Layoff to Liftoff: Final Thoughts

This is a four-part series on the lessons learned from a recent layoff experience. This article is 100% human written.

Chapter 4: Final Thoughts

This is the final chapter in a four-part series on the lessons learned from a recent layoff experience. Catch up on Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and Chapter 3.

We've come to the end of this series. Reflecting back through notes, DMs, texts, and many conversations with friends along the way, there are a few ideas that didn't fit in the first installments and few others worth reiterating.

Build a Network, Build an Army - But Start Today

Throughout the journey and this series, I've noted the value of a strong professional network. I would be remiss if I didn't return to this point. I actually recoil at the word "network," because it still connotes self-serving schmooze and swagger to me. That said, I understand it's the common term, especially here on LinkedIn, but I'll say this: Your network is not just professional relationships you hope to get something out of. Look beyond transactions and toward relationships built on shared intellectual interests, values, ideas. In other words, make friends.

I've been fortunate to have the honor and privilege to meet many of my network in person, and make close friendships, start projects together, even text nearly everyday. These are the people I could turn to it both in the beginning and throughout the process for support. And every hot job lead I had came from this group of people.

How do you do it? I don't believe there's an objective way to do this, but here's what worked for me:

• Be Generous: This can mean giving your time to hear someone else's ideas, DM-ing a connection something germane to their field or a job they might be interested in. It might also mean checking in on things unrelated to business or your professional life.
• Connect: Introduce people where it makes sense with an overlap in skills or interests. Networking is not a zero sum game. Helping someone "gain" something doesn't mean there is less "good stuff" to go around for you.
• Get Involved: I was fortunate to get started with a Women in Cybersecurity initiative at work, and have stayed close to people I met in that group ever since. Those relationships have been fulfilling, a source of strength, and have indirectly led to many other opportunities.
• Don't Be Afraid to Ask Others: There's no better way to learn than to speak with those that have gone before. I wrote in Chapter 2 how I specifically sought out advice from connections here on consulting and public speaking when those doors opened for me. But those requests weren't out of the blue. I felt comfortable asking because we'd been going back and forth on ideas for sometime.

As my friend, and fellow Stoic fan, Nick Mullen reminded me:

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. -Seneca

What you do today is your preparation for the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that will come tomorrow. Start building.

If Possible, Don't Spend All Day on Applications

I recognize this idea is laden with privilege. My runway and burn rate were manageable at the time. But there's something to be said for not burning out on applications for the full length of a day, and that's your own will and wellbeing. You will need strength and resolve for what might be a long journey. If you can, try to set a specific rhythm, like number of applications or hours spent, before pivoting to something else. That "else" can be up-skilling or just taking a walk.

Consider Where Else You Can Invest

So if you're not pouring everything into applications and interviews, where else should your focus be? In short, on what's important to you. Your energy and time are nonrenewable resources. How you spend them matters, so make a plan. I set my meeting/interview/application quota for half the day, and the other half I decided to treat like college. And, once you're in several interview cycles, you will be operating at the rhythm of those companies.

I used my time to enroll in a number of classes around artificial intelligence, including ethics, applications, and more. I made study plans and reading schedules. This learning wasn't just a utilitarian play for career skills. I was genuinely keen on the topic, and learning was energizing in a way that fortified me for the next day's work on applications.

If Doors Open, Walk Through Them

As I related in Chapter 1, several unanticipated doors presented themselves, including consulting and public speaking. I sought guidance and advice, but at some point there's no substitute for just doing it. And, "I've never done this before" is not an adequate excuse. I chose to re-frame my period of unemployment as a growth accelerator, and part of that acceleration was going to include racing toward some things that were extremely uncomfortable. I'm glad I did so, for having walked through those doors I've made more friends, learned new things, and become more resilient.

This chapter concludes this series. Many thanks to my compatriot George A. for insisting I document the journey and put it out there. It's helped clarify my thinking. I hope some of it has been of help.