The day I was laid off was tough. Not money tough or fear tough or what am I going to do tough. It felt personal. No matter who said what, if felt like getting fired for not being good enough. I wasn't sure if I wanted to share all of that on my blog, of getting laid off and the process I was going through. Well, I did. I posted a blog post about losing my job and it became one of the most read, most commented on posts I have written.
The gift in that, beyond continuing to always use my blog as a way to help others, be a voice for the voiceless and build bridges, was that our blog readers were incredibly supportive of the process I was going through. For that I am beyond grateful and want to say thank you to all of you who wrote messages of support.
During my 22 days of being unemployed I learned a lot. I learned that there is a stereotype or even prejudice around the unemployed and that even folks who are unemployed don't like telling people that. I was having a wonderful conversation with this guy, and his whole interaction with me changed when I told him that I was unemployed. I was blown away.
My experience of being unemployed was short lived. I am grateful for that. I am also grateful for the huge amount of friends and colleagues who invited me to coffee or lunch, called to check in, told me about a job, helped with my resume and cover letters, gave a gift card of some kind or swung by the house with a hug and flowers. The support I got was incredible and I hope all of us can be as supportive whenever a friend loses their job.
On my 22nd day of being unemployed I accepted an offer at an agency in town that helps homeless teens. I am super excited and can't wait to start! I will continue in fundraising, which is what I love to do.
I hope to write an e book about searching for a job. I will keep you posted. I also made changes on my fundraising blog, adding links to job search websites in an effort to help folks still looking for a job.
Thank you!
And thank you for reading this!
Yay! Well done! I left my job five years ago due to depression and while I was off my eyesight deteriorated so I’m now reliant on disability benefits until I figure out what work compliments both illnesses. When I initially went off work I was reluctant to get in touch with friends and family out of a self-imposed feeling of shame that what I was going through was somehow embarrassing and that I should keep quiet about it. But when I did get in touch with people they were supportive and cared more about how I was doing inside than how I was doing on the job market. I’m glad you’ve sorted things out and have a positive future ahead, but if you have similar troubles again then don’t forget: the people who love you will still love you, no matter what!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim! I never forget that. The support I got blew my mind for sure!
DeleteYou are AWESOME! I had no doubt you would find something fast - talented fundraisers are GOLD and someone saw that in you ASAP. Yes! Many, many congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you JL! I am stoked!
DeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finding a new job!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Dan! And what amazingly supportive friends you have. So lucky!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will do great-what an awesome job.
Congratulations! How amazing to find new work, doing what you love, in just a few weeks! That is surely a testament to your attributes and to the positive impression you make.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I have been unemployed for 3 months and 10 days now and it is really hard to put the failure and self-doubt feeling into words.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to you from the sounds of it, it has been overwhelming the people that have stepped up to try and help me. And I hope to do the same for someone else some day. Those people have helped damper the less than supportive ones.