About
Last November, I was laid off from my job in advertising. I started this blog the same day. Like many others, I set out to write about the messy, complicated experience of suddenly finding myself rejected by the working world.
Four months and almost 100 posts later, I was offered a new full-time position. I hardly expected to find myself in a job that was in many ways far better and more fulfilling than my last. But that’s exactly what happened.
I turned to readers at that time to ask whether I had any right to keep writing this blog. To my delight, the feedback I received was unanimously positive. Everyone said yes and that made me happy.
That’s because I still care passionately about what is happening to people during the unprecedented economic times we’re living in. Every day there are new things to write about.
If you’re reading this blog as someone newly unemployed, perhaps my experience can offer some hope. That may be a little odd given that I’m actually making less money now, and I’m in a less senior position.
But instead of my work as a creative in the ad business being used to sell cars, computers or credit cards, it’s being used to help nonprofit clients become better agents of social change. I now work in a social marketing agency, and my work is being used to raise awareness and action on a wide range of issues. This recession has helped me reexamine what’s important to me, and rediscover some things I’d lost.
I hope we can all find something of value in the journey that’s just been handed to us. Or dumped in our laps.
best, ffn
Follow me on Twitter @ firedfornow. To get in touch with me, email me at firedfornow@gmail.com
Alison said:
Feb 02, 09 at 8:45 pmLike what you’ve done here!
Trying to get a blog started myself. Mind if we put you on our blog roll? Feel free to add us if you want! Let’s be in touch.
-Alison
405er said:
Feb 18, 09 at 10:23 amBest of luck in the job market friend. Feel free to commiserate with us at New Yorker’s Official Unemployment Benefit Collection Club: http://www.the405club.com.
-405er
Dmitry said:
Mar 01, 09 at 5:53 pmHey there,
I read your blog daily and admire your work here. The forum is a great idea. Would you be willing to exchange blogroll links with me? I’ve already added your site to mine.
Thanks!
UnemploymentMeter.com
Barbara Poole said:
Mar 03, 09 at 3:23 pmThis is such a refreshingly real look at what is happening to workers all over the US. Thanks!
Burt Rosen said:
Mar 04, 09 at 6:42 pmLove the blog. Its interesting how all of the advertising/marketing people that have been laid off are all over blogs, twitter, etc and trying to help others find jobs. I used to question how I contributed to the greater good (as an industry) and now I know!
Nice job again, I look forward to watching as the blog evolves.
Tina said:
Mar 11, 09 at 5:34 amHey - Just noticed you got a shout out today on Twitter from “Igottalottosay”. Here’s the Tweet:
Ihavealottosay: Check this out and find out a little about folks that have been laid off: http://www.firedfornow.com
41 minutes ago from web · Reply · View Tweet
ffn said:
Mar 11, 09 at 7:10 amcool - thanks Tina!
40-something said:
Mar 27, 09 at 7:14 pmI just saw on Oprah’s facebook that they are looking for people affected by the recession, job-loss, class change, etc and how they are dealing with it. You have a great site here and a lot of people are using their experience to make positive change. I wonder if anyone is interested in sharing their story. See Oprah’s facebook.
https://www.oprah.com/plugform.jsp?plugId=1693399
MErider said:
Mar 29, 09 at 6:49 amFantastic blog and since being laid off in February, I’ve gone through a myriad of emotions. Helps to have a place to read, share and just hang out.
Thanks!
Elizabeth said:
Apr 28, 09 at 11:47 amHey - This is a great blog. I am unemployed right now - it’s totally crummy. I’ve taken to blogging too: http://acuteunemploymentsyndrome.blogspot.com/
Check it out if you get a chance, and congrats on the new job!
Jeff Jones said:
May 09, 09 at 10:16 amHello,
I was downsized from an IT position at 44 in 2005. I spent ALL of 2005 looking for work. And I mean looking for work. I went to all the networking opportunities and any chance to learn something about the market and to meet a human I could put a resume in their hands.
After an entire year of looking, I had to do something. That something was selling on ebay. I did that for two years before I started building websites and doing affiliate marketing.
Although I have never replaced the previous income I made, I have learned a lot and I believe I am poised for having a great 2009.
Because my search was not successful, I totally empathize with people who have lost their jobs in this awful economy. I would recommend to them to not do as I did and start looking for other opportunities while you’re looking for a job in your field.
Jeff
Business Mess said:
Jun 10, 09 at 3:38 amI just want to contact you.
Please let me know how to do that.
b2c said:
Jul 15, 09 at 11:36 pmfiredfornow let me know a lot of things
Pam Christian said:
Oct 31, 09 at 2:35 pmYou do have a great site and your compassion is readily experienced. I hope you’ll visit/subscribe/share my blog and the articles I write for the National Examiner at http://www.examiner.com/x-25447-anaheim-unemployment-examiner
I’ll be referencing your blog in my article to be posted today on The Examiner.
Matt said:
Dec 17, 09 at 2:20 pmHey:
Love the blog. I thought you might be interested in this jobs program launched today: The UpMo Job Stimulus Plan http://www.upmo.com/stimulus/welcome.html
Maya said:
Mar 04, 10 at 11:52 amHey!
We’ve got to help each other get back to work! Help support our cause to get 10,000 people back to work with our local WaggleForce Job clubs!
Vote here: http://www.refresheverything.com/waggleforce
Thank you all for your time!