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The Pongo Blog
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One Woman's Layoff Yields a Needed Reminder
October 19, 2009 (10:00AM) by Marcy Laakso
Marcy Laakso, the writer of today's post, is a business professional with nearly 20 years of experience in a multitude of business roles. She has spent the past 11 years in customer service, project management, and sales for a commercial furniture and audio-visual dealership. After a recent layoff, she took some time to reassess her career.
I was laid off in January 2009 after 11 years with the same company.
If anyone had said then that I would still be unemployed more than eight months later, I wouldn't have believed it.
 I had been unhappy in my position for some time, so I was looking at this layoff as an opportunity to start over and get into a career that was more suited to me, something that was closer to home, less stressful (hopefully), and allowed me to accommodate my family obligations. I contacted recruiters, told everyone I knew I was looking for a job, and began daily online searches. I learned quickly that starting over was not going to be easy.
Narrowing down what type of job I wanted was my first task. Once I decided on a few good options, I conducted online searches using keywords from postings for jobs I was interested in, and signed up to receive daily e-mails with openings that fit my keyword search criteria. Although I applied to several jobs each week that appeared to be good fits, there were few call backs and interviews. I understand we're in a tough economy, but not hearing back from companies really makes you question your self-worth. Are you anything beyond what you do for work? Who are you if you don't have a job? Is my experience worth anything?
My interviewing experience has been frustrating, to say the least. I was always positive and gave honest answers to the questions I was asked, and figured that whether I was qualified or not, it was out of my hands. In more than one interview, I was told I was overqualified and was asked to promise I wouldn't leave for something better if they offered me the job. On another occasion, they asked how little I could be paid to take the job.
I wonder why having more experience than necessary has to be seen as a negative? I wouldn't have applied for positions I was unwilling to take! I can only be who I am, know what I know, and be willing to learn whatever is needed. If that wasn't good enough for some employers, so be it.
Despite the frustration of the job search, I realize there are other things in life that make me who I am. I am a mother, a daughter, and a sister. I've taken this opportunity to spend time with my children and family, become a better homemaker than I used to be, and volunteer at my children's school.
It reminded me that I am more than just the job I hold.
RELATED LINKS
Two Harsh Truths about Your Job Search
Finding the Right Fit: Would You Last in This Job?
The Liberation of a Structured Job Search Strategy
Hi Marcy, I totally agree with your post and can understand exactly where you are coming from. I too have not been employed for 15 months now which I would never had believed after working with the same company for 28 years. After the daily routine of posting my resume and applying for many jobs each week with very little contact from anyone. At an interview I too was asked about taking an assistant manager's position instead of a manager's position. The interviewer worried that I may jump ship if something else came up that I was more qualified for. (Although he was also looking for me to do all of the things a manager does). I explained that I wasn't looking to climb the corporate ladder at this point in my life, I just wanted to work and learn new things, but if something good happened because of my hard work, then that would be great. I explained that I am who I am, what you see is what you get. I am a hard worker who enjoys people and likes to have fun at work. I have been blessed to spend my time with my mom and my family and it has been a great learning process in itself. I would have never have had this opportunity if I was still working. I have learned a lot about myself which I never had time to even think I existed before. I am a very giving person and I am beginning to find myself for the first time in my life. Yes, I do feel that I need to work so that my life will be complete and we all need the money to pay the bills, but as they say, things happen for a reason and this is a new journey in my life that will hopefully take me down a new road of life experiences. After all, things are what they are no matter what so enjoy finding yourself! Ther is a great book out there called Broken Open, it certianly has made me realize that no matter what happens, there is always a brighter side if you take the time to enjoy it! Good Luck!
Thank you for the stories...I feel as if you are both writing a story about myself and I am just realizing how important it is to take time for yourself once in your life.
Your post, Marcy, could have been about me. I, too, was laid off in February from a great company where I had served as a marcom mgr. for 10 years. I become more and more frustrated with the job search every day because in the past I never had any problems scoring an interview. Now, I can't even get potential employers to return my calls. Is silence the new "no" in today's corporate culture? I know HR people are deluged with resumes for each opening they post, but, I would think that dashing off a 10-second email or phone response is just basic manners, isn't it? Or has the past 8 months put me that much out of touch with the working world? It's a little puzzling and quite frustrating! Good luck to everyone.
Reading your posts, I am sitting here wondering about my career of choice. I am not happy with my present job. I am doing the work of a Manager but, I do not get the title or pay. I am currently applying for other jobs, but, I don't just want a job, I want something that is more me. I am willing to travel down new avenues to see what I really enjoy. I told my husband, " I could go to work at the bakery in town, at least I would come home and smell really good". I know you have to make money to live, etc... but, is coming home depressed and then dreading to get up the next morning to go to work worth it?? How are you finding about yourselves? What books or what advice are you listening to? I just want to be happy and enjoy what I do. Why is that so hard to find in employment?
It doesn't matter what job you have. It's your perception of what it means. If you're a floor sweeper, you can either be humiliated or proud of giving others a clean surrounding. It's a mind game that catches us all. What you do is not important. It's how you do it that matters. It has nothing to do with money, status, or recognition. It's about your heart. If working and giving brings you joy, then you've discovered how to make life meaningful. Everything else is a dead end. Embrace every opportunity as a chance to make a difference. There are no measurements. It's all for a grander purpose than we know. Just do it.
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