 I decided to take a chance and leave the company I was working for to move to a different city making about 50% more. It was at the peak of the housing marketing and the company was a home builder.

Just over 3 months later my entire division was laid off and I was left with no job, no savings, two mortgages (my new home and my old home that still had not sold), pregnant non-working wife and a two year old child. I had a bit of luck and a little advanced warning so I was only unemployed for a week and coincidently it was Thanksgiving week so it was a nice week to have off.

My next job was with a start-up. I had a good amount of success there but due to cash flow problems the top paid employees were all laid off. I was there about 13 months. I was given a severance package of 6 weeks and was fortunate enough to find another position within about 4 weeks.

This time I was making $35K more than I was making at the previous job. A few days before I accepted the job the news broke this company was being acquired by another company. I was assured during my final interview and at the time of the job offer that our division was safe and we had no worries. Unfortunately, after I began it became very clear that all signs pointed to massive layoffs. So I decided to start looking and found another position. I was only with this company for 3 months.

So now I'm three days into my 4th job in 21 months. My confidence is destroyed, I am consumed with the fear of layoffs and its affecting my ability to focus on the job I was hired for. I can only pray that I (and the company) are successful for many years to come so I can put this all behind me.

Pauloz · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 8:59 am Post subject:

dejaluv

Really, you'll drive yourself up the wall if you dwell on things like that. Bad times do end.

What you can do, however, to make yourself feel a bit more secure, and generate a bit more cash, is come up with some backup income for yourself. You can do that either through freelance work, investment, or something manageable which will add some padding to the equation.

Believe me, knowing you're not dependent on one income stream is a real plus. It does mean finding something that works, which you can do reliably and consistently, but with a bit of patience, you can give yourself some insurance against any encores of that truly lousy experience.

Good luck,

cv · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 10:11 am Post subject: layoffs

There is no clear cut solution to this.

If you are in an industry that is consolidating itself resulting into a lot of layoffs consider changing the industry you are working for.

Turn your job into a consultancy business have several clients and be your own boss. I am very aware this is easier sad then done. But if the employment world is not offering job security and a steady income then self employment should be looking much more attractive.

Become indispensable for the company. Become an ASSET, become something they cannot do without.

Learn enough skills in your current job that will make your next job easier.

Join our Newsletter
CopyRight © 1999-2008 cvtips.com This material cannot be published under any form or condition.