If you are keeping up with our jobseeker stories you know that our guests share a variety of different anecdotes when it comes to speaking about their time facing layoff season. Our first few guests, including the Founder, spoke about the mental and emotional toll that layoffs can induce and how they would like to see the job placement process go in the future. Our first call to action from the three first episodes was to find out where the mental health resources/advisors lie.
Unfortunately, it seems as if those support systems are not being found or if they are they are not free. Jobseekers sharing in the LinkedIn network post about lowered cost mental health services or reaching out to mindfulness coaches, etc. however for people that are in dire circumstances and do not have access to funds, the situation seems to be less serving. Our podcast will keep our call to action out in the hopes that mental health professionals and psychologists can let us know what is out there for those that cannot access funds for resources such as therapy and other related services.
The silver lining, though, from episodes 4,5, and 6 is that despite the effects on mental health, our guests have proven that in times of deep hardship there can be breakthroughs for personal growth. Episode 4 Thomas Joseph spoke to us directly on how he is strategic and has a game plan going forward with jodseeking and applying for jobs.
"I told myself the next time this happens I will give myself 24 hours to feel bad about it...but after that that would be the end of it," says Joseph (TJ). Keeping with his word you can follow him for updates and a series of inspiration through his #tomstakeaways posts.
Episode 5 introduced us to Morgan Hendrix, owner of Loud Tall Marketing and Events, and a survivor of several layoffs. Morgan was first impacted during the rise of coronavirus in 2020 as a marketing professional working at Alamo Drafthouse, which lead her on a road of self-discovery.
"“I was moving at the speed of light just trying to figure out what was going on and saying I will just do this for the meantime…after 2-3 years of having all kinds of different roles and jobs I was just exhausted. I had never mourned…I had just bulldozed my way trying to find my next home.”
Like many, the years during the pandemic and after were hard as Morgan tried to figure out what specific job or role she was wanting to do. Her focus had always been primarily in events, her passion, with an emphasis on other marketing related functions, and soon she found that she could hone in her craft more by taking a large risk by establishing her own brand, Loud Tall Marketing and Events.
Speaking about going through the process of establishing her business, Morgan said, "[My experience up to this point] helped me realize that maybe I can do this. Maybe I can run my own freelance business and be my own person and take contracts."
As we rounded out that conversation and entered into Episode 6 we had several more takeaways and observations: our guests all lived different lifestyles in different cities and states, had different levels of support, and had faced different amounts of layoffs. Some individuals had faced a layoff more than once, while others were finding themselves impacted for the first time. All of them were rising above their layoff and finding themselves more empowered.
For Meredith Mitchell in episode 6, her story showed us that in addition to being resilient, she possessed a sense of humor and humility regarding her situation. Going viral in a LinkedIn post, Meredith likened being laid off to having your pants rip in front of a large group of people, having yourself exposed, and trying to ask anyone and everyone for another pair of pants. Meredith also showed us that layoffs are global as she told her story from Canada and shared her experience, penning it in greater detail for The Layoff Podcast blog:
"As soon as I opened my eyes, I knew what that meant. My coworker was on the other end.
“Morning buddy.”
“Did it happen?” I asked, pit in my stomach.
“Go check your email.”
I ran upstairs and opened my laptop. As soon as I opened it, I knew I was done. My workplace account had been logged out, "user deactivated"; I clicked into my email, and one lone email sat there.
Your role has been impacted."
Describing in more detail the trials and tribulations of jobseeking and staying focused on the task at hand through her blog article, one would see a juxtaposition to her podcast episode. Meredith mentioned to us that talking about the layoff made her a bit uncomfortable, which we completely understood, and so we appreciated her allowing us to share her story and how she has exhibited positivity, grace, and resilience as she continues to seek her next role.
So, what else is in store with future guests? Our next batch of guests will give us insight on a world where contractors are faced with layoffs (summarization: the lack of resources and governmental aid is dismal), when your niche role is impacted, and how it looks to take intentionality even further with hard data and metrics.
One thing is for sure, our guests are all #opentowork and have immense drive and we cannot wait until they are secure and with work once again.
Want to be featured as a guest? Applications for season 2 are being accepted until September 12. Apply now here.
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