what it's like to get laid off from work

The job market is tough and unfortunately, we’re seeing companies laying off employees left and right. Just this week, we’ve seen massive layoffs across tech, media, finance, and retail industries. While it’s a difficult topic to talk about, Chanel & Tori are diving right into the conversation about what it’s like to get let-go from a job. Approximately 2 years ago, Chanel was part of a mass layoff, one that eliminated her position during a brand acquisition. In this episode, Chanel shares her experience of what the first 24-hours were like and what she did as immediate next steps to secure a role during her severance period. From dusting off her resume to networking during downtime to applying to endless job openings on LinkedIn, Chanel recaps how she went from fun-employed to back in the full-time grind. 

In the upfront of the episode, Tori reviews outstanding items from last week and introduces new items like Spotify Daylist Playlist! 

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Transcript

Hello everyone.
Hi.
Welcome back to the Glad We Talked podcast.
I'm Tori.
And I'm Chanel.
And we are so happy with everyone's love and support with us coming back.
I know it's been so great.
And I was like nervous.
And then it's my nervous.
I know you're nervous.
Yeah.
You totally picked right back up.
It's kind of the nerves before you do anything.
And you're like, do I remember?
It's almost like, you know, when you go and do a summer activity at the beginning of summer
again, like.
Okay.
I don't ski.
So I was going to say like skiing and then I don't do that.
But it's kind of like, you know, when you're like, you've even done something in a long
time and you're like, am I going to be good at this?
And you do it.
And you're just like, Oh yeah, it's like riding a bike.
Totally.
I guess that's the best analogy.
I know.
I mean, you're like, I'm riding a bike.
It's like riding a bike.
Your hair looks really good today.
Why thank you?
How long have you done?
I washed it.
Okay.
My hair is straight right now.
I blew it out.
I ran out of my shampoo.
So that was a fun activity, but I used Olaplex mask.
I think it's like the number one.
Yeah, remember, it's the mask you do before you shampoo.
So I did that for 10 minutes.
Then I went in the shower.
I used Olaplex purple shampoo because I ran out of the normal shampoo.
I think it's number four.
And then I put the conditioner and the Olaplex conditioner.
I just went like, did you blow it out with a blow dryer?
Oh.
I'm like, let me tell you about my routine.
Because no, I'm serious.
Hair day is a big day for me.
Oh, is it?
And doing this takes a while.
It's a whole process.
Oh, I didn't realize that.
Because I have curly hair.
So when I blow it out, it's like I have to have the energy.
I have to have the purpose.
I can't just do this on a Tuesday.
It's talking to me like I don't understand.
I get it, girl.
You know, like we were both like we have a we have a relationship with our hair.
Yeah.
But I just meant like your ends are really like, oh, and stuff.
So like, would you do you use a blow dry brush and a blow dryer?
I understand your question out.
Okay.
So I put this, I guess short answer.
I used a blow.
I used the Revlon blowout brush, which I love.
I think I've talked about it before on the podcast.
Yes.
But I put this I bought this living proof blowout serum.
Oh, okay.
And that I added and I feel like it really walked in the hydration and added some like
enrichment back into it.
It's very like voluminous and flippy.
Like it looks like he wants to the salon and got like a blowout.
I thank you.
Someone else said that and I did it myself.
So I got.
But I had imposter syndrome as I'm doing it myself.
I'm like, this looks awful.
No, it looks really nice.
And I think it's also, you know, as I was saying this, I was reminded by another Tori
cool.
I think I know it.
It's okay.
So number one, you never really do your hair straight.
So I think it's like, it's like, oh my gosh, wow, your hair straight, like you look so
good.
One time I, we went out together and everyone was complimenting like how nice you look.
And I was like, no one said anything to me.
And you were like, Chanel, it's because I never try.
She's like, always do 10%.
And then when you do 90%, people notice.
Yeah.
No, it's true.
It's so true.
I always go 90.
You do.
So you always go all out.
So like cares when I dress up.
Yeah.
And when you dress down, they're like, oh, what's she?
I feel like, oh, is she okay?
Yeah.
Well, in this check on Chanel for me, they're like, wow, did you see Tori?
She's doing great.
Look at her hair.
Literally makeup on.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I just remember that quote as I was like telling you, like, oh, I never see her hair straight.
I know.
I saw the wheels connect and you genuinely, I knew exactly what you were thinking.
You said, you know that that was what I was going to say.
Yeah.
And I stand by it.
I think it's like, yeah, I give, don't give 100% all the time to your parents.
People will disagree.
Yeah.
But like, I mean, I usually get by and I do my hair curly when I need to.
But then when I do that extra like blow out or a heavier foundation, whatever it is, I
or even just like wear a different pair of shoes that aren't sneakers.
I feel like elevated and yeah.
Yeah.
People notice.
Yeah.
Your hair looks great too.
Thank you.
I like that wave.
Yeah.
I like to do a little something always.
I don't like it.
You do.
It's like pin straight all the time.
Yeah.
Anyway, anyway, you look great.
Thank you.
You do too.
I like that we're in matching outfits.
Yeah, this was not planned.
It's Chanel and I are both wearing black.
Yeah.
She has a nice sweater and leggings.
I have a sweatshirt.
Actually, I yoga pants.
Oh, they're the ones that I wear bottom.
I wear them on Amazon because I've been doing leggings and I was like, I kind of want
to switch it up a little bit.
When I walked in, I was like, oh, so Gen Z.
That was my goal.
The flarelings.
They kind of remind me of yoga pants back in 2012.
This is what, no, like literally this is what we used to wear.
Right.
Yeah.
With the little flare bottom.
But now they're coming back.
But you bought a new pair.
Yes.
These aren't like vintage.
These aren't like Victoria's Secret pink.
Yeah.
With the pants.
With the color.
Yeah, exactly.
And on the back it said pink.
Yeah.
Yeah.
These aren't those.
