I am not the first person to be laid off, and I will not be the last. I reason that the majority of people will experience a layoff in their lifetime, so why not get mine out of the way while I am young and resilient! I think it is best to turn to the experienced in times like these. We all know someone who has been through this before, and everyone seems to be able to offer tips, advice, and insights. The most common advice that I have been given would be the necessity of networking!!! When I was a bit younger I thought networking was the new buzz word like frappuccino or Gen X, but now I know not only is it not just a buzz word, it is the primary way that people find their next job. In a recent course that I took at an outplacement center I discovered that 80-85% of new jobs come from networking; that's a HUGE percentage!!!
http://portal.citysoup.ca/NR/exeres/BB5D2FA0-6A94-4B7E-B9DD-27A89ADDC0C0.htm
It all really comes down to getting out there and talking to people. Having only one connection can lead to six more (c'mon we all are familiar with the six degrees of Kevin Bacon, or is it separation?). I got the ball rolling with a contact I was given through a friend who works for a financial magazine in the District. Upon my pre-informational interview research I discovered the incredible website this magazine had, complete with podcasts and webcasts. My first thought when I heard "financial magazine" was dry and dense material that only mattered to my parents or stock brokers, but, quite to the contrary, I was excited to find that they presented their information in a relatable, clear, and concise manner that was pertinent to all age groups. The gentleman that met with me was incredibly helpful. He even pulled a co-worker into his office and put us in contact so that we could meet up on LinkedIn (let the networking begin!!!).
I was hooked. I started contacting anyone that knew anyone in the District that could potentially help me. My thought was, if nothing else I was getting interviewing experience. I was able to speak with someone at an innovative production company that is bringing online shopping to a whole new level, as well as developing a myriad of other projects for such distinguished companies as the Discovery Channel and National Geographic. It was exciting to be back among the creative, where the air is almost electrified with imagination and unique thoughts, where one artistic idea begets another. I was also able to meet with a connection at a federal agency and received the opportunity to see the inner workings of a highly respected government institution. In complete opposition to the production company, this place was enormous. Fortunately, the gentleman that was showing me around was the "Mayor" of this place and was more than willing to introduce me to any- and everyone that he could. It felt good to be out there talking with people, sharing ideas, and asking questions.
As I am entering month 4 of my unemployment I am trying to keep my spirits high and stay positive. Networking has proven to be beneficial not only in regard to making connections and hopefully landing me job, but it has played a psychological role as well by helping me feel connected and productive (some of the first things that can fall off after a lay off). So, to ensure that I keep my spirits high I am off to an event tonight, Docs in Progress (http://www.docsinprogress.org), which showcases documentary projects from prospective filmmakers. It looks pretty interesting, and hopefully it will aid in my starting a dialogue with someone. As for me, I would say, "Career in Progress"....
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