I saw a Career Coach....Yes, I Did!

Ok, so....yesterday, I met with a Career Coach to discuss...welll...my career! Perhaps, I'm having a mid-20s crisis (ok, late 20s, I am turning 27 soon)...late-20s crisis about what I really want to do with my life. Just because I have a degree in Finance doesn't mean I want to do Finance and Accounting. When I entered college I was thinking about majoring in Communications. The field offered opportunities in journalism, media relations, artistic expression and creativity. I also considered Marketing/Advertising because it didn't seemed so plagued by guidelines, rules and regulations. However, I switched from a 5 Year MBA Program to Finance because.....it seemed like a solid degree and involved a high level of analysis. Is it intriguing? No! I made a decision based on "this is solid degree that I can always fall back on!" So here I am, 4 years later at a fork in the road, wondering as Robert Frost said, "two roads diverged in a yellow wood....", but should I take "the one less traveled by"? Keeping with Finance, a career that I have successfully moved up the corporate ladder - Senior Finance professional in 4 years with direct reports....BUT do I want to continue on that path - going to business school, getting a CPA or CFA. Then, heading upwards towards the President, EVP and CFO level, hmmmm, not sure. However, I do enjoy figuring out problems, researching, analyzing and improving business practices - funny, in every finance job, I tend do that! Sure, we have job descriptions but I tend to embark on "process improvements". As my Career Coach said "that is you trying to find some area of creativity"! Essentially, I'm trying to make cardboard into an Origami!

At the end, the 2 hour meeting/consultation was EXTREMELY informative, helpful, enlightening and refreshing. I took 3 questionnaires the night before - Strong Interest Inventory, Manage (techniques for managing an employee) and the Myers-Briggs. We discussed the results from the questionnaires, my goals, the next steps and embarking on a journey which ends in life fulfilment beyond the dinero.

I'm a AER - Artistic, Enterprising and Realistic Themed Individual with a ENTJ Myers-Briggs Type. The next step for me is meeting with people in the fields of Advertising, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Arts, Politics (I know!) and Public Speaking to pick their brain about their jobs and what it's like - basically, can I see myself doing this type of work? I'm also going to get my creative juices flowing and take some non-business classes!

To all questioning you careers and life passion, its never too late to figure it out. Meet with a Career Coach or get the book "What Color is Your Parachute" by Richard B. Nolles (recommended by my Mother).

And funny enough, I was watching this show "DC Cupcakes" on TLC (reality) where two sisters ditched their corporate jobs to open a cupcake bakery in Georgetown (shop called Georgetown Cupcakes)! So, it is really never to late to do what you "really" want to do with you life!
Livin Laid Off Blog Copyright (c) 2010 All Rights Reserved

Are You Getting Laid Off?

Now, you may have a job already or getting laid off in the future or maybe already out the door. Whatever your situation, these quick tips are BENEFICIAL no matter your job situation.

Quick Tips -
1. Try to have at least 3 to 6 months of monthly income put aside in your savings account. Depending on your unemployment benefits, you may not have enough to cover your monthly expenses.

2. Check to see how much in weekly benefits (income) you would get if you were jobless. Check out the link below - it gives you the breakout down of unemployment wages per state. The figures are as of 2009, but the average is $293 a week, could you live off of that?
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/LearnToBudget/how-much-jobless-pay-would-you-get.aspx.

Signs that a Laid Off is around the corner -
- Are you receiving company reorganization emails better know as headcount reduction?

- Your boss is avoiding you and your bi-weekly meetings have all of sudden be cancelled, hmmm. Exactly!

- You've been asked to bring your laptop to a morning or afternoon meeting but you are unaware of the agenda.

- Your company is going through a M&A (Merger & Acquisition) or you read in the paper it was recently sold but you had no idea.

- Your workload has decreased and you are training your colleague on tasks you previously managed.

- Everyone seems busy but you; even the the summer intern looks swamped!

- Did you see a job positing for your position but no told you were being replaced.

