“I lost my job! Now what?!?” A survival guide for the unemployed By Ray Kim

About me... Blog: http://pianorayk.wordpress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pianorayk Working in technology since 1989: Computer operator , instructor , technical writer , analyst , webmaster , developer Member of CASSUG (Albany SQL user group) and Albany UX/UI user group BS in computer science, Syracuse University (LET’S GO ORANGE!!!) MS in technical communication, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (GO RED!!!) Interests: My wife (Lianne) and two cats (Bernard, Nutmeg) Playing music (four different instruments, member of KKΨ band fraternity) Sports: Syracuse football and basketball, RPI ice hockey, NY Yankees, fantasy football, CrossFit

About this presentation This is NOT a technology-specific presentation This presentation is based on personal experience I don’t like to lecture – I prefer to discuss issues and act as a facilitator Please ask questions! Feel free to engage!

About this presentation Here’s what we’ll discuss… Emotional impact Taking stock in yourself Resources to tap Network, network, network! Suggestions to weather the storm

About this presentation Although this presentation’s premise is geared mainly toward people who’ve lost their jobs, this discussion is also appropriate for job seekers, students, people looking to make a move, or anyone looking to stay on top of the job market. Ready? Let’s go!

Your company just told you that they’re letting you go. Okay, the axe just fell… Your company just told you that they’re letting you go.

You’re going through a bunch of emotions… Anger Panic Fear Frustration Sadness Resentment

Uncertainty and questions enter your mind… What did I do wrong? Am I worthy of my skill set? Am I going to land something else? How long will I be out of work? How will I pay my bills? How will I support my family? What will people think of me?

The emotional impact… We’re human. We’re going to be feeling something, whether we want to admit it or not.

Dealing with our emotions… The worst thing you can do is lose control!!! Don’t lose your head! If you MUST let off steam, find a way to do it safely!

Dealing with our emotions… Keep your head up Take the high road Stay positive (easier said than done, I know!!!)

Take stock in yourself Identify your strengths and weaknesses Figure out what you like Talk to a recruiter Be honest with yourself and potential employers. Never, EVER, lie!!!

Tap resources Interwebs – Indeed, LinkedIn, Google, local job sites, etc. Attend user group meetings, seminars, and conferences Ask friends and colleagues for advice and recommendations – managers, recruiters (NOT spamming headhunters), former coworkers Network (more on that in a minute) Your alma mater Local library Be creative! You, yourself, are a resource!

Tap resources Some other resources to check out… Other SQL Saturday presentations: “Why candidates fail the job interview in the first minute” by Thomas Grohser “Network your Way to Success!” by Lisa Margerum “Getting to and Nailing Your Interviews” by Paresh Motiwala “How to build your career” by James Serra Pretty much any presentation by your local recruiter (e.g. Susan Lundberg [Albany, NY], Tom Anderson [Providence, RI]) Books: What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles XXX Best Questions To Ask On Your Interview by John Kador

Networking is important! According to a 2016 LinkedIn article, 85% of jobs are filled by networking (Lou Adler, 2/29/16) There is an art to effective networking Networking can take time Make use of resources such as LinkedIn and Facebook Don’t let anyone tell you that LinkedIn is BS – many potential employers will look at your LinkedIn account!!!

Weathering the storm Be prepared to ride it out! You never know how long it will last! (Days? Weeks? Months?) Conserve your resources, such as money Look into insurance resources (health exchange, spouse’s employer, etc.) Avoid COBRA, unless you can afford it or are able to manage it to fit your needs

Weathering the storm Looking for a job is a full-time job! It’s not just about looking for jobs – there’s also: Taking time to interview Making sure your resume and cover letters are up-to-date and mistake-free Following up with your contacts and leads Doing your homework with organizations to which you apply Making sure your suit is cleaned and your shoes are polished

Weathering the storm Find a temporary source of income to hold you over File for unemployment Get a temp job to hold you over until you land There is no shame in holding a temp job. Get over it!!! Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Weathering the storm Keep busy! Keeping yourself busy passes the time and takes your mind off your situation Getting involved with productive endeavors keeps your mind sharp – and you might just learn something (and it looks good on a resume) Getting involved with user groups is networking!

Weathering the storm Some things you can do to keep busy: Attend conferences (such as SQL Saturday!) Attend user group meetings (PASS clubs, technical groups, special interest groups, extracurriculars, etc.) Write a ‘blog Do something fun! Play golf, pursue your hobbies, spend time with your family or friends, read a book, etc., etc., etc.

Weathering the storm Consider worst-case scenarios – you may need to make some hard decisions Are you willing to… Work from home? Start a new business? Consider a long commute? Relocate? Sell your house? Change careers?

Whatever you do…

Keep plugging away and eventually, you’ll hear the words… “Everything, for better or for worse, eventually works itself out.” – me