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

2. About me... Blog: http://pianorayk.wordpress.com
LinkedIn:
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

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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!

6. 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.

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

8. 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?

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

10. 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!

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

12. 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!!!

13. 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!

14. 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

15. 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!!!

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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!

20. 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.

21. 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?

22. Whatever you do…

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