Lay-Off grief

[Anonymous]

I got laid off yesterday from my dream job. The only other time I have been laid off it was a job that sucked and I hated it and I was already looking for a new job so I was grateful for the severance to focus on finding a new job full time. That lay-off didn't even register with me.

But this one I am so, so sad. I was the only one from my team let go and they all keep texting me that they miss me and that makes me even more sad. I get six months severance but I'd give it up just to keep working there for six months, like if I prove myself to them they'll let me stay. (Even though they've already said it had nothing to do with my performance. At least one person from each team was cut, some teams as many as ten.)

It's like a bad breakup or something but honestly worse because at least when I was single I would tell myself I could find a guy I liked better. I'm looking at the job market now and it absolutely sucks. I am convinced I will never find a job I loved that much.

Anyway. I'm sorry if this is rambling, I'm just really sad right now. I've cried so much over the last 24 hours.

[Anonymous]

Let yourself grieve and don't apologize for it. It's a miserable situation and I'm sorry you find yourself in it. Don't look for a new job right now. Even if there are good jobs out there, how your feeling right now will make all jobs look horrible.

[Anonymous]

It's ok to feel sad about it. Especially with 6 months of severance, take a week or so to do things that bring you joy and don't think about job hunting yet. Then do some networking--when you get laid off for reasons other than performance, people in the field tend to be really nice and want to help you find something else (I speak from personal experience). Know that fewer jobs are likely to be posted in August so don't freak out if you don't see a lot. Work really hard on your resume and cover letter (customize for each job, and don't let AI write them!). Know that you will likely have to apply for lots of things but that the next chaper of your life can be a good one even if you weren't ready for the previous one to end.

[Anonymous]

I am so sorry, OP. Being let go suddenly really messes with our sense of identity, security and emotional well being. It sucks. Take your time, take care of yourself. You will find another good job.

[Anonymous]

It’s really hard and it does feel like a breakup. Does your company have an EAP program? A lot of times these programs are still available for a period of time after employment.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry, OP.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry. It’s ok to be sad, just don’t let that sadness take over for too long.

[Anonymous]

Welcome to adulthood.

[Anonymous]

Sorry op. It’s okay to grieve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Welcome to adulthood.

She's been laid off before, so I think she understands it's part of adulthood. It's sad you're so miserable you can't fathom having a job you love.

[Anonymous]

I think it really speaks to your character that everyone from your team has reached out. That means you'll be missed.

[Anonymous]

If it's a big company, maybe she can go back.

One of the big employers in my town is one of the best paying gigs.

I was laid off and went back as a contract worker 3 years later. Then brought in-house again after 2 years.

I'm working with somebody now who has been a contractor in three different stints.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it's a big company, maybe she can go back.

One of the big employers in my town is one of the best paying gigs.

I was laid off and went back as a contract worker 3 years later. Then brought in-house again after 2 years.

I'm working with somebody now who has been a contractor in three different stints.

OP here and that's what I'm worried about. Several ago I had a negative performance review, from a boss I didn't click with, after high turnover and during a rough period sales-wise. On my discharge paperwork it says I can apply again in the future, with no waiting period, provided overall satisfactory performance evaluations. (HR said in our meeting this wouldn't disqualify me but then I read more thoroughly when I got home.) My other performance reviews were sterling and the bad performance review was never mentioned again so I never thought about it until yesterday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it's a big company, maybe she can go back.

One of the big employers in my town is one of the best paying gigs.

I was laid off and went back as a contract worker 3 years later. Then brought in-house again after 2 years.

I'm working with somebody now who has been a contractor in three different stints.

OP here and that's what I'm worried about. Several ago I had a negative performance review, from a boss I didn't click with, after high turnover and during a rough period sales-wise. On my discharge paperwork it says I can apply again in the future, with no waiting period, provided overall satisfactory performance evaluations. (HR said in our meeting this wouldn't disqualify me but then I read more thoroughly when I got home.) My other performance reviews were sterling and the bad performance review was never mentioned again so I never thought about it until yesterday.

Overall means "overall." If it was one performance review with a boss you didn't click with and the other ones from the boss were fine, then that's fine.

[Anonymous]

Is that old boss you didn't click with still with the company? While you being laid off was not due to performance do you have any inkling of why you were picked? least seniority? A role they are cutting?

Stay positive with all of your old colleagues and make it known that you would love to come back.