#OpenToWork

I have seen an uptick of friends and colleagues posting on LinkedIn that they are open to new employment opportunities. 2024 has been tough for many who work in the tech sector with companies navigating workforce reductions and company realignments. Forbes called it "The Great Tech reset of 2024". In December of 2023 Newsweek predicted "Massive Tech Layoffs in 2024" and they were not wrong. This week CVS announced (Another) layoff of 3k team members mostly in corporate areas.

I have worked for a dozen or so employers in my almost 40 years in the professional marketplace. As much as I wish that I had been able to carve out a career with my first full time employer, it was just not meant to be. Trust me, I tried. After graduation I went to work for the Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company in Downtown Seattle. I spent 5 years working in the mailroom in the basement of the 1600 7th avenue location. I tried for three years to either transfer or promote out of the entry level position, but PNB was not willing to take a chance on me. When I left, the company had been rebranded to USWEST Communications, and then to Qwest Communications International, Inc. Even though I was a 4th generation telecommunications employee and had worked very hard for 5 years, when I submitted my resignation to my manager she was unaware that I actually worked for her. My manager did not know who I was. I was still making minimum wage after all those years, and it was clearly time to move on.

The Walk of Shame

The day I quit the telephone company was the first time I ever had to make the "Walk of Shame" through the office. With a cardboard box in both hands containing my personal belongings from my desk, escorted by building security, I walked right through the middle of the office and right by all of my (Now former...) colleagues. I have had to make the walk a few more times in my career, and it was always awkward and uncomfortable.

For many linkedin members, placing the "Open to Work" banner around their profile photo has been the equivalent of the walk of shame that I experienced 30 years ago. My goal for this article is to remove the negative stigma that happens when when we notify the world that we need a new job, and show how we can help those who might be in need.

Business is Changing

One barometer I have used to judge the evolution of business are the commercials. Simply watch 60 minutes of primetime television on a major network. Once you take out the political and insurance commercials, you can see an entire new breed of companies out there fighting for your dollar, and they are using technology to compete in the marketplace.

Regardless of the industry, business is changing. It seems like technology is evolving so fast that even the most experienced professional struggles to keep up with innovation. When I began my career in the DBS(Direct Broadcast Satellite) industry in 1999 the technology that installed in customer's homes for DIRECTV is light years from the technology we have today.

It feels like most all companies in America are being forced to innovate because competition for the dollar is so tough. Unfortunately, for some team members change is hard. Some of us grew up in a world without technology and adapting to the "New way" of business is more than we can handle. Because companies can't stop innovating, if you can't evolve with your employer, you might end up "Open to Work."

Negative Stigma of "Open to Work"

When I see a friend or colleague update their profile with the "Open to Work" banner, the first reaction I always have is, "Man, I am glad that is not me...". I know, not the best reaction, but I can only be honest here. I am sure I am not the only one who has this reaction. Having a job, earning a decent wage, supporting your family, this is the American way. We are taught from a young age to work the capitalist system and carve out our little piece of the American Dream. When someone loses their job, it's also like losing the opportunity to obtain that American Dream we all long for. Anyone who has separated from a company knows the range of emotions that come with separation. I have personally stayed at jobs longer than I wanted to even though I was unhappy because I didn't want to have to go through the drama of the separation.

I try not to let the "Open to Work" banner on someone's profile become a lead to judgement. I don't know other people's circumstances, and I have been out of work in the past myself. Instead of continuing my scroll down the LinkedIn page, I make my friends and colleagues post a "Call to Action" and I always help my friends in need.

How can YOU help those Open to Work

When I see a colleague who has publicly acknowledged that they are open to work, this is what I do. If they are a 1st tier connection, I reach out directly. If they are plugged into my phone, I call or text them. If not I reach out through LinkedIn-InMail. I never ask the probing questions that we all want to know. I only ask the simple question "How can I help you". Many times your friend or colleague might already have a plan. I support where I can. Ya, it might be awkward, but plow through that thought and move directly to the "Help" portion of the contact.

If I see a 2nd or 3rd tier connection open to work, I will forward their "Open to Work" post, AND... I say something about them. Even if it's something like "Jon Doe is Open to work, please consider checking out his profile". If you don't write something on the forward, NO ONE will read it. Give people a reason to stop scrolling and consider what might be a great candidate.

I also love to write recommendations for people I have worked with. If you were on a team with someone who was awesome, SAY THAT in a LinkedIn recommendation. Your recommendation will post to their profile, and potential employers will read it.

I set calendar event to follow up with my friends who are open to work. I don't make one post and forget about them. When I follow up, I ask again... "How can I help". This is what team members do.

I think it's rather courageous to publicly declare that you need help. Whether it's for a job, help with your home, your family, or maybe just someone to talk to. Reaching out is noble. If you see someone open to work, please reach out and offer to help. It takes a village...

And finally...

I never forget that someday I might be the one who is posting that they are "Open to Work". I never forget I might be the one who needs help getting a job. If I know you, and we worked together, I will help and support you as you look for another opportunity to succeed in the marketplace. It is my hope that maybe someone will also help me if I ever need it.

For more information about DIRECTV's residential offerings please click?HERE. To see how DIRECTV could help your business increase revenue or provide a value added service to your customers or employees please click?HERE.? If either of these links don't provide you with the information you are looking for, reach out to me directly and I will personally put you in touch with someone who can help.?

To learn more about John and the work he does for DIRECTV please click?HERE.?

The views expressed in this blog post reflect the experiences and opinions of the author only and are not meant to be any official correspondence from DIRECTV, its Dealers, affiliates or any related entities. Copyright John MacGugan 2024