ResumesResumes
InterviewsInterviews
Cover LettersCover Letters
Job Seeker TipsJob Seeker Tips
Beginner BasicsBeginner Basics
In the WorkplaceIn the Workplace
Work/LifeWork/Life
Build A
Job-Winning
Resume Now
Get A
Professionally
Written
Resume
Get A
Professionally
Written Cover
Letter
Home > Blog: Work/Life > One Woman's Layoff Yields a Needed Reminder

One Woman's Layoff Yields a Needed Reminder

Work-Life Balance

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 emails 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

Ready To Jump Start Your Job Search?
Looking for Help with Your Job Search?
Pongo has been helping Job Seekers for over 10 years. If you think our articles are great, try our Resume Builder, Letter Builder and Exclusive Interview Strategy Videos! Our easy-to-use tools and expert advice have helped over 70% of our Members get the job they want! Learn More »
Like what you see?
Join over 4.6 million Pongo Members — and let us help you land your dream job.
Pongo Raves
How Mark Improved His Life With Pongo
See how Mark's job search went from frustrating and uneventful to productive and fulfilling with Pongo's help.
Learn More About Pongo
More Success Stories