This week we have the pleasure of introducing Olivia Blase, a former contractor specializing in marketing and a working digital nomad. We really loved her story as it brought to light the trials there are for those that hold contract positions during economic hard times and brought up questions that many young professionals have—do we work for stability, experiences, or passion? Thank you Olivia for sharing your story!
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Whether you are an executive at your company or a part-time contractor, this moment in time is scary for each one of us.
We all have a lot at stake, no matter the size of our paychecks. As a freelancer/contractor who has been living and working as a digital nomad outside of the USA for the last year, no ocean could separate me from the challenges that come from being "laid off" from my contract position.
I think there are three categories of people who are experiencing layoffs right now:
1) They've lived through recessions/economic upheaval and have been laid off in the past. Thus, they are prepared with a solid emergency fund, know how unemployment works, and had been job hunting even before they got let go.
2) They understand the basics of a recession, are aware that they could be laid off at some point, and either consciously or subconsciously start to prepare for that possibility.
3) These people have no prior idea what living through a recession is like, have not had the desire or means to build up any savings, and thus were completely unprepared to be laid off.
I, my friends, fall into the third category.
When I entered the workforce, it was just starting to be acceptable/trendy that younger professionals weren't planning to stick with one job for their entire career. Because of this, I had no qualms about quitting my first post-college job as a communications coordinator after two years with the company. I had been offered another (part-time, much lower-paid) position at a community center in my neighborhood. Since I had studied Intercultural Studies and Community Development, this position as a program manager of a nutrition and urban farming community initiative was up my alley. I jumped at the opportunity to gain experience in a new industry and position.
One of my favorite college professors once said something to me that motivated me to change industries so early on in my career: "Life is like having a tool belt. Whenever you have the chance to put a new tool into the belt, take that opportunity."
Needless to say, I had a blast in that position. I met incredible people, connected with impactful organizations, and gained many new tools to add to my tool belt. After two years, the grant-funded program came to an end (it was 2020, so a lot of grant-funded programs were coming to an end for a while due to the pandemic). I was ready to find more tools, so I found a job teaching English in Spain. Despite the global pandemic, I packed my bags and moved to Madrid.
These last three years of living in Madrid have been a ROLLER COASTER. If you are considering an international move, hit me up first! I have lots of advice. Needless to say, it has been incredible. I have taught English to Spaniards and immigrants to Spain, 5-year-olds, and adults. And while I loved the experience, I decided in 2022 to pursue remote contract work for an American company.
And here's where the story gets good, folks. After 9 months of working in operations and copywriting for a business incubator for female entrepreneurs, I was "let go" in May. The economic situation caught up with the company, and as a contractor, I was obviously the easiest to chop. Looking back, I should have seen it coming. I should have started saving and looking harder for new work. But I didn't, and I've learned some valuable lessons.
If you're a contractor like I was, I hope you are more prepared. I hope you are aware of your state's unemployment income laws (I don't qualify). I hope you have a nicely sized emergency fund. I hope you have maintained a strong network that might lead to new gigs or work.
So, what tool have I gained from being laid off? Humility. I've had friends and family and even strangers show up for me and support me in ways I often find hard to accept. My little sister has helped me financially. My friends have paid for meals and other little expenses without batting an eye. A woman I barely talk to gave me an envelope with $100. Former coworkers have reached out to talk about possible side gigs. I have accepted more help in the last three months than I probably have in my entire life. It's been hard, but it's been so impactful. And you can bet your bottom dollar that the next time I have the opportunity to help someone else in that way, I am going to pay every cent forward.
Do you want to tell your story? We are accepting applications for Season 2. Apply now to share your story on the Layoff Podcast here.
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