I still have a pair of those.
Do you?
Yes.
I love them.
I just, I have survived all these years.
If you ask my mom, it's because I'm a pack rat and I just hold on to everything.
So that's how.
Like a hoarder?
What's a pack rat?
Like a hoarder?
Yeah.
Okay.
Yeah.
I just have a hard time letting go.
I understand that.
I do too.
Yeah.
I'm just, I hide my mess.
I'm like Monica.
Don't go in the other closet.
Yeah.
No, mine's all over the place.
Anyways, we have some outstanding items from last week.
Yes.
And one thing we talked about was that I'm doing dry January.
And you said that you texted me and I'm like, I might need a drink after this week.
Yeah.
And then I responded by saying, well you're welcome to it or something.
I did, I did respond.
I said I did it.
I did.
And what I ended up saying was you're like, I might need a drink LOL.
And I said, haha Mitch might, wait, you said, well Mitch be there on Friday.
I might need a drink LOL.
So I thought you meant you wanted a drink with Mitch too.
It was like separate thoughts.
Yeah.
Yeah.
There were two different texts but I kind of was like, all right, so you and Mitch are
going to have a drink fine.
He does like to drink so I know like, yeah, he's a feel good drink.
And I was like, haha, he might be, I don't know, but you're welcome to.
So I did say that and I didn't really acknowledge that I was doing dry January.
So yeah, thank you.
You're welcome.
I like being right.
Yeah, you were.
You were.
You were going to circle back on the 90, 91.
Like are we going to do it together or no?
Oh, yeah, we haven't done that.
Are we going to because you said you didn't want to wake up in the morning?
Yeah, I still don't.
Okay.
So that's just so our friends.
How about we do 90, 91 not in the morning, even though it's supposed to be?
Maybe.
Okay.
She's not into that.
Are you going to do the 90, 91 by herself?
Maybe.
I haven't decided.
Okay.
All right, moving on.
I'm standing on.
Yeah, not a great one.
And then you added one thing here.
What did I add?
You added every dollar app for finances.
Oh, yeah.
So Chrissy, you guys know Chrissy.
I haven't mentioned her multiple times.
My bestie.
She reached out to me about a app called every dollar because I said I wanted to focus on
my finances this year and she said it's a really good budgeting app.
Okay.
So I did download it.
I haven't started it yet.
But if anyone else is out there looking for finance goals and trying to budget every dollar
apparently is a good app.
Awesome.
Yeah.
Sounds good.
Okay.
Outstanding items done.
I did have some new items.
Oh, okay.
Okay.
Look at you with an agenda.
I just, I feel like sticking to the agenda.
I know a lot of things came up and I was excited to talk about them now that we're back.
Yeah.
Daylist on Spotify.
Yeah.
This is a new thing.
I've been seeing everyone post.
Yeah.
I'm going to try to clarify.
You guys know that we love the DJ when he's, he can just make some.
He was fine.
I didn't love him.
Okay.
I do it on car rides.
Okay.
I do my DJ.
But Spotify Daylist comes up with like a recommended list of things for you to listen to when you
go into the search engine, you just do Daylist, you type it in and it comes up with a playlist
of what you kind of listen to in this time of day, like what you're in the mood for.
So it's a little bit different than DJ.
Oh, okay.
Because he's not like mixing it for you.
They make a playlist and there's some old songs, some new songs and it just personalizes your
day.
That's really cute.
I didn't know like what, like where it came from, why it existed.
So if I looked tonight like seven, it would be different.
Yeah.
Oh, okay.
So this morning I, on my drive over, it was very country, uh, okey kind of season, season
of the sticks.
E.
Okay.
And because that's what I usually listen to, I guess on Sunday mornings.
Um, is that still what it is?
No.
Now it's changed because this is when Mitch usually listens.
Oh, so my, he listens to Ankska Punk.
Oh, okay.
Sunday afternoon.
So it's a little bit more aggressive.
There's some Blink 182 on it, but then there's also some like heavier things that I'm not,
because we share our Spotify on our Alexa at home.
Oh, okay.
That makes sense.
Like whatever he plays is now connected to your thing.
Yeah.
Your day list.
Mine is energetic, feel good afternoon right now.
Okay.
And it's mainly like dance pop, which chucks a lot of like Kygo that track about, yeah.
So I said, Becky Hill, you know, my faves.
I know.
And when is yours not dance pop?
I know.
Seriously.
You know, it said next update at six, 12.
It'll be like some other rendition of.
Oh, that's when they do the updates.
It said it on the top.
It said next update.
Oh, you're right.
Update six, 56.
Cool.
How fun.
I know.
I'm going to look later.
Okay.
Let me know what it is.
I love Spotify.
Me too.
Just I'm more.
I don't know.
This is debatable, but I'm a Spotify gal.
Why is it because Apple music?
Apple music.
I think even the Apple music people want Spotify.
Really?
Yeah.
Then why don't they just switch?
Well, I think a lot of people, it depends.
I've heard I've asked people like why they use Apple music and it's like, Oh, I get it
for free or Oh, like I already had a subscription.
Oh, my music's here.
Like it's different reasons, but yeah, I forgot about my iTunes library.
Yeah, I mean, it's still there, but who is she?
That's hilarious.
Next thing on the new things kind of it's like a topic that I know you're going to love
what airplanes.
There was another airplane on fire.
Yes.
I know and Mitch is supposed to go away next week and he was on a Boeing and they canceled
display.
Shut up.
Yeah, they're canceling flights.
They're doing all the things like their Boeing's are like grounded there.
Oh my God.
Yeah, like it's yeah, it's not good.
I told you I watched the Boeing documentary and it's they overlook so many things like
it's really bad.
Yeah.
So just the heads up to any travelers out there, you know, Boeing's not going through
some good times right now and your flights might be changed, delayed, look for new ones.
I don't know.
Yeah, I really went on a rant last week about airplanes.
You did.
I went off.
