Employment
I have some news. Kinda big. I got a job. And it’s news that I feel awkward sharing here for obvious reasons.
I began this blog the same day I lost my last job on November 28, 2008. I’ve written almost every day since then, driven to write honestly and passionately about my experience of being jobless in the hope that sharing would both benefit me in writing it, and, just maybe, some others reading it.
So I want to ask for your advice.
Can I still write this blog even though I’ve now joined the ranks of the employed?
Will I have any credibility?
I’m reminded of the Food Bank here where I live. Their mission as an organization is completely counter to the objectives of any commercial entity: it’s to be put out of business.
In other words, success for them is reaching a point where there is no longer a need for what they do, no longer a demand for their services because poverty and hunger have been eliminated.
I suppose it’s a bit similar with blogs like mine that have proliferated since the recession began. None of us writing about this experience want it to continue for anyone. We all want layoffs, and joblessness and underemployment to end.
So here I am close to 4 months later, reporting that once again I’ll be a full-time employee starting April 1st. I’ve gone from fired for now to hired for now. Who knows if it will last? I sure am hoping. But as we know, secure employment is now pretty much an oxymoron.
I still care passionately about the issues that I’ve written about for the past several months. I’d like to continue. But I’m also very sensitive to the fact that it may seem inappropriate and out of place. Who wants to hear the rattlings of someone who’s now gone over to the other side?
Well, hopefully, if you’ve come back to read my blog more than once or twice, you’ve seen that I write honestly and straightforwardly. And from the heart.
So in the spirit of full disclosure, as well as in the spirit of community, I’m looking to any of you for answers. If you care to share, I’d really appreciate it.
What do you think?
Many many thanks.
ffn
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P.S. As for my new job, I can tell you a little about it if you’re interested. Maybe it will give some hope to others. It’s not exactly new, since I’ve been doing the job for a little while now on a contract basis and they’ve now decided to hire me on full-time.
So what do I do? I’m a senior writer at a social marketing agency. What’s that? Well, it’s an advertising and strategic agency that does only cause-related work. Our clients are non-profits, foundations, charities, government agencies, and occasionally, for-profit clients that are behind a cause.
I’m pretty thrilled at how things have unfolded. I started my professional life as a journalist. I transitioned into advertising following a divorce and a desire to be in a position to support my three kids on my own. Simply put, advertising offered more job opportunities and better pay. So you could say I sold out, but selling out enabled me to raise three pretty great kids.
Fast-forward 13 years, and I’ve worked in some large global ad agencies on big accounts where my work sold cars and computers and soda and, yes, banks. For the past few years, I wasn’t very happy. I love the creative process, but I found it harder and harder to reconcile my passion with what I did for a living.
I tried working at a smaller agency in the hopes of finding more satisfaction. Alas, that agency was an early precursor to the recession, and closed its doors April 2008. Since that time I freelanced, and worried, till I got a job offer last September at another large agency.
But after 2 months, as a brand-new hire, I became a statistic once again. So it’s been pretty much a full year of instability and worry.
Hopefully, this next gig will last longer. I’d sure like it to as I’m feeling a sense of gratification in my work that’s been missing for some time. I’m working on very different ‘accounts’. Right now I’m doing work for an organization that is dedicated to preventing domestic violence, a provincial cancer board, and a foundation to raise awareness and funding for stem cell research.
I took a pay cut (I still don’t have great negotiating skills) and it’s pretty much a fact of life for many moving into new positions now. But I’ve learned something over the past year. My values have changed, what I consider important has changed. If I have to adjust long-term to have a job, especially a job that I like, then that’s really perfectly okay.
I didn’t ask for this recession. But surprisingly, it really has given me something in return.
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PW said:
Mar 18, 09 at 11:32 pmHi “FFN” - that’s great news. I’m very happy for you and for your dog. I initially found your blog by way of another blog but I stayed and chose to add to your posts whenever I had something relevant to add. For myself, I tried to follow your lead, by writing honestly, passionately and candidly. Through my posts on your blog, I’ve been reminded of what I deeply care about, about what I’d give up and what I would not, what sacrifices I’d make, and how others are depending on me to put one foot in front of the other, everyday. No excuses. I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel like crap and be disappointed in yourself and in God. But that you also needed to try to move ahead, however small that might be. That others are shouldering heavy burdens as well. So thank you. I hope that you keep writing this blog because you’re addressing issues and those issues transcend whether you’re employed or not. And because your success at finding another job gives the rest of us hope. I hope to make it back out your way this summer, so Grano it is to compare battle scars. Salute. Perhaps that missed sleep will come more easily now. Good night FFN.
