Q for those who have ever been laid off

MKDee

I lost my job on Thursday. I have tons of feelers out in my field (employee communications), but I am steeling myself for the possibility that it will take some time. I made nearly twice what my husband does, so this is a huge financial hit for us. If you have been unemployed in the last year or two, how long did it take to find something new?

TheBorg7of9

What field? When I was a lawyer laid off in 2009 it took me 18 months to find a new job. But it's not 2009 anymore and I don't know if you're a lawyer.

mamom0103

grace806 said:

Also I believe you can collect unemployment and severance at the same time.

I did this when I was laid off last year to save up extra money in case I was out a long time. It took me 5 weeks to find something temporary, longer to find something permanent but every field/location is different. Good luck!

shakinros

DH and I have a friend who seems to lose his job every 6mos. Partially it's him, partially that he works at a lot of unstable startups. This guy has a new job within 3 weeks EVERY TIME. it's a little baffling given some of his work behavior.

But my point is that you can find something quickly. I like what the poster above said about temporary v. permanent too. If you need the cash flow ASAP, you might have to settle a bit at first then keep looking for your next "permanent" job.

MKDee

Thanks all. I'm in a support function (corporate communications), so I'm not tied to any one industry, thankfully. Thanks for the heads up about unemployment and severance--I had no idea, and I am looking for ways to bulk up our savings. I will look into that.

I am looking for positive stories, but also realistic ones. DH keeps telling me not to worry, that I'll find something quickly. I know he's trying to make me feel better, but I am (or I was) the primary breadwinner and the person who does the budgeting, so I am trying to come up with a plan to keep us on solid financial footing for as long as possible.

ss+el

I lost my job in April, but was given enough severance that I decided to take the summer off. Once school started (Aug 20), I sat down and hammered out my resume and started applying for jobs, none of which are remotely in the same line of work I left (I need a change). I had a first and second interview this week already, and if I am getting an offer, I expect it by mid-week. I will be taking a pay cut, no matter what, but we have already "been there" when DH was in my situation, so we already know how to live on the reduce budget.

PunkyBooster

I'm so sorry. My company downsized in 2012 and I was one of 400 let go. It was devastating and we lost half our income.

I live in a good ol boys town with a bad economy. Took me a year and I hate what I do now and make $20k less.

My advice is to network the hell out of your contacts. Chin up. You will find something sooner or later.

jtmomma13

I was just laid off on Friday. It sucks. Just wanted to say I am in the same boat as you!