Pink Slip Tip - Expense Reduction

Bartender, drink please! Well, that was how I was feeling 1 hour ago. Honestly, I swear, unemployment benefits never seem to give you enough money. So, tragedy hit when I found out I had to claim unemployment benefits in New York. The jury is still out on whether I can actually claim in New Jersey. Site note: New Jersey now gives you $600 a week (compared to last year's $584, what a great state!) and New York, well the lovely state that makes you pay like $15 to enter NYC is still at the dismal $405 a week for 2010. Living in New Jersey and having to claim benefits in New York when my state of residence gives over $200 more a week, well, it makes me a little pissy! LOL Okay, sorry, got sidetracked.

So, this post was not to vent about New York but to give you a quick tip in reducing your expenses. As you compile your list of monthly expenses and income into your monthly budget (frowning, I know), the possibility of breaking even maybe be rare (digging into savings is the next step). If your relying on unemployment income, well that dollar amount is fixed. The next best thing, cut expenses. First thing, evaluate what is a "variable" (basically, what can be changed versus fixed expenses that do not fluctuate). So, the Pink Slip Alert is to let you know that your cable bill can be reduced substantially and immediately, especially if the amount you pay hasn't changed in the past year(s). I recently noticed that I was paying $91 for cable since February 2008. I was on the Comcast website and noticed they had the same package as mine for $39.99. Huh?? So, I called up Comcast with an agenda:

1. GET MY CABLE BILL DOWN! (even though these promotions are usually for new customers). Ask the rep to take a look at your current package. Maybe even bring in the heavy machinery such as discussing competitors prices, your loyalty as a customer and your current job situation. Tell me that you basically can not afford your current bill and need to cancel, that will get them going on a rescue plan.

Honestly, I didn't really need all those ESPN channels, 2 channels is sufficient and the entertainment channels (channels 200+) was not necessary. Sure, I know, its hard to part with cable, but let's just say for the record my bill reduced from $91 to $59 a month. The customer service representative noticed that I was paying for additional items that are being included in current cable plans and that my package was outdated. Hmmmm. So, call up Comcast, Time Warner, Dish, Verizon or whomever your carrier is and try to get a reduction on your bill or reduce your cable package. Want versus Need my People!

Extreme Trip - If you really want to take the plunge, basic cable is calling your name. Sure, its very limited, mtv not included, bravo not included and additional espn channels doubt it. Channels like NBC, ABC and others are included, essentially the Girl Scout/Cub Scout package - survival. I tried this once for 7 months, I lived!
Livin Laid Off Blog Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved

Benefits of Living Laid Off

Look, I know what your thinking? "What are you talking about benefits to being laid-off?" In the heavy flog of disbelief and misery of being laid off, its hard to see through all that mess. Trust me I was right there with you. As soon as I got home after being laid off, I was revising my resume and searching for jobs on-line. My mind was racing with (A) Oooh mmmyyy gooossshhhh, I don't have a job. (B) I have bills to pay. (C) Let me take a serious look at that severance package again. (D) I need to get a job asap! (E) There goes my vacation trip to Puerto Rico. So, perhaps not everyone is thinking those exact same things, but you get the overall jest, right?. So, take a moment to breathe and check out these benefits to being laid off -

1. This is a vacation. Sure, this is an involuntary vacation, but a vacation nonetheless. So...put on some sandals, drink a cool beverage and play some music. However, make sure your laptop or newspaper is close by because on this vaca, you will need to look for a job!

2. Get that body into shape! Working out while maintaining a full time job is tough. Throw some other variables and excuses into the mix and working out becomes a dream deferred. When your laid off, you have some extra, why not put that time into becoming healthier? Start using that gym membership you pay monthly but never go, workout at the park, blow the dust off your fitness videos or checkout the free workout videos on the cable menu (Fios - select Sports & Fitness, Comcast and Cablevision Channel 1 or Menu, select Sports & Fitness). Trust me, your body will thank you!

3. Grocery bill maybe sliced in half but so can your weight! As the grocery list $$ gets reduced, so can your weight. Even though processed foods may last longer than fresh foods, they are not really good for you. During this time be "Food Conscious". By vegetables and fruits in season, look for sales, hit up the farmer's market, shop the perimeter of the grocery store and use coupons.

