Author Topic: Just got laid off my job. Not panicking.  (Read 4617 times)

eostache

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Just got laid off my job. Not panicking.
« on: August 21, 2014, 05:04:48 PM »
I don't have a huge 'stache, but I'm glad I have some. Maybe enough for a year.

I just got laid off my job. It wasn't a show-me-to-the-door layoff. I'm going to come in tomorrow to do my work as usual. I guess it's starts next Monday. It's due to lack of work projects. It's been pretty slow this year. It may be temporary. I've been working as a GIS Specialist for an archaeological consulting company for almost 4 years now and I have a BS in geology with a minor in GIS. Not sure how the job market is out there.

So I'm not panicking. It's only been a few minutes so I haven't got all plans figured out yet.

I need to see about how to apply for unemployment benefits and anything else I can qualify for.

One thing I have thought of so far is wondering if I can get a grant to take a CAD class. I've seen jobs looking for CAD people.

2ndTimer

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Re: Just got laid off my job. Not panicking.
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2014, 05:19:50 PM »
Having a 'stache sure makes all the difference in a situation like that plus you know some tricks to make that unemployment money streeeeeeach. Plenty of time to take a deep breath and consider the alternatives as you are already doing.  Keep us posted on what you find out is available to you in the way of benefits, grants, etc.  I am sure that there are other folks who can benefit from the info.

sol

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Re: Just got laid off my job. Not panicking.
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2014, 05:25:22 PM »
I think there are lots of jobs out there for people of your skill set with some experience.  They don't necessarily pay $75k/year, but I'd bet you'll be able to find something else pretty quick.

SwordGuy

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Re: Just got laid off my job. Not panicking.
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2014, 05:29:05 PM »
If you are a US citizen, have good financials, and no habits that would disqualify you as a security risk, look for GIS jobs supporting the military.   Forest Service is also a good bet.

crispy

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Re: Just got laid off my job. Not panicking.
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2014, 05:31:28 PM »
Check your local unemployment office/government career center and ask about the WIA program.  They provide grants for the unemployed so they can be trained/retrained for employment.  Depending on your situation, you may qualify for them to pay for a CAD class. 

eostache

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Re: Just got laid off my job. Not panicking.
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2014, 07:37:02 PM »
If you are a US citizen, have good financials, and no habits that would disqualify you as a security risk, look for GIS jobs supporting the military.   Forest Service is also a good bet.

We have a few federal agencies here: BLM, USFS, NPS, NRCS. I've kept an eye out for jobs there. I even keep a permanent saved search going on USA Jobs. I know these jobs are very competitive and hard to get selected for. I know some people that work at some of these agencies and I have heard that even though the hiring process is not supposed to be subjective that many people have job descriptions written just for them. That's a whole other subject though.

sol

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Re: Just got laid off my job. Not panicking.
« Reply #6 on: August 21, 2014, 07:44:04 PM »
The other problem with those federal jobs is that veteran's preference has been getting stronger and stronger for the last several administrations, so if there is a remotely qualified vet applying you don't have much of a chance.

We have tens of thousands if trained killers coming back from foreign wars these days, so we give them jobs to keep them off the streets.  Even if there are more qualified civilians available.

eostache

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Re: Just got laid off my job. Not panicking.
« Reply #7 on: August 21, 2014, 08:08:15 PM »
The other problem with those federal jobs is that veteran's preference has been getting stronger and stronger for the last several administrations, so if there is a remotely qualified vet applying you don't have much of a chance.

We have tens of thousands if trained killers coming back from foreign wars these days, so we give them jobs to keep them off the streets.  Even if there are more qualified civilians available.

Yeah, no kidding. I have heard this.


One thing that has helped me now is that I've kept the attitude that no matter how nice and secure a job seems that there are no guarantees that it will last. And this was a very nice job with very nice people. I think my manager was more upset that she had to tell me, than I was to hear it. I'm a little more upset now that it's evening and been a little time. Who knows what the future holds?