Just wanted to continue on that.
I love it.
Yeah.
So we're going to talk about a little bit of a not crazy, but something that happens
in the workplace that we all don't really like to think about or we don't want to experience,
which is getting a look from your job.
Yes.
And you know, you have a very personal experience with this.
I do.
I feel like you're like interviewing me.
I do.
Thank you, Tori.
Well, because this is your story.
No, I know.
I'm like, you know, I'm like Oprah.
That's how it felt a little bit.
I'm presenting, you know, how she's here today.
You talked right to the camera.
Today's guest has a very personal story.
She's here today.
Hi, I'm Shana.
Hi, Shana.
How are you doing?
You know, I'm a lot better than I was two years ago.
How long has it been?
It's been almost two years.
Okay.
Or maybe, yeah, almost two years.
I was in 2022, and I got Licko from a job that I was at for like nine months.
Okay.
And I think I've spoken about this job a little bit, but when I was there, I kind of had like
impostor syndrome and like I was a little bit lost and it was very different from when
I had done for the past like six years of my career.
So it was like a lot to learn.
Yeah, it was a shift and it was a lot to learn.
So I wasn't like the happiest error anyway.
And I was thinking about like, if I should stay, if I should look, if I should stick it
out, whatever, and I got the decision made for me.
So are you expecting this?
No, I mean, okay.
So we had gotten acquired, the brand that I was at got acquired and became its own company
with like two other brands.
Right.
So I kind of knew it was going to happen.
Like two months in, we got the announcement when I was interviewing it, there were rumors
about it.
But when I asked HR about it, they kind of were like, Oh no, everything's fine.
Really?
Well, they're not allowed to talk about it, of course.
Interesting.
So you had heard rumors that they were going to do layoffs while you were there.
No, not layoffs.
That it was going to be acquired.
Oh, so you okay.
I'm just following recap really quick.
You were interviewing.
They were you heard rumors that these two brands were going to be merged and acquired.
Yes.
And then they didn't really address it because you can't before it's public.
Right.
And got it.
Yeah.
And then we started two months in, we heard the news that it was going to be acquired.
And then a few months later, it actually went through.
So our office changed.
Well, we were like remote for the most part, but we, our headquarters changed and, you
know, we had to go in and like meet everyone.
And it was like this whole thing and they made it sound like it was going to be like great.
Like they're so excited to have everybody like didn't sound like layoffs were going to
happen.
Right.
So like I wasn't really expecting it.
And then in March, I got like a 15 minute meeting put on my calendar in the morning one
day and with your manager or with HR was with the CEO and HR.
Shit.
Yeah.
So I knew, so I knew at that point and I saw it and I was like, okay, I'm going to get
look out.
Like I just instantly know, of course.
And what were you, what were your feelings when you saw this invite on your calendar?
Okay.
So my first thought was I was the only one.
Okay.
So when I saw it, I was immediately like upset and like I want immediately to being like,
I'm so embarrassed.
This is going to happen to me.
I don't imagine anyone else is getting let go.
So did you think because you said you experienced some imposter syndrome and the job, you, I
remember talking to you and you weren't thrilled at this job.
Like you weren't loving the team.
You weren't loving the work you were doing.
It was just not a great fit for you.
Right.
Can I say that?
Yeah.
Okay.
So it wasn't a great fit.
So did you think it was more that the, this was a decision by your manager or not the company
or did you think it was more of a decision by the company?
I thought it was more a decision about the company, but because I'm in events, I was
like, oh, maybe they don't need me anymore.
I see.
Because it's like an event role.
And I was really only working on like one or two things.
And I was like, maybe they're just eliminating my position.
And I didn't really have a lot of friends.
So I didn't know who to reach out to.
So I kind of was just in my feels for a bit.
And then someone reached out to me and was like, Hey, do you have a call on your calendar
for 15 minutes?
And I was like, yeah.
And she was like, okay, a few of us do.
Like I think, you know, something's happening or whatever.
So did you feel a little bit relieved?
A little bit.
Yeah.
I was still like, this is going to suck.
But you felt that feeling of it.
It wasn't alone.
Yeah.
It wasn't like, okay, it took that pressure off of like, it's me.
Yeah.
Okay.
It's a group of us.
This is, I mean, they're always business decisions, but it wasn't as personal as like,
okay, Josh Chanel is getting let go.
Exactly.
And that might be a narcissistic view to be like, it's just me and like this whole company.
But I don't think so.
Yeah, I just had so much imposter syndrome that I think like that's where I might want
immediately.
But I think still like there was this like level of embarrassment of getting like, oh,
I don't know what it is.
And I don't know if it's because like we put our whole like almost our whole self worth
into our career.
Right.
Like this is something we do.
So identity.
It's the math.
Yeah, money through fire.
Right.
So I think I was just like, what the heck am I going to do?
Like this is never happened.
What am I going to do with my time at our old company?
All we've been told was we're stars were amazing.
My mom says this all the time that our old company was like fairy tale land and it was
it was a little bit.
So fairy tale fairy tale land also had layoff so we can talk a little bit about that when
we go on.
Yes.
So like this is corporate America.
Exactly.
This happens in the real world.
Yeah, it finally happened to me.
So I don't know it happened.
I was I listened to what they had to say.
I got a severance package.
It was like I was only there nine months.
So I don't really know what to expect, but I ended up getting five weeks of pay.
Okay.
And then I got my bonus still, which was great.
And severance usually is depends on usually depends on how long you've worked at a company.
So the more time the more severance you usually get.
It's usually like two weeks per year.
And I was only there nine months.
So it was a decent package for, you know, the amount of time I was there.
And a few people I've talked to.
I know a few people that have gotten let go.
So they've actually negotiated their severance package.
Okay.
So I actually want to talk about this.
Oh, great.
Yeah, because I mean, not great.
Great for the episode.
I'm glad you mentioned that because when I got like, oh, I like called everyone and like
was telling them what happened, obviously close people.