4. Give back to the community. When was the last time you did something for the community? If it takes you more than 30 seconds to remember, it's been a while. This is the perfect time to start getting involved and build your network at the same (you never know who will meet). Join your local college alumni chapter or volunteer with a community service organization. You spirit will truly be lifted and you wil be helping others.

5. Try something new! So, you always wanted to run a marathon or take a Zumba class or maybe even write a book? Well, you got the time, so use it! Let's face it, when you're working a 9 to 5, you become one dimensional and a creature of routine. Go against a grain! Reawaken your soul, bring happiness and laughter into your life again. Start out by making a list of all the "Something News" and check off a few each month. If you get bold, do something new each week! Post it on your fridge or bathroom mirror. Also, even the smallest change can make the biggest impact in your life such as cooking with music or going outside to read the newspaper or magazine.

6. Update or Make a Budget! Spending money without a calculated budget is scary! Take a moment to write down (or type up) your monthly expenses, current unemployment wages, total severance package and balances in your savings and checking accounts. This may seem scary at first, but you MUST have a solid idea of current financial situation and not spending money you don't have.

6. Go back to school or obtain a professional license. Now none of this is free but this is a great time to start thinking about furthering your education no matter the level and obtaining licenses for career advancement. Yes, these study classes aren't free either but the library is though! The same books sold at the bookstore are sometimes at your local library, so check them out. Also, use free online study tutorials and starting googling to find which ones best fit your goals!

7. Build your network. A good friend of mine Gerard, told me about a professional networking website called http://www.linkedin.com/. It's an excellent resource for so many reasons, here's a few:

- Allows you to create a professional profile to showcase your work experience and accomplishments.

- Explore job opportunities (a break from monster and hotjobs). Companies have profiles on linkedin.com and human resources post jobs directly to the site.
- Stay connected with friends and colleagues.
- Join professional groups which allows you to interact with experts.
- Colleagues (past or present) can write recommendations about you. Now, that's a quick reference check from an HR perspective, right!

I think somebody should be in the PR department for linkedin.com! (Me)

Livin Laid Off Blog Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved

I know what your thinking, "where the heck have you been"?

I'M BACK!

Look, I know my last post was in August 2009 when I got a job. Put me in shackles and throw away the key. I should of continued to blog but the "new job", now the "current place of employment" (just kidding) was working me to the bone (fyi - I'm now being worked to the bone marrow and I'm no stranger to hard work). But, I'm back nonetheless!

My mind is still buzzing with all the experiences that I went through while being laid off. It's time for me to get back in the swing of things and unload while offering guidance, support and a few laughs here and there (you gotta have a sense of humor, right). So, please stay tuned. If you have left, please come back! I promise, I won't depart again. Realistically, I don't care if 2 people or 200 people read the blogs. The main purpose is to share my experiences with people who are now apart of the double digit unemployment rate and even to those that are employed (this maybe a backup survival kit for you one day). It's tough being unemployed, but knowing that someone is out there who has walked in your shoes, truly offers a sense of comfort/support when everything around you is out of whack. Ok, enough with the melodrama.

Here's what I'm thinking for the upcoming blog topics -

- Smart Questions to the ask the Interviewer - beyond what you can google or get in a interviewing book
- Yes, on some interviews Excel Tests are given
- To Use or To Not Use a Headhunter
- Keep Job postings organized - know where you are applying to
- Personal Finance Tips for the Unemployed
- Tips to staying active while laid off
- Coupons, the money saver! Why you need to start using them asap and yes, they are in a newspaper circular!
- What to do within the first 48 hours of getting laid off - a must read!
- Tax Deduction Tips - Unemployment benefits (yes, there are benefits!)
- Tips to manage student loan payments

Whew! So that's a sneak peak of blogs to come! Stay tune, will try to up-date weekly!

Livin Laid Off Blog Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved

BREAKING NEWS: I GOT A JOB!!!

Drum Roll Please (I need the effect) - warning - this blog will be a bit longer than the others. :)

From the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire...from the mighty mountains of New York....from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania....from every hill and molehill of Mississippi I shout "I....HAVE....A....JOOOOOOBBBBB!!!" - Martin Luther King, Jr speech remixed! (As an ode to my last blog, #1 Question Most Unemployed people are asked!)

