Laid Off? Read this NOW!

If you've been laid off, let go, or any of those other fancy "corporate speak" terms that mean you're no longer working at your job -- and not by choice -- read this.

And first of all, I'm sorry to hear about your layoff. Being let go from an employer often comes to us by surprise, and not a good one. It's devastating, it's not fun, and you go from feeling part of a team and cared for by your boss, your HR department, and your company, to treated like an outsider -- almost immediately.

It's similar to learning someone you loved has passed away. You will have a range of emotions ranging from shock, to disbelief, to anger, to confusion, and perhaps even relief. And the emotions will cycle back and forth. That's normal.

The bad part? Nobody tells you what to do. When you work for your company, they typically have an onboarding process, maybe a mentorship program in the company, annual reviews, and if you leave by choice, there might be an exit interview.

But when you're laid off, the process is different. It's quick. And your access (email, company computer drives, etc.) typically ends immediately; maybe even during the time they are delivering the news to you.

If you're lucky, you might be given a few days or more to finish your work and access any personal files and items from your work computer and your work office.

And by the way, that computer is your COMPANY's computer -- not yours.

And that desk your COMPANY's desk that was assigned to you while you worked there -- it's not really yours.

At any rate, your access might be immediately cut-off, and aside from signing a separation agreement and getting a severance, that's it. You're on your own.

Your head is spinning.

You're feeling emotional.

And you're now suddenly thrust back into the job search market -- not by choice.

I am a supporter of the job seeking community and offer a variety of resources for those that are in career transition, and a LinkedIn message introduction from one of my connections introducing me to a friend who was just laid off prompted me to write this newsletter.

Laid Off? Here's What I Recommend:

1. Download my DO THIS NOW checklist .

Download this checklist for guidance on?what you should consider doing NOW after you've separated from your employer, as you begin your career transition.

This checklist was compiled by Brenda Meller with input by career strategy experts and VIP job seekers. We've been there, done that, and learned a few things along the way.

This checklist is our way of paying it forward and helping others.?

This list is meant to act as a resource and offer general guidelines based on our experience. Consult an attorney for legal advice.

2. Join me on an upcoming Friday VIP Job Seeker Office Hours .

This is a free virtual call on Zoom that is also livestreamed on YouTube. You can be camera on or camera off. You can participate or just listen in / watch.

During these calls, job seekers can ask questions about their job search (resume help, where to get started, LinkedIn questions), share success stories and learnings with each other, network / connect on LinkedIn with fellow attendees, and gain inspiration from our "allstar" job search strategy experts.

We're meeting weekly on Fridays at 10-11am ET through end of July 2023, then meeting monthly on the 1st Friday starting on August 4, 2023. You just have to register once, and then the recurring meeting will be added to your calendar. https://www.mellermarketing.com/FridayVIP

The above two resources will help to give you some direction, some resources, and help to create a community of people who can support you in your job search journey.

Above all, I want you to know that:

This is temporary.

You are awesome.

You WILL find another job.

And until you do, I'm happy to be a resource for you. Hang in there!

ps - please share this newsletter along with anyone who has recently been laid off / let go, etc. or is concerned a layoff may be in their future.