Cindy said:
Mar 19, 09 at 2:37 amCongratulations! Not only are you now gainfully employed but it’s a job that gives you satisfaction. How great is that?!
Please continue the blog. You have a great writing style and insights. I don’t always agree with you 100% but you do make me think. I look forward to your posts each day.
Karol said:
Mar 19, 09 at 5:29 amPlease continue to write. I think your perspective, and insight would benefit others in simular situations. It has been a journey for all of us who have lost jobs. Some of us have prospects in the works, and some are still looking, while still, others are just starting on the unemployment path. By blogging on your job, your venture, it will give us hope that maybe our unemployment days will shortly end.
Taking a pay cut doesn’t mean the end of the world. It means you were smart in the sense that others may have wanted more money for what you do. It will give you some security at least. I know a few people who when asked what do you expect of your pay scale, pull out ragious numbers out, thinking they will get it, only to be disappointed that someone who was realistic in the wage expectancy.
I have to congradulate you on keeping your perspective. Unemployment has changed us all. What we took for granted before, we are able to appreciate now. Personally, it has given me a sense of renewal of finding myself again. I now no longer sweat the things I can’t change, accept situations such as these better. In fact, I find it a life lesson. I have learned to be more patient, more understanding, and compassionate of others and I appreciate what I do have more than ever before. I also see it as a blessing. In life, you cannot move forward without having downfalls or pit stops. You have to look at it with new inivation, and see the good that has come out of being unemployed on a personal level. What you took for granted before, do you now? Am I a better person? Can I cope with a situation like this next time? How does it make me feel? Etc. It is okay to harbor ill feelings because that is a part of your unemployment grieving. It is how you deal withit after all the anger and the frustration has subsided, that will determine your character and enable you to move on in a new phase of your life. It isn’t easy, sometimes takes longer than you want but it happens.
I encourage you to continue to write. Give hope to those that need it, and encouragement. It is what we all need. Good luck and best wishes.
SagePage said:
Mar 19, 09 at 6:25 amCongrats! And yes, keep writing. I’m sure there’s some good advice you can give from the other side, too.
Meg Montford said:
Mar 19, 09 at 6:37 amYou are living proof that there is life after layoff. Your words of inspiration encourage all who have yet to find their next career path. I hope you continue to write your blog and do your tweets as others can learn much from your experiences. Best wishes for much success with your new position.
Meg Montford, Executive Career Coach
Kathleen said:
Mar 19, 09 at 6:50 amCongrats & good for you!! Please continue to keep us posted on how things are going for you and give us your little tidbits of insight. Really it doesnt matter if you on one side of the fence or the other. The fact that you still want to help the unemployed and can relate is what is important. Thanks!!
John Hyde said:
Mar 19, 09 at 7:38 amCongratulations! And yes, I think you should continue to write for this blog. As I said in my tweet (from @johnhyde), the focus of the blog may change over time. And why shouldn’t it? You’re developing a *brand* with your blog, and contrary to what a lot of people think brands evolve over time. What is your brand? Is it writing about issues related to unemployment? I think it’s bigger than that. You’re a writer. You have an insightful perspective on the world around us. You’re engaged with the world. Somewhere in there lies your true brand, imho, and that’s what I think you should capitalize on. Btw, I have also struggled with whether to continue my blog, though for a somewhat different reason: http://land-your-next-job.blogspot.com/. I think all writers struggle with the idea of whether what they’re saying is important and unique, and whether there’s an audience out there that’s interested in what they have to say. Finally, one last thought: My next blog posting, which I’ll publish this weekend, is a roundup of good unemployment/layoff blogs, and yours is included as one of my faves. So, for completely selfish reason I hope you keep writing.
John Hyde
eve said:
Mar 19, 09 at 7:50 amCongrats on the new job!
I say keep the blog.
Tina said:
Mar 19, 09 at 10:00 amCongratulations! You have officially started a new chapter in your life. Maybe even a whole new book!
You have created a very comfortable, trusting comunity here at FFN.com. Your posts are related to current issues, not just unemployment and we, your loyal readers, look forward to your new topics each day. As I said the other day, I appreciate that your writing not only includes your opinions, but also includes statistics for us to research and form our own opinions.
I agree with John Hyde regarding the self branding aspect. This is a long term investment and you’ve set a great foundation. I say let it continue to grow and flourish.
Congratulations again and good luck! I’m happy that not only have you landed a full time job, but you are doing something that gives you a strong sense of personal satisfaction.
John said:
Mar 19, 09 at 10:22 amEven if you’re not, someone is fired for now. You should keep writing for them.
Nicole said:
Mar 19, 09 at 10:36 amCongrats!! And as your title implies, “Fired for Now: Getting fired, laid off and hired again”. You are in the “hired again” stage so you’re still eligible to continue writing this blog.
