February 3, 2009

A new form of pounding the pavement

Yesterday I got an invite to do my midyear review. Today I walked into the meeting and an HR rep was there. No review was done and my performance was not discussed. Instead, we discussed the poor economy and my severance package.

Forget the singlet and sneakers… it’s time to hit the streets of New York in a suit and stilettos, resumes in hand. Unfortunately, the field in this race is larger than what I’m used to (and growing by the day), there aren’t mile markers to keep me on track, and I don’t know when (or if) I’ll finish. For all I know, the finish isn’t even in New York, but on the other side of the country. All I know is that it’s a tough race ahead.

Ideas and suggestions welcome.

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82 thoughts on “A new form of pounding the pavement”

  1. You will be fine! Look on it as an opportunity! You are smart, motivated and capable. I know it is easy to say–but your options aren’t limited by family or a husband at this point. Follow your heart. Go for it.

  2. I’m sorry to hear the news! But happy to see you are upbeat about it. I love that second paragraph.

    My suggestion? Apply at the federal government. That is where I am, and I love it so far (been here two months).

  3. Oh no. I am SO sorry to hear about this. You are extremely talented and quite obviously a very hard worker – I know you will find something great. Don’t limit yourself to the US – there’s a whole wide world out there for you to conquer!

  4. OH NOOOOOOOES…I’m really, really sorry to hear this. I mean, I only know you from teh internets, but you’re a Fellow Runner and no matter who they are, I don’t like seeing Fellow Runners suffer in any way. I’m sorry I’m not more helpful…but good luck. ((hugs))

  5. Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that – it seems like New York has really been hit the worst.
    I second the government job if you can get it, my friends that has them love it.
    I also recommend moving somewhere warm 🙂

  6. I’m very sorry to hear about your job.

    You will be fine, your all trained up for all these marathon races. Even this kind, you just don’t realize it yet.

    Hang in there and let us know if we can help.

    I can attest to your great writing skills and your awesome perseverance!

    E

  7. So sorry to hear that! I could tell though that you have the same passion for your work as you do for running marathons so I’m sure you’ll find a great position somewhere soon. And like others have said, you should definitely pursue opportunities outside the country as well – could be so fun!

  8. I’m so sorry. At least you’ve got your determination and a severance package to see you through. I’m sure you’ll come out better off. Good luck!

  9. Laura,
    I am so sorry to hear your news. I know how tough and scary it is (my husband recently lost his job due to the economy and now both of us are looking) be glad you were given a severance package!

    Keep a positive attitude. Find yourself a recruiter (or two or three). If your expertise is in finace, Robert Half has permanent and temporary placement services. One recruiter told my husband that in this economy, doing independent consulting might be the way to go (companies are downsizing but still need the work done).

    You are young enough to move anywhere in the country (it is much more difficult with kids, house, etc.). This might be an exciting opportunity to live in a place you never would have considered.

    I saw the previous comment about government jobs. My friend sent me this link. Her husband was able to find a great job through this website: http://www.usajobs.gov

    Good luck!

  10. First, sorry to hear about your predicament.

    You say you work for a Consulting firm. One of the Big 5 (or is it 3 or 4 by now)? Top tier? If so, check out their Alumni network. Burnout is common, and there are probably alums from your firm working in all kinds of places across the country. When I worked for Andersen (now Accenture), this was a strong point of contact to start job search, business leads, etc.

    Good luck and let us know how it goes!

  11. I’m so sorry Laura. This just really sucks….. 🙁 But you definitely have the determination and preserverance to be successful. I have no doubts you will find a job quickly! My Mom always said…for every job my Dad lost…he always ended up making more at the next one. Sometimes its a good thing and its meant to be. Its just hard to understand while its all happening.

  12. Sorry to read about your job loss Laura. You will find work again. Good luck with your search, and remember your blogging buddies are here for you!

  13. Oh Laura. I’m so sorry.

    I wish you nothing but the best in your search for something new and exciting and better. Some new company is going to be very VERY lucky to have you as part of their team.

  14. Sorry to hear about this sudden turn of events, but knowing how much fervor and enthusiasm you bring to the table, you’ll hook up with a new gig in no time. Definitely bring up your many marathon stories on your next interview…that alone should do the trick! Best of luck in your job hunt.

  15. I am so sorry to read this. I had to read it twice because I got that awful feeling in my stomach.

    My advice to you: network your little butt off. You worked for a great company, you have the experience. Now what matters is who you know, because even though the job market sucks, they can open doors for you.

    And treat it like a marathon. It’s long and painful, but you know you can do it.

    Good luck.

