It’s not the best job market out there. I managed to get an interview with two companies, but didn't get the job. Pay they offered was nothing to write home about. Anybody had a positive experience? I’m not yet panicking, still have some wiggle room, but if nothing changes soon, I will have to fall back on savings, and I don’t want to do that.
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@1pea+1tr4q66U
That may be the most detailed honest response in all these threads. Very much appreciated.
While it is hard not be emotional for most people, answers like this are what is really needed. I had a similar conversation with a friend who went through this process years ago. His response was - freaked out for 15 minutes to get it out of my system. Took a week to settle into the idea that I was no longer employed and then became comfortable with the path ahead. Then started updating my resume - as suggested - and began applying. Every day, he would set a goal and time limit for job searching so to limit the anxiety impact. Fortunately, he was able to find a replacement job within a few months (market was different then) but also had the fortune of turning down lesser jobs that would have bridged the gap until he could something more in line with what he was doing.
In the end, whether TIAA or another company, we are all just data points with positive and negative impact marks against the company’s bottom line. Leadership will always think knowledge and skill set are easily replaceable which is why they only know how to manage to a bottom line. Once people realize their lack of value and importance to a company, it is much easier to be successful in their career. Always remember, no one is going to remember how ‘great’ you were 3 years ago on that special project that was a huge success. It mattered in the moment but not in history
Thank you for the comprehensive response.
Of course they make you sign an NDA so they can keep former associates under their thumb and the layoffs out of the news cycle….
TO: : @1uqa+1tr4q66U
Layoff Process: While the news su-ks, the HR rep and Boss were kind and emphatic. They will provide you all the details you need to know. Due to the agreement, there is not much I can say. I felt cared for and taken care of.
Job Search: It is not easy. Do not hesitate in applying for jobs immediately. After my notification, went to a cafe and started applying right away. It will take about 2 months from interviewing to stepping into a front door. Like most companies, hiring in Q4, will be slow, plan ahead.
Tips:
- Sign up for LinkedIn Premium, provides you a lot of options and can us AI to write resume. Get job alerts from Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Handshake and any other job board.
- Update your resume. Should have two: 1) Professional you can email to interviewers before you interview. 2) Data dump everything you have done and with as much information as you can, do not worry about length. This is normally called ATS format. when you apply for jobs us ATS format, this way when the system scans your application, it will pick up on key words they are looking for moving your resume to the front.
- Leverage your network: On LinkedIn start making contacts with people, you may know. You can check if former TIAA people work at a firm you are applying for by typing in the search field TIAA and Vanguard (example), this will pull everyone who has worked at TIAA and Vanguard. Scan through and see if you know anyone. Be bold and message the person for help. I have found this to be useful. We all do not like to be the friend indeed, because we are in need, set aside your feeling – and ask. Be bold, we are all adults the person can say, “no”. If you do not hear back that is okay, keep moving. You got this!!!
- Search for jobs that have been posted less than 7 days. If they are longer, they may be fake jobs. Also beware of scammers, I was approached by someone offering CW work, and they sent me a word.doc asking for my SS#, DL# and etc. It was a scam, because you are in need, some people play on your emotional state to be a bad actor.
- Stem the bleeding from savings. Apply for similar job pay you are at now, and lower paying jobs you may be overqualified for. The lower paying will help you stretch any severance you may have or get. Expand out of financial sector as well.
- Stay diligent in your search. Applying for jobs is your new job. I am spending about 6 to 8 hours a day applying for jobs.
- Pray, have faith and ask God for guidance. Do not let the anger consume you.
- The best thing to do, is keep your connections, don't burn bridges, and text your friends from TIAA to have dinner with you off campus. You may not be able to say goodbye to anyone.
I hope this helps. Do not get upset by that which you cannot control, worrying about this does not help. While being laid off stinks, I have been able to reconnect with myself, become more centered, and feel better about my future. Best of luck, and may you have peace in your life.
Let me guess—-you’re 40+ TIAA always targets senior employees for layoffs and the market isn’t kind if they have to pay a salary comparable to your experience. Good luck! Enjoy life and the wiggle room there’s more to it than work and it’s amazing the things you discover you never really needed.
I’m sorry to hear that. Good luck with your search.
Can you tell us a little more about the process when you were laid off? Was there a meeting scheduled? Did it come from your boss? Did they surprise you in the middle of the day? Was there a severance plan? Etc.
For those of us who are likely next, we are trying to figure out what to expect. Thanks!
The job market isn't as hot as it was during COVID, but keep searching as there are open opportunities. My advice is to pursue the companies that are doing well in the stock market (most banks, utilities & energy companies).
Job Market has been awful. Good luck with your job search. I am still working here and have been actively searching, I could just land one interview and was rejected by our competitor.