It gives the rest of us hope.
Cindy said:
Mar 19, 09 at 2:23 pmMe again. I got a call this afternoon that I’ve been hoping for. I got a job in my chosen field (medical transcription, QA/management) and I’m on cloud nine. I was at the point where we were going to really have to scale back, such as getting rid of the satellite TV, cell phones, etc. Now we can breath again. But, that said, I think you should keep writing. And I’ll keep reading. This seems to be a stable company that I’m joining, but you never know for sure.
ffn said:
Mar 19, 09 at 2:58 pmWow. Like wow.
I am really moved by the replies here. Thank you to all for taking the time to share your thoughts and give my self-doubt an appreciated shot in the arm. Now I just have to live up to expectations.
And Cindy — far out! I am so happy for you! There goes another one people.
Tina said:
Mar 19, 09 at 9:32 pmCongrats Cindy!
Matt said:
Mar 20, 09 at 12:28 amSo I’m a little late to add my opinion but I say yes, please, keep this going. You’ve always been very honest and a job doesn’t change that. Congratulations on the job!
HowIGotLaidOff.com said:
Mar 20, 09 at 9:33 amYES! Keep it up FFN, as a fellow blogger I love it and visit your site daily. Congratualtions!
ed said:
Mar 20, 09 at 11:48 amCongratulations. I’ve found your perspectives on being unemployed refreshing. Most other advice on living while unemployed IS useless– assumes money, connections, etc (all those things that most unemployed simply don’t have). Your ability to adapt and share this experience has been helpful.
Courtney said:
Mar 20, 09 at 12:15 pmI’m not laid off, but I’ve been there enough times that I think my advice is still valid. You were just there. You had to transform yourself. So I say “Yes” (biased, but still).
BigDaddyCool said:
Mar 20, 09 at 5:06 pmFantastic news, and yes you should definately keep writing as you now fit into the “hired again” category.
Justgot Canned said:
Mar 20, 09 at 7:52 pmCongratulations hired for now… you didn’t really take a pay cut if you get satisfaction from the work you do.. There is a greater sense of reward and richness when you enjoy what you do.. I have lived the last few years toiling away in an “any job is better than no job” to pay the bills.. and I know this is gonna sound crazy but I feel oddly free.. I wish u all the best
somara said:
Mar 21, 09 at 7:14 pmI just found your blog a couple of days ago because I wanted my sister to have a resource while she is jobless; she just became another statistic herself after working tirelessly at a big law firm.
I love your blog and even though I’m still gainfully employed I find this a very good resource to gauge the mood/climate of what’s going on in our country. Sure..I read the papers and listen to the news but your blog affords me-the reader- to get a personalized account of what it’s like to have to DEAL with being unemployed. Outside of having your cash flow eradicated it does a number on you emotionally. Knowing you aren’t alone is kind of comforting.
Anyway..congratulations on scoring a job that you can feel good about. Please blog away anyway..I’d kind of miss you.
Still Employed For Now said:
Mar 24, 09 at 3:24 pmYes, keep on writing. You know of what you speak, and it’s not just encouraging to those who have been laid off but also to those who are currently employed and quaking in their boots of what’s to come. I was laid off the week of 9/11/01, and it took me six months to find something. Ultimately, I ended up in a better place and my career and job satisfaction blossomed till I moved on to something even more fitting. Those who have experienced being laid off (especially those of us who are sole breadwinners with a family depending on us) can always provide some useful perspective to others. Reading a lot of what you’ve written here has given me a little less panic in my heart of what the future will hold if ever I lose my job. Thank you.
Sue said:
Mar 25, 09 at 11:51 amcontinue writing, and maybe you can share ideas for those of us who are still unemployed!
Thanks said:
Mar 27, 09 at 11:22 amCongratulations. I have enjoyed your blog. I hope you continue writing and encouraging others to do the same.
Discount Sunglasses said:
Apr 16, 09 at 4:09 pmFirst of all, allow me to congratulate you. I understand why you would feel slightly hypocritical writing for this site, but I don’t think you’re going to lose any readers because of it. We all want to find and keep a job. During this economic recession, i wouldn’t condemn anyone for getting hired, but congratulate them and wish them well…
Maybe now you can give all of us presently unemployed what its like on the other side….
-Caroline
p.s. sorry to hear about the pay cut!
Anuradha Khanna said:
Jul 06, 09 at 4:23 amhey congratulations on getting the job! pls continue writing… it’s a good practice and u do it well! I am a copywriter too… worked wit diff agencies on diff accounts for some 9 years… now have graduated to content manager and got addicted to smo, seo etc…