Patience and Persistence: A Story of Triumph-Overcoming the Challenge of Being Laid Off.

Patience and Persistence. Two key words that have defined and sustained the past four months of my professional life.

Buckle up, it's story time or bail, that's fair too. But if you've never been unemployed before, or you currently are, you might just learn something from my journey that could help you navigate the complexities of the circumstance.

On April 2nd, I was driving home from a spring break RV camping trip with my husband and two young sons. I randomly received a call from a work director. I had only spoken to this individual once before in my year of employment with this company (and that was during the interview process), so I knew this was alarming. I felt my stomach drop. I ignored the call because I didn't want to receive such bad news with no privacy in the car. His voicemail was ominous and confirmed my worst fears.

After speaking with him, I learned I was being laid off from my position. Not only that, I was given 3 days notice and no severance (the downside of contract positions). Panic set in. For the first time in my 13 year professional career, I was without a livelihood. I've worked at least 20 hours per week since I was 15 years old. Even when I played varsity high school soccer. Not to mention when I was a full time college student or a full time employee balancing MBA school. Through not one, but two pregnancies and as a mom of two young children. I was at a loss. What was I going to do?

First, I had to process what felt like being hit by a car. My emotions included shock and grief. I reflected on the negative experience I had with the organization. Poor training, mistreatment, boring and unfulfilling assignments, the list could go on. So maybe this was a blessing in disguise? That's how I chose to view it moving forward.

Next, I went into survival mode. I applied for every internal position that was open. Despite having previous conversations with hiring managers, they didn't even entertain my candidacy for an internal transfer, despite my predicament (and over qualification). That's the cut-throat nature of Corporate America. If giving false hope or going back on their word is best for the bottom line, then so be it. I was so angry and disappointed.

Then, I went through my extensive list of professional contacts. I have news for you. So many people in your network will offer words of encouragement and support, but few will actually follow through and advocate for you and your candidacy for open positions in their organization or through their professional connections. Don't place your full trust or hope in anyone but yourself.

I swallowed my pride. I filed for unemployment benefits for the first time ever. I attended workforce development support groups and numerous job fairs. I proceeded to spend hours upon hours searching for and applying for jobs. April turned into May. May turned into June. But finally, I had a handful of interviews and second interviews and two offers. Sadly, they weren't long term solutions or a step forward in my career. After much careful deliberation, I had to respectfully decline and continue my search.

At a state job fair, I was advised to apply for entry level positions to get my "foot in the door." I was told after a brief probationary period I could apply as a candidate for an internal transfer for a more appropriate position matching my skillset, advanced degree, and 13 years of experience. I took this counsel to heart and applied it to my strategy when searching for positions.

My background includes non-profits, government agencies, and school systems. I focused my search heavily on these sectors/industries. But instead of applying for professional level positions, I applied for an entry-level administrative role as was suggested to me. And that's where I struck gold.

In early June I interviewed with a director, manager, and potential colleague. First, virtually and then a few weeks later I got the call for a second, in-person interview. The feedback I received was positive both in speech and body language. Win.

But then something unexpected happened. Instead of hiring me for the administrative position for which I applied, I was offered the opportunity to become a consultant/contractor for a grant management role. As my luck would have it, some delays in their hiring process had recently resulted in the loss of a candidate for the grant manager role just a few weeks prior. Since the permanent position had not yet been reposted for a secondary search, I had the chance to become a contractor in the meantime. It was a mutually beneficial solution. I was meeting my need for work/employment/income and I was fulfilling their need for manpower. I had the unbelievable opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities to earn the permanent role. What I didn't realize at the time was that I would be test driving the job as much as they were test driving me as a potential full-time employee!

Here's the best news of all, the fairytale ending. I LOVE the job. I have the privilege of supporting over 50 local non-profits achieve their mission work. That's fulfilling with a capital "F." Sure, I had to kiss a few frogs first (take the risk of turning down undesirable offers in the hope and self-belief that I could achieve more), but I found my happy outcome! The people I work for and with have treated me like GOLD since the moment we first met/spoke.

It made me realize what I have been missing in my career, maybe for all 13 of these years. Sure, I've enjoyed some of the work and people, but there was always a "but." This unemployment experience has taught me that I deserve more than the toleration of less than desirable treatment from the people and organizations that employ me. Life is too short.

Yesterday, I received the long-awaited phone call from human resources, making me the official offer for permanent employment and I graciously accepted with their congratulations. I am so excited for this fresh start and this new chapter. Everything does happen for a reason. I was not in a good place in my career; deep down I was unhappy, miserable even. Sure, it had some monetary advantages to work in the private sector, especially with remote flexibility, but it came at a high mental and emotional cost.

In a twist of fate, being laid off was the best possible thing that could have happened to me five days before my 35th birthday. I had the opportunity to spend time with my children while they were on summer break (priceless) and rediscover where I truly want to spend the next 30 years devoting my time and talent.

So as my children start school in one month (Yay! Shout out to my fellow parents keeping their young ones entertained this summer.), I will also start a new journey. The metaphor is not lost on me that as my youngest steps foot on the big yellow bus for the first time as a Kindergartener, so also will his Mom step forward in what her faith tells her is a forever career.

If I kept your attention this long, thanks for reading! It's been some time since I wrote an article of this length, but I was feeling inspired by this life experience. What I hope you take away from this is that rebounding from a layoff may not be easy, quick, or clear. Give in to all the emotions including grief, anger, panic, and uncertainty, accept the learning process, and remember that only you can change the trajectory of your career. Use your resources wisely, but remember you hold the key to your employment destiny. Shine bright and sell yourself in those interviews. If one approach is not working, try another road less traveled. You might just end up right where you belong.

-Colleen