Getting organized

Being laid off in mid-September after 18-plus years (among 14.5K UPSers YTD 2024) is a pretty traumatizing and eye-opening experience to say the least. I’ve worked for seven companies over the years that went bankrupt, downsized, merged, or closed. I optimistically thought (hoped?) that I would make it through these layoffs, but alas I did not. Thinking back, the last time I was laid off from a corporate job, I opened a retail bike (bicycle) shop, but that’s another story.

When I announced in mid-September that I was laid off, I received an unexpected flurry of messages from current and former colleagues and voices from the past of kindness, support, sympathy, and cheerleading. The comments and DMs made me extremely emotional and appreciative of everyone I've crossed paths with. Aside from the outpouring messages of care and support, I also realized the relationships built over the years through my contacts putting their reputations on the line by sending me links to jobs, referrals, and their recruiter's contact information. [I’m still working through these.] Another emotional punch in the gut? I asked my partners to complete recommendations, and their words of our past work together and relationships really hit me hard. While I optimistically continue to meet people, interview, learn, expand skills, self-reflect, and hone my AI skills for now a job search and avoiding ghost jobs, I’m realistic that elections just occurred with holidays and final vacations right around the corner. I'm resilient, determined, and persistent, but it might take a bit.

I had been extremely overwhelmed, stressed, and tired with layoffs looming over my head for the last several years. Now that I have the mental capacity, I tackled some personal business that will help in the current situation. In summary:

• I found and opened a high-yield savings account for severance I want to keep liquid. I researched and transferred funds to one I felt comfortable with at 5.05% interest.
• I opened investment and 401K brokerage accounts and rolled everything over.
• I have options on my account, so started making calls to diversify my UPS stock. Research and make calls to make money make money. My partner's experience as a stockbroker comes in handy here!
• I completed my annual physical, passing lab tests with flying colors, so purchased additional life insurance while my health enables it.
• I enrolled in Delta Dental and high-deductible health insurance until I find another position.
• I completed defensive driving online, changed my vehicle insurance use to “pleasure,” and obtained new quotes for home and auto.
• I joined several local and online industry groups for networking. I forgot how enlightening it is to meet new people and learn about different research, methodologies, and applications.
• I love my gym availability since I went early, but really miss my gym bros!
• I completed a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 6.0 Udemy class, Google Cloud launchpad, and a Cloud Bootcamp course. Now to pass the certification tests.
• I have some Project Management training, where I have numerous years of experience, queued, as well as some courses on AWS, AI and Machine Learning, Lean Six Sigma, and Data Science.
• I’m painting the last two rooms in the house and purging many of my business clothes now that most offices are business casual!
• Finally for personal interest and growth, I’m completing Life, Health, and Wellness Coach certifications.

Now, it’s not just fun and games. It’s definitely a tougher market out there and generally poor timing to look for a job. My partner and I have been taking care of neighbors’ valuable assets – their pets – for over eight years. He’s the primary caregiver, walker, treat-giver, and ball-thrower but I’m frequently out with furbabies on the evenings or weekends. We unexpectedly and coincidentally received several new clients after my last day.

To stretch my severance since I can’t foresee the future, I then added some Facebook posts and let existing clients know about our expanded availability. Another emotional punch in the gut? This is the only job where anyone has ever said we (I) “are (am) a blessing.” It's an appreciation I've never felt before and I'm never quite sure how to respond. While this doesn’t completely replace the take-home income, we’re not too far off. And really? While these furry clients (see Mr. W, above) might be a little demanding, they don’t change their business requirements, are always happy to see me, and fill my spirit with peace! Now, excuse me, back to AI and Machine Learning.