  16. i have been there before, and it definitely sucks. 🙁 i think the best thing to do is start hunting immediately. some of my friends have the mindset of taking some time off to “recoup” or “relax”, but i think it helps to maintain a daily routine and start looking right away. did your employer give you a good reference? can they refer you to other companies where you might be a good fit? keep your head up and keep positive…i’m sure if you put one tenth of the effort into your work as you do into your running you’ll be fine!

  17. I’m so sorry! That is horrible, I’m really hoping it turns around soon. You’ve gained some great experience consulting so hopefully you will be scooped up as a valuable asset somewhere quickly!

  18. Dang girl. That effing sucks.

    I had my talk a week ago so I know the feeling.
    Maybe we can start the “unemployed runners club” – come on down to central Florida and we will have meetings on the beach (margaritas in hand) to discuss the details!!

    Best of luck Laura!!

  19. So much more time to run, now! 🙂

    It happens, and it’s happened to more people than we can imagine over the last six months.

    Take some time to think about your next steps. Like Jessica and others said, you don’t have to support anybody – so go for the gold! Grad school, or public interest work, or running your own business, or finding another job better than the last! The sky’s the limit.

  20. Yikes…I am so sorry! Hmmm..maybe it’s time to start that book on your journey to be the youngest to run all 50 states…I suppose if you made it your full time job you could finish the country this year…how long is your severance? 🙂 kidding, kind of. I know you will be fine, you have such a great attitude and limitless energy! Best of luck, the darn economy is getting everyone these days. Keep us posted on your options!

  21. Oh Laura, I am so, so sorry to hear this. I KNOW you will bounce back and find an even better job. You’ve run what — 15 marathons? Finding another job will pale in comparison to that extraordinary feat. You’re tough, you’re smart, you’re resilient; you’re going to be just fine.

  22. Hang in there Laura. It’s getting tough for everyone. I know with the strength you’ve shown through running all these marathons and working through injuries, you’ll get through this obstacle. Best of luck and chin up!

  23. Ewwwww, suck. I’m in consulting too (I think you mentioned that previously) and they are starting to lay people off here as well.

    I know you’ll find something!!

  24. Aw, Laura, I’m so sorry to hear that! And damn that HR person for misleading you into believing it was your mid-year review (I am in HR, so I hate to hear stories like that).

    I hope you find something excellent very soon (but not too soon, so you can enjoy a little of that severance). A person with your inner resources is a real catch for any company.

  25. Wow-I’m sorry to hear about this, Laura. I’ve been through layoffs once before and it actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise-I hope its the same for you. Best of luck to you!!

  26. Laura

    I too am very sorry to hear this. you will be im my thoughts. Take losangelesdaze advice and network as much as you can. Look at linkin for groups and contacts. Post a version of your CV on your blog. You have a lot of readers all hoping for the best for you.

  27. That effin blows. I like the way they lured you in to cut you off at the knees.

    Keep you head up, keep running, and remember looking for work is a lot like the marathons. Relentless Forward Motion!

  28. You and me both, sister.

    Hang in there, and try to stay positive. Look at this as an opportunity, and in the meantime, enjoy your time off. Read great books, cook interesting foods, and run, run, run.

  29. wow–I’m so sorry! as so many before me said, you will not let this get you down! You are such a strong person and will make it through this. Probably with something even better on the other side. Best of luck!!

  30. I’ve had a lot of luck as a contractor for different people I used to work with – E&Y had an alum network, maybe yours has the same? I’d also use LinkedIn/FB to touch base with any managers you may have worked with in the past who’ve moved on.

    Good luck.

  31. Keep going! I was in the same boat 7 months ago! I found something in 3 months – I jumped industries. I am MUCH happier and I’m making more money. Your running has mentally prepared you for this. Just hit your power song and get moving. You’re gonna be great(er)!

  32. Sorry to hear about the job! I don’t have a real life job yet but I can imagine that search isn’t easy especially in this economy.

    Stay positive, Do one thing a day that scares you, keep running and speak as though it is happening. Perhaps write some goals down (Using the S.M.A.R.T. format). It’ll help you figure out what you want:)

    Good luck! Big Hugs!

  33. I’m so sorry about your job. I just stumbled on your blog today and am really inspired. I had a goal to run 30 marathons by my 30th birthday (which is on Saturday, May 30th, 2015). Recently I’ve been thinking that it was too lofty, but seeing your blog has made me renew intest. I live in Williamsburg and pace between 8:00 – 10:00 min/miles depending on the day, so if you ever need a running buddy, let me know and I’d love to run with you!

  34. Oh no! I wish I could offer advice or help, but really I have none.

    Feel free to put me down as a reference. Anyone who reads your blog can definitely vouch for your commitment to a goal.

  35. oh my gosh, I don’t know if I knew about this or if I didn’t but I’m thinking I do because we talked about this possibility, anyway I am SO SO SO sorry about you losing your job. This is awful, and there are no words. I pray you find another job soon.

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