So I call my brother and everyone had such different reactions.
It was actually very funny to me.
We've brushed on this a few times because you called me.
Yeah.
And so I called you and you were like, great.
Now you have more time for the podcast because it was like when we're starting kind of.
You were like, well, you weren't like great, but you were like, Oh, no, I'm so sorry.
You were like, okay, well, you'll have some extra time.
So maybe you can work on the podcast.
Yeah, like I totally blew over it.
Because you didn't get another job.
I like you're you're a great employee.
You weren't concerned.
I was like, this is a great opportunity for us.
And you know, I wasn't happy.
So it was like, Hey, without without that, I don't think we would have started the podcast,
maybe.
Who knows?
And then I call my brother and he's very logistical.
He's like, okay, you're going to update your resume.
You're going to go on LinkedIn.
Let me know if you see anyone.
Just reach out to me.
Sweet brother.
That was very problem solver.
He's a policy.
Okay.
Next step.
Totally.
I get through it.
This is what you got to do.
Called my mom.
Obviously she's the one that is like emotional.
She's like, Oh my God, you're fabulous.
Don't worry about it.
You're so beautiful.
She'll like, that's the way to do that.
You're so pretty.
Someone's going to hire you.
Really?
Thanks, Tom.
Your brother's like, resume.
Like your mom's like, You're beautiful.
You're a star.
You're a star.
You glow.
And then I called my friend Julia, who's an HR, which obviously she's like, the podcast
before.
She's one of my best friends.
It was like a twofold thing.
And if you haven't listened to that episode or you are looking for some tips on your job,
maybe you're looking for new opportunities.
Go back to the episode with Julia.
Fun fact, it was our most listened to episode.
I know.
So it's a great one.
Julia, by the way.
So I called her because obviously she's my bestie, but also from HR perspective, I wanted
to kind of know like what to do next.
Yeah.
So she was like, Okay, you're going to negotiate.
And I was like, what?
I was like, I had no idea you can negotiate a severance back.
So she was like, one of the things people negotiate too is health insurance.
Like if you need health insurance, like saying that you need it like longer, then they gave
it to you or your pay or maybe you get more in your bonus, whatever it is, she said it
is negotiable.
I did go back to them and they said the package is a package.
But it is possible.
Like people have negotiated and come out successful.
So yeah, I'm glad to mention that.
Yeah, you don't know unless you ask.
Yeah.
I'm trying to read the knowledge.
Yeah, exactly.
I guess everything is negotiable really like any package that you get from a job, you can
always go back and negotiate, which feels weird because you want to just feel grateful.
Yeah.
But they also need you.
They do.
You know, and if you're going to, I mean, whether you're getting, I guess what when you're
getting offered a job, it's like, okay, negotiate like vacation days, salary, whatever you can.
I've negotiated and I've gotten more money.
I've gotten, I haven't negotiated vacation days, but I have like gotten a bump or a bonus.
But yeah, I mean, I haven't personally been in the situation of negotiating severance,
but I did hear this from other people.
Yeah.
So it's a good tip to know if you ever are in this situation.
Yes, it is a good tip.
I highly doubt the companies are telling you, aren't you going to negotiate?
Like they're going to expect you to just be like, well, I guess this is it.
She can't sleep.
Right.
And I don't think you had necessarily had to do it on the call because I know during
the call, I would have time.
Yeah, it was like a shocking thing.
You're just like, okay, thanks.
And then you get off.
I did email them later and then negotiated that way.
And you don't have to do it on the spot.
Right.
Lots happening in your mind is every which way.
How many days did they give you this company specifically?
Like where you was your last day of the day they laid you off or what was it?
Minutes after minutes.
Yeah, like you're done.
Okay.
So you get off this call.
Yeah.
And like what's your next like thought plan of action?
What?
You call people.
Yes, I get off.
I call people.
I'm just like laying on the couch.
I'm just like what?
I mean, it was remote.
So I was just already home, which is I think a little bit helpful to already be home.
That's nice.
Like I can't imagine, you know, when layoffs happen in the office.
Do you remember?
You have to like pack up your stuff.
We've been there.
I know.
We haven't been laid off, but our previous company where Chanel and I met, there were
layoffs and they would, you know, close a few different apartments.
And it was like, oh, you would hear it maybe a day before or week.
Some people, you know, it was kind of like a rolling in effect where some people knew
sooner, some people knew later.
But the day of it was kind of like people would get out of the meetings and just walk
by your desk and they would start cleaning up or they would stay and they would like
bent to people or it was it was very emotional.
It was very emotional because it all happened there.
Yeah.
Like everyone would come into the office.
They would go into a meeting room.
It was very public.
Very public here that everyone in that room is getting let go like at once.
Yeah.
And then come out and then they'd have to pack up their stuff.
This was like a very personal moment for me.
I was home.
I was on zoom.
It was three people in the room.
I got off and I was already home.
I was able to like feel my emotions cry without being like in front of others.
Yeah.
Whatever the cases.
And even though I didn't like the job, it was still really hard.
Yeah.
It was emotional.
I felt kind of rejected because this is I mean as an adult, so much of your who you
are and whether it's right or wrong is put into who you are in the workplace and what
value you bring to a company in the workplace and what title you are.
It's so much about who you are in this structure that doesn't necessarily mean anything in
your personal life, but it is who you are five out of the seven days a week pretty much.
I understand with you like how that makes you feel because then you're left with.
What's next?
Where do I go from here?
Yeah.
So I kind of just like took the time.
I guess I needed that day and I didn't really do much.
I was just kind of like on and off calling people talking to people.
And it's like kind of annoying to have to reach out to everybody, but it's also like
good people know that you're in the market as well.
So I have to network.
Yeah.
So that was like step one is like you said.
Yeah.
Grieve take the day like you don't have to do anything that day like you don't have to
like start looking for jobs like that day.
Sure people do.
I know, but I think it's also important to like feel your feels process, process mentally
be like more stable and then kind of go into it with a fresh mind.
So after that, I think my days just looked so different.
Like I didn't have any like meetings.
It was kind of like a burden lifted off my shoulders after I like calmed down a bit.
I was like, this is kind of nice.
I was like, I was like a little bit panicked, but I also wasn't.
And I think the most panicked I was is insurance.
Right.
Because I'm like a sick girl.
That is scary.
I mean, insurance is so much of one of the like the benefits we get from working.
Yeah.
And because I had like five weeks of pay, I wasn't like, I was like, oh, maybe I'll
find something something by then.
Like I wasn't like, that wasn't my top of mind yet.
Yeah.
I knew I had my bonus.
So I felt like a little, yeah, I felt a little secure.
That might not be the case for everybody though.
Um, so I think honestly, like for me, what helped was number one, like enjoying a little
bit of the time off.
Like one else are you going to be one else or you're going to have this time where you
literally don't have to work.
Like that's a very crazy thought like and get paid for a certain amount of time.
And just while we're talking about that point, getting fired and getting let go are two different
things.
Yeah.
And typically don't get severance with right.
It's either performance based action based.
Something happened.
You're fired or fired.
Yeah.
Getting let go is a company decision.
It's usually based on planning, restructuring, saving costs, whatever.
So they.
Decision elimination or something.
Yeah.
Position elimination.
And it's just, it's a strategic approach to how the company is going to continue to
move forward.
That's a good point.
And that's why you get severance because it wasn't you.
It was them.
Right.
So they over hired.
They just needed a change.
My company has currently has gone through a few different layoffs rounds of layoffs due
to the impacts of COVID.
And it's also very interesting to see how people that haven't gone and experienced a
layoff in a company react because I had gone from the company we used to work out where
there were multiple rounds in our tenure there.
And at my new company, there hadn't been like layoffs in a very long time.
So people were kind of very shocked.
Yeah.
And I did.
It's not that I was acting cold towards it.
It was kind of just like this happens.
Well, I think when we were even starting our career, we went through so many.
There was like three layoffs a year probably.
So I think the first one I remember being like shocked.
And then as time went on, it was kind of like, oh, I guess this is kind of normal.
And I thought that that was normal until I was like, oh, maybe it's just where we were.
We were publishing.
Dying industries.
And I was dying as we were starting our career.
Yeah.
Yeah.
So yeah, I mean, I can imagine for them, like seeing it for the one of the first times
is a very weird feeling.
Yeah.
But I did see that because I had that previous experience, I was able to talk to people
and explain, you know, to younger people that might not have understood, you know.
So when you have experienced people getting let go, like now, do you reach out to them
if it happens to someone you know, like how do you, because I felt like I didn't know
if I should reach out to people as a one being let go or if I should have people reach out
to me.
Like I didn't know how that worked, you know.
Yeah.
Because how really would they know?
We started, we kind of did a group text and everyone on my team was like, oh, so it was
kind of like, oh, yeah, like a block, blah, blah, blah, you know, it was great working
with you.
But as someone who's still at the company, knowing you had friends leave, I did have
a couple of people who stayed and they were like, you know, it was great working with
you.
I'm so sorry this happened.
If you need anything, a recommendation.
And I thought that was really nice.
That's nice.
So you appreciated the texts and emails and people checking in on you.
I did.
Yeah.
And it's to a certain point.
It was people that I worked with every day.
I didn't need like a random people reaching out to me that I saw once in a meeting.
Right.
I think you kind of know those lines.
Totally.
Yeah.
So did they reach out to you the same day or a few days after?
Mainly the same day, like that later that afternoon.
Oh, fresh.
Yeah.
And then a few the next day and that was pretty much it.
Yeah.
So, okay, we had gone back.
You had said, you know, take the day to process, go through the fields.
You know, you started to think about what was next.
Yeah.
And then I just started kind of, I think what's important is for me, like looking for a job
every single day.
To me, that felt productive and it felt like I was like working toward a goal and like,
I was like, I feel the most accomplished when I know I applied to 10 jobs today, let's say,
or reached out to five new people.
You were proactive.
Like you knew you had five weeks.
Yes.
And you're like, okay, I have five weeks.
I can take X amount of days to process, whatever, but I need a new job.
I deal with five weeks, correct.
And one thing I did also want to mention was we taught, we tapped in on health insurance,
but you can when you're let go after that five week period or whatever period your company
agrees on, you could apply for Cobra.
It is.
And get Cobra, but it's very expensive.
Yes.
So I really didn't want to do that.
Yeah.
If you absolutely need it, yes, but it is diabolical, how expensive it is.
Yeah.
It's not be legal.
I know between when I switched jobs, it was like I took two weeks off and they gave me
the Cobra plan and it's expensive.
I didn't do it.
I'm like, I just won't take any risks in the next two weeks.
I'm just going to wrap myself in the whole wrap and then like, yeah, it's insane.
Yeah.
But okay.
So you needed it because you knew at the end of the five weeks, health insurance payment,
you need a new plan.
Yes.
So you're applying to jobs in this time.
Yeah.
So I took a day or two and then I honestly, like I woke up, I made coffee, I'm into the
gym.
Sounds nice.
That's what I'm saying.
It was kind of nice.
I went to the gym and came back and then I would sit at my computer like a normal work
day.
Yeah.
I'm like 10 until like four or five.
Did you feel?
And just apply and reach out and all that stuff because I felt like I had to like really
commit a lot of my time to it or else I would have felt like a little bit of guilt that
I wasn't doing everything possible to find a new job.
So you felt motivated?
Yes.
So first was kind of the shock.
Yeah.
It was like, I'm sure you're like, what do I do now?
And then I'm like, oh, now I go and I take this, add this new time I have and find the
next thing.
So you were optimistic.
You weren't like, I'm sure there was a little bit of fear in it because you know what is
going to, you don't know, you're not guaranteed.
Yes.
But you had a genuine feeling that you would find something.
Yeah, I really did.
I wasn't like, oh my God, I'm never going to find anything.
Martin tells me like me looking back, I felt like I was like so concrete.
You were.
I'm going to say, okay.
I'm going to talk to you.
I felt like you were very, I thought you would be more worried than you were.
Yeah.
And Martin tells me that I was more worried than I think I was.
Well, he was living with me.
Yeah, he was living with me.
So I, but I wasn't like waking up stress, sitting on my computer, not doing anything
else.
I like, I feel like that's what I would be.
Yeah.
Like I wasn't like, I go into dinners and stuff because I didn't, you know, I was like, I
shouldn't be spending any, what's the word for, not frivolous.
Yeah, you weren't like spending fabulous money.
What's the word when like any money that like I didn't have, basically, I was like, I'd
need to like really hone into my spending right now.
Smart.
But I was still trying to do things that I enjoyed.
So like going to the gym, doing my classes, going for walks, whatever is going to help
like your mental health, if it's meditating or like doing workout videos at home, like
literally whatever it is, you still have to do some things that are going to keep you
sane.
Cause if you're just applying, applying, applying, and then like, let's say you're not seeing
any results, you're not getting any interviews.
You're going to go insane.
Yeah.
You are.
I'm sure there are people that haven't been as successful in getting the next job.
It is a difficult job market.
And I think we're seeing that a lot with COVID for self-sealing shifts in the workplace,
restructureings and layoffs.
And you know, it is difficult.
I see on LinkedIn people posting all the time like, Hey, my job was eliminated.
If you know of anything.
So where were you mostly looking for jobs and how are you networking during this time?
My main source of research for jobs was LinkedIn.
Okay.
And reaching out to people on LinkedIn.
And I texted a few people that I used to work with that are in the industry and just
said, if you see anything or if you know anyone hiring, please let me know.
I had a lot of calls with friends who worked at companies I wanted to work at.
And then they were able to reach out to their HR.
Great.
That was how I got a lot of interviews.
I was like, I remember interviewing at like Citibank for an event role and another law
firm because I reached out to two people that I knew and they reached out to their HR people.
That's great.
Yeah.
So I think like using your network, even if it doesn't sound like a traditional company
that you that's in your industry, like I've worked at like beauty in magazines, right?
This was Citibank, but it was still events.
I was like, maybe I'll try something new.
That's practice.
So you had that time where you were like, okay, and you don't know unless you do the interview,
you talk to someone.
And I think that's good advice is that, you know, if the job role aligns with what you're
looking for, go for it.
Yeah.
Don't like put yourself in the cycle of a box.
Like I have to stay within the beauty industry.
If you're willing to like branch out, you should.
Now's the time.
Yeah.
You do have to.
I mean, you don't want to end up somewhere like completely different, but I think if you
are looking to secure a job, it being more open to new opportunities.
Totally.
Yeah.
The thing I learned was I interviewed at this place and the pay was like 15k lower than
what I was making at the company I got to go from.
And I took the interview because I was like, it'll be good practice.
It was my first interview since, you know, I got the original job.
So I was like, this will be good practice for me.
And she told me the role and it sounded like a great role.
But for me, I was like, this is not the money I'm looking for.
Do not take the first job that you have an interview for just because you think you're
not going to find something else.
Like you have to make sure that you're not like in desperation mode.
And you're just like, okay, this is the only interview I've gotten in like a week.
And I feel like I would know you can't do that.
You can't do that.
You really can't.
I'm not in this situation, but I'm like thinking if I were in your shoes, I would be the type
of person that was like, okay, great.
Yeah.
I think it would also depend on what I was.
It depends.
Yeah.
Yeah.
If you found something that aligns with what you want out of a job and Chuck saw the boxes
and absolutely you.
Yeah.
Found this job on your first interview.
That's awesome.
You should definitely take the job.
You know, there are people who have families and kids.
Like that's a completely different situation.
But for me and in my case, I just, I knew what I wanted out of a job and that was really
important to me at the time.
And if it didn't check the box, like it just wasn't worth it for me to pursue the opportunity.
Right.
So I took the interview just for the practice, but I knew I wasn't going to end up taking
it.
And I interviewed at a couple companies.
Some were really good money and I was like really excited for it.
And then I didn't end up getting the job.
And then some were like lower and I just took it for practice.
Mm-hmm.
But like a wave of emotions.
Like I could, I could say this being a roller coaster when you're like, oh, this is really
going well.
And they, you're like, oh, the money would be great.
And then they're like, sorry to that.
You already start calculating all the things you're going to buy with your new paycheck.
And you're like, oh, can't wait to make this money.
And then it's like, oh, I didn't get it.
Okay.
Cool.
No, yeah.
No worries.
Yeah.
So I'm like, I'm going to do a job and be unhappy and making less money.
And then in three months, you're going to be like, what was I thinking?
And then maybe you're in the same position as you were because you're going to want
to quit or whatever the case is, like you don't want to get yourself into like a worse
position.
Just want to make sure that you're finding something that aligns with your values.
The money's good.
And I know it feels like you can't be picky, but like you can still should make sure you're
looking for what you want.
Okay.
Don't compromise on that.
You know, I, I'm not talking to you.
No, I know you're not talking to talk to talk to.
I know I, I do see like, I'm, I'm happy it worked out for you.
Yeah.
And I'm happy that you were in hindsight.
It's easier to say that.
That's what I mean.
Yeah.
Like I'm, and I'm sure in the moment you were probably stressed, like Martin said, and it's
harder to see that.
Yeah.
But yeah, it is a good reminder that like sometimes when you're afraid, you do feel
like that initial reaction.
Like, oh, I should just be happy about this.
But, and the long run, like what you're saying is make sure it aligns with your plans for
yourself.
Totally.
And I wasn't in any position of like, I just want to make sure I emphasize this.
I was not in any position of I have a really cushy savings.
Like, if I don't get a job, I'm totally fine.
Like I was, I was not going to be fine if I didn't have a job for months on end.
So when did you have like in terms of your delay off period, the five weeks, when did
you have the interview with the current job you have now?
And when did you get the offer?
And when did you start working?
The current job I have now is a super serendipitous thing.
And this is why you should tell all your friends.
What if you know, like don't be, don't be embarrassed about advertising that you are
looking for opportunities.
Correct.
And make sure you put the thing on LinkedIn, like open to work, like all that stuff.
So smart recruiters reach out to you because I did get a few interviews from recruiters
reaching out to me.
Great.
So I ended up at the four week mark, seeing a role open at this company that I have worked
with my entire career because it's kind of in the industry.
And this is getting to the trade tail end.
I'm like, Oh my God, week four.
And she's still not super stressed.
I know.
I'm like, I don't know, like week two.
And you're like, no, week four.
No, week four, I had had four interviews lined up.
So I think I was more like, okay, things are happening.
One of them has to work out, right?
Yeah.
And then I was like, Oh, I'll be back from all over.
But I saw the role I applied on LinkedIn, literally five.
I was on LinkedIn so much that I knew when a new job was posted.
Amazing.
Like I was like, never seen this one.
And I would go to it and be like five minutes ago just posted.
So I was like on it so much that anytime something was uploaded, I was like the first
one on the job posting.
What were you doing with your cover letter?
Um, I was like, you guys know, I hate it right.
A cover letter.
I only do cover letters for jobs.
I really want.
Okay.
So if it's a company that has everything, chucks all the boxes,
I will sit there and then I will write a cover letter.
Because I've heard not that like I'm actively applying or anything,
but like I've heard that cover letters are very important in the application process.
Some companies don't ask for them.
I know, but I think they still do.
Like it's...
I don't like them.
I don't like them.
I'm a... I just... I think I talked about this on that episode, Julia.
I hate cover letters.
Yeah, who likes... does anyone like cover letters?
I don't know.
I hate cover letters.
And I just love a voice memo.
I'm going to be like, hey, like I'm going to start signing videos to people.
That's not a good idea.
I mean, yeah.
Instead of a cover letter, like a video cover.
Yeah.
Hey guys, it's Tori.
And Chanel.
No, I wouldn't be on your video cover.
Oh yeah.
That would just be you.
You're so used to being like, I'm Chanel.
I can imagine it was like a dating profile.
Like for... you know how they do like the casting applications?
Yeah.
If you apply to a job like that, I'm like, this is why I should hire my best friend Chanel.
That's so cute.
She's beautiful.
She's great to work with.
She's super detailed oriented and you know me like moving a place map and being like,
think.
I would love that.
I know.
You're really fun.
That's so cute.
Where are we talking about?
I think I should tell LinkedIn that.
I'm like, you guys need to start doing video applications.
Yeah, seriously.
Oh yeah.
So it was week four.
I reached out.
I applied and I got an email from my now boss.
She was like, hey, I saw you like applied online.
She had probably written me an email two days after I applied or something.
And the reason was because our friend Amanda got drinks with the SVP of that company and
the SVP holder, oh, the events team is struggling.
Like they just lost two people.
And Amanda was like, what?
Wow.
She was like, wait a minute.
She's like, I have a girl who's like amazing at events.
She just got like, oh, like she's in the industry.
She was like, I'm not sure.
She had no idea that I applied.
Wow.
I know.
So my boss reached out and my now boss was my hiring person.
And she was like, I heard some rave reviews from you from our SVP and Amanda who's like
a partner of ours.
And I saw you apply like five minutes later.
So would love to have an interview with you.
And then so.
Which just makes me wonder what's happening between LinkedIn HR and hiring managers.
I'm just going to say it.
What do you mean?
Like if you had applied and you're a perfect candidate for this role.
Yeah.
Amanda hadn't gone out to drinks with these people.
Yeah.
What's happening there?
I don't know.
I know she did say she saw I applied.
I know, but after Amanda had.
Right.
No, I think she said it was both things.
Oh, okay.
She's like, I saw you applied and also got an S for you.
Your friend raved about you.
Okay, I see.
So I had the interview got an offer letter probably the next day or the day after.
And negotiated my salary.
Wow.
Got the ask that I wanted.
Literally started three days later, I think.
Wow.
It all happened within a week.
So literally when my severance pay ended is when I started my new job, which was insane.
And I'm just saying, wow, I know this is.
It was a weird thing.
And my recommendation, she didn't need to call anyone because Amanda was one.
And then the old president of my company was the new chairwoman of this current company.
So she emailed her.
She was like, oh, yeah, she's great.
She's go get her.
Hired.
Wow.
And that was that was it.
Wow.
Yeah, it was a very certain dipitous thing.
Sometimes it silver linings.
Sometimes it's literally silence for two weeks.
I had silence.
And I think that was a point when I was getting stressed because I was like, oh my God, like
I'm not hearing back.
I'm not getting any interviews.
And then all of a sudden, week four, I had four interviews.
And then literally two months later, I was getting emails from companies that I had applied
to.
And we're like, we'd love to have you for an interview.
And I was like, I already have a job, but you're great.
Thank you for getting back to me.
But I think it's a, I'm really happy that you're sharing this with us and you feel comfortable
taking the time to talk about this on the podcast because I, it's a difficult thing.
And I think hearing your story and hearing how it all worked out, and I know not everyone
situation is the same and not everyone has the same layoff story, but hearing your process,
hearing that it takes time, that how you approached it and had got a new opportunity that you're
happy with is great.
Yeah, thank you.
And I've had a few friends get let go since and I've pretty much given the same advice
to them, like try and enjoy your time off.
I know it's going to be really hard.
Make sure you're spending a lot of time looking for jobs, like every single day that you can.
Make sure you're doing activities outside of that.