Late yesterday afternoon, I was notified by my headhunter that I received a JOB OFFER from an Advertising firm in NYC. Pause: I had interviewed with this company on 4 separate occasions (1 phone interview, 1 video conference and 2 in person interviews) along with meeting 6 different executives: HR Mgr, Director (future boss), Controller, CFO and 2 Vice Presidents! I should also mention that this was in a timeframe of about 2 weeks and I never wore a suit once. Shocking right?? Per recommendation from the HR Manager, she advised the following: "Whatever you do, do-not-wear-a-suit, its a Advertising firm, there is no creativity in a black/blue/grey suit or even pinstripe. Think Sex and the City! No one takes my advice and then they wonder why they don't go onto the 2nd Rounds!" Sure, I was a little hesitant (plus which character from Sex and the City should I be, lol) but as we can see it definitely paid off Big Time!!! Honestly, I'm super excited because I really wanted this job, its a fabulous company! I think sometimes when your unemployed, you interview because you do not want to pass up on ANY opportunity. I will be the first to admit (my hand is up), I definitely interviewed with some companies where I was not at all intereseted about their business but the job responsibilities/title either "definitely/mostly/kind of" aligned with my background. So, yes, I have a job but more important I'm continuing my career. I was blessed enough to continue on as a Senior Financial Analyst with 1 direct report while inheriting more job scope responsibilities. Another question, will I continue blogging (as the teeth chatter, mine too)??? The answer is YES, I most certainly will! During my 2 month and 8 Day Laid Off Interim, I absolutely went through ALOT and have soooooooooooo much to share. Even though, I will be "employed" while writing my blogs, the unemployed mind frame shall never cease while blogging. I still have so much to get off my chest; Future Blogs Sneak Peek: the craziest interview question I was asked, trials and tribulations of dealing with Unemployment Department/COBRA, First 24 Hour Shock of Being Laid Off, Tips/Suggestions for Interviewing/Job Hunting/Trying to Keep Positive and etc, etc. For everyone that supported me, thank you so much, especially my family and friends! I know sometimes I may of been a bit difficult, look, I was going through unemployment syndrome. Since, I'm back in The Game, I'm off to fill out and fax over 20 employment forms (aka: we want to double check that you aren't a convicted felon and your credit score isn't a 200, is it?).

Livin Laid Off Blog Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

#1 Question Most Unemployed People are Asked Is......

The #1 Question most unemployed people are asked is: Do you have a job? or Do you have a job yet?

For some reason, when asked this question it seems to irritate me (and I consider myself to be a pretty happy person by the way), I'm not alone, let me just add, other unemployed citizens feel the same way! Honestly, its hard enough trying to find a job (right?), your stressing yourself out as you watch CNN report the "Economic situation continues to foster high concerns among the American people, unemployment rate 9.7%, expect to see rate increase in Q3 and Q4", followed with a flip of the channel to "Today NASDAQ dropped 200 points, the market is unstable, we are in economic turmoil". Oooooh and let just add this, when your interviewing your asked "Why do you want this job", "Why are you interested in this job" and "How is the market out there?"......Come on, give us a break!! See, how this simple question of "Do you have a job?", can have so many layers to it from the unemployed perspective. It essentially feels like a slap in the face or causing more insult to injury. You know were working hard out there, trying to make it and keeping positive through the Struggle. Honestly, once we have job, kind of like Martin Luther King, Jr. said, yet "remixed" - "From the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire...from the mighty mountains of New York....from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania....from every hill and molehill of Mississippi we will shout "I....HAVE....A....JOOOOOOBBBBB!!!", accompanied by the Rocky song "Eye of the Tiger". Massive text messages and emails will be sent out, Facebook and Myspace pages will have status updates displaying "I have job, Hallelujah, lets meet for drinks at 6!". I know, I know, all your trying to do is support, I get it! But, within the first 15 seconds of conversation and I haven't said "Hey, guess what, I got a job!", there is no need to ask if I have one because you already know my answer. :)

Livin Laid Off Blog Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved