Navigating Career Changes: Reflections and insights one month later

Tomorrow will be one month since my former company laid off 10% of the staff, myself included. In reflecting, I came up with this list of 2 bad things and 2 good things I've observed in that time. Posting to commiserate with people in the same boat and to share what I'm doing about it.

Challenge 1: Evolving Industry Roles

I had doubts about whether my preferred role still exists. In my case, my former company eliminated my Director of Marketing Ops role, then turned around and opened a headcount for a Manager instead. This was only a few months after eliminating the VP role for my function. Both stung.

When I joined, there was a clear commitment to excellence in Marketing Operations from the CMO and was a big reason I chose them. Now in searching, I feel like I see mostly manager and specialist roles.?

What I'm doing about it: soldiering on, knowing that my depth of experience as an Ops professional and people leader has value. I've been around long enough to know the "farm system vs free agent" pendulum swings both ways. When companies realize they need expertise, I'll be ready.

Challenge 2: Employee vs Consultant Dilemma

Ramping up for FTE opportunities vs Consulting/Contracting choice divided my attention. I've enjoyed being an employee of companies that let me do my best work. I'm also completely comfortable jumping into a project contract and contributing quickly, doing the things people don't have capacity, experience or desire to do. The issue is spinning up both plates and making room in your head for both paths.

What I'm doing about it: ?letting the market direct me. I've seen more traction with consulting so I've polished up a new site at https://northsidenoise.com.

Good thing 1: Crafting a resume is like assembling a greatest hits album

It's been invigorating to relive all of the accomplishments that my teams and I have delivered over the years. Some doubt sneaks in about whether that website rebuild in 2009 is worth adding but dang it, that was hard work and I'm proud of it.

Good thing 2: Rediscovering Diverse Skills

I've spent the last 5 years in Marketing Ops, developing the core skills associated with that role and I've found it to be an excellent fit for my personality. Before that though, I worked in web development, social, SEO, content marketing, brand marketing, event marketing and even creative. Launching my portfolio site (miles.baltrusaitis.com) and my consulting site (northsidenoise.com) let me tap into those skills and I've really enjoyed it.

I welcome your thoughts and experiences here. Did these resonate with you?

#MarketingOps #ProfessionalGrowth #layoffs