Make sure you're working out or going for walks or going to the park, whatever it is,
getting ice cream.
Make sure you're feeding your mental health because you need to make sure that that's
number one above all.
Don't spiral.
Yeah, you can go into like a really dark place if you really think about like the reality
of it.
I'm sure.
Yeah.
Imagine having a family.
Yeah, I can't note that would be, I mean, it's me.
Yeah, it's just me.
So, you know, and I know I had Martin and I just tried to stay positive and tried to
keep my mind on like positivity because- Because you're a schnau.
You also want to like attract that.
Yeah.
You don't want to go on an interview and be like desperate.
Yeah.
So I think it's just important to remember those things.
And I really like your advice about not shying away from telling people.
I think that's really important with anything you do.
If you're looking for support, if you're looking for help, if you need people more involved,
you're not alone.
Yeah.
We talk about this a lot in different areas.
So even whether you're looking for a new job, got laid out from a job, there's people out
there to help you.
Yeah, definitely have a network because I think that's really important.
Also different ways for you say you didn't get a job in the five weeks, some other ideas,
part-time work, you know, go see what you can do part-time.
I did.
Yes.
I think that's a good point.
I did think about that.
You know, I know there's different things my brothers fiance took time off to go back
to school and she does rover and dog walking and like other fun things to fill her time
and make some extra money.
So you know, while you might not be getting health insurance, you could make some extra
cash.
You know how I talk about side hustles?
Yeah.
No, I think that's a really good point.
I did Hushaw map.
I think that is important.
It's like, what's plan B in plan A doesn't work out in the time allotted to me?
What am I going to do?
Did you have a plan B?
I was going to bartend.
Oh, yeah.
Have you bartended before?
I was in college like twice, like two nights.
Me and my friend, like, I don't even know how they hired us, but we were like, yeah,
we can bartend.
And then we were like, what do we do?
We were like, what do we do?
But I had went to bartending school after I finished college and I planned to do it.
But I never ended up doing it.
But I was like, I can figure that out if needed, right?
We can do a bartending event.
What?
Like us.
Let's do a bartending thing.
Okay.
I'm just trying to think of fun things for us today for you to use that skill.
Yeah.
All right.
So I think that's a really good point.
Yeah.
Thanks for mentioning that.
Anything else?
Plan B's.
Just make sure.
Any advice from you from like what you've seen of people getting let go?
I think just empathy and understanding.
My natural instinct is to one, make sure people emotionally are okay.
Yeah.
Seeing how they are, pushing them to do podcasts and I'm just kidding.
You know, being a supportive person for them, knowing, you know, if having gone through
this with people, just checking in, are you okay?
What can I do for you?
Pushing people along.
I'm a pusher.
I like to help people.
You're a pusher.
I'm a pusher.
I like to help.
So I think if you know someone that's going through it, make sure that your friend's okay,
be supportive and see network for them too.
You know, if you know that someone would be good for a job, I think I sent you someone
you were laid off and like, hey, you'd be a good candidate for this.
So I think, you know, looking out, if you know someone's going through this, look out
for them when you're, you know, posting on LinkedIn about whatever you're doing.
Yes.
I think that's a good point.
Yeah.
I had a few friends like sending me job listings and stuff and just if they came across it.
So I thought that was really nice.
I do have a funny story about being laid off.
How funny is this?
It's about my mom.
Oh my gosh.
What?
Well, my mom had just gotten married.
She worked in retail.
And she got married.
She was like on cloud nine.
She just went on her honeymoon.
She comes back from her honeymoon and they're like pulling her into the office and they're
she's like, oh, you know, whatever they're talking.
And they're like, okay.
So we have to let you go.
And she's like, ha ha, so funny, like one I just got back from.
I'm just married and back with my honeymoon.
You guys are funny for pulling Nick joke on me.
Like, no, really.
You were letting you go.
And then you just sort of balling and just like, oh my God, what am I going to do?
No.
What does she do?
I don't remember.
I wasn't there.
I know.
What was the point?
You know the story.
I think she took some time eventually found a different job.
She's going to be like outstanding item for next week.
She took some time off and then I think she started working at working from home or something.
The timing couldn't have been worse.
I know.
My goodness.
She's like, I'm not here right now.
I'm over.
Damn.
That is rough.
Yeah.
Was it accompanying off as well?
I don't know.
Mom, when you listen.
I have a lot of questions that you.
Outstanding item.
That's funny.
Yeah.
I think it might have been.
I think it was.
They were like changing departments.
Okay.
Yeah.
Oh, that's terrible.
I know.
Yeah.
It's not it's never a good feeling.
No matter if you like the job, you don't like the job.
Like, it's always sad.
It's always a little embarrassing.
It's always like not a good feeling.
You feel rejected.
I think, you know, just remember to stay positive and work on your mental health above all.
Silver lining.
It'll work out how it's supposed to.
We're not just our jobs.
Yep.
We have other things going for us.
Yep.
And when there's a will, there's a way.
All right.
No.
Well, thanks again for sharing your story.
I'm so glad we talked about it.
Thank you.
I'm glad we talked.
Thank you for giving me the space to talk about it.
I haven't like said this whole story in so long.
I know.
It's amazing to think back about it.
And I think it's really going to help people.
I hope so.
You know, I hope people find something in this episode that helps them.
I hope so too.
Yeah.
Okay.
All right.
So, you can listen to us and follow us at Glad we talked podcast on Instagram to talk.
And eventually we got some YouTube stuff going up there.
You can email us at Glad we talked podcast at gmail.com.
And what's my thing?
Oh, rate of review us.
Yes.
Like, what's my part?
Rate of review us on where we listen to podcasts and five stars because, you know, you love
us so much.
And that's not on that.
That's not on that.
I love when you end the episode like that.
It's my thing.
All right.
Shno.
Okay.
Bye friends.
Goodbye friends.
Glad we talked.
Bye.