An intermission: I just got laid off and everything is weird

Layoffs are awkward. So let's talk about. I want your layoff stories. In this quick episode, I'm asking you to call in and share your recent layoff story. I want to know how it went and how you feel about it now. All perspectives are welcome. I'll use your anonymous stories in future episodes. More details about this project in the episode. Plus, in this episode I share what it's like to be laid off via Zoom when everyone is working remotely. Leave your story as a voicemail at ‪503-208-6037‬. Reminder: Keep your story under 2 minutes so we can play them in future episodes. Prepare for your next career move and the future of work with the new book: Punch Doubt in the Face: How to Upskill, Change Careers, and Beat the Robots.

Hello fabulous listeners. I'm interrupting my normal podcast episodes for something a bit different. As this fierce global pandemic rages on, I'm going to pause on talking about career changes and the future of work. Instead, I'm switching gears. For the next 10 episodes or so I'm going to talk about layoffs. You may have seen the headlines by now: 3.3 million people have filed for unemployment. And it's only the beginning. There are a lot of more to come, and for those who have jobs, there is plenty of uncertainty and anxiety around layoffs. So let's talk about it. I'm going to talk about multiple aspects of getting laid off. From what to do in your first week after layoff, to finding your next steps in uncertainty, to spending your layoff severance, to anticipating layoffs in your current job. I'll still talk about upskilling, as it's still important in your career. I'll cover how to learn new skills with more discussion about how to find learning opportunities that position you for future roles. As I noted in a prior episode, we don't talk much about layoffs in our culture. It's time to change that. In this episode, I explain more about how I'm shifting the focus of this podcast for the near-future. Plus, I share how I was just laid off as well. Got something on your mind about layoffs? Need a question answered? Write me at hello@50conversations.com. I'll answer some of your questions throughout future episodes. Wishing you all health and safety! Need a new career book to help you? Check out my book: Punch Doubt in the Face: How to Upskill, Change Careers, and Beat the Robots.

As a society we don't talk a lot about layoffs. So in this episode we're tackling it head on. Kelly serves up her career story alongside an honest discussion about how to adjust after being laid off. Kelly is a Senior Salesforce Business Operations Analyst who works in tech. She's also had a few career shifts along the way. She's done accounting work for a dental company, worked as a fabric librarian in interior design, and provided administrative support for a construction company. Kelly shares how her career shifts haven't always been intentional. She's been laid off three times but her career story is one of success after layoffs. It's one filled with finding opportunity, reflection, and learning from experience. Kelly shares how she's learned to be proactive instead of reactive so that she is always prepared for the unexpected at work. And she shares how she taught herself new skills to become a Salesforce power house. Plus we talk how to respond to the question "why did you leave your company?" after a layoff and the difference between certificates and certifications. Quotes I really appreciated from this episode: "When you are working, always keep in the back of your mind that it could happen. There are so many changes that people make within their careers for so many different reasons. There are corporate mergers, companies that just don't make it, and all different reasons for people getting laid off. It happens. It happens a lot. "It's helpful to be prepared. Document what you're doing currently in your career and make sure you're making those connections at work who could be a reference later on or know someone who might hook you up with a job. Expect the unexpected." "No matter what industry you are in, you are going to find people who are passionate about what they do and whatever career they found for themselves. Find those people and talk to them. They will listen to you, answer your questions, and point you in the direction of more information." "There might be options in your company. If you are thinking about trying something different, look for openings another department. If you have a good company and good relationships with the people you work with, they're a valuable resource." --- Thinking about a career change? Don’t do it all on your own. Get the book to help you figure out your next career. Explore my new book, Punch Doubt in the Face: How to Upskill, Change Careers, and Beat the Robots. Need a speaker to help your audience upskill and navigate automation in the workplace? Check out my talks at: www.nicollemerrill.com

Reskilling. Upskilling. It seems like everyone is talking about skills lately. New technology like automation and artificial intelligence are changing the workplace. Upskilling is a way to adapt to the changes in our workplace. Upskilling is a verb and a mindset. It’s the act of learning new skills to improve your professional life. It’s also a willingness to accept that things are changing, take charge of your learning and development, and not burry your head in the sand. This bonus episode dives into what it means to upskill and how to learn new skills. You’ll hear why you should upskill yourself and find ways to upskill your career. You'll also hear me say upskill a bajillion times. This is part of my keynote Upskill Now: Adapting to the Age of the Agile Worker. It's based on my new book Punch Doubt in the Face: How to Upskill, Change Careers, and Beat the Robots. This episode on upskilling yourself covers: - How to find the right learning experience to help you upskill - How to upskill yourself while working - How to find free learning opportunities in your workplace - Choosing companies that provide a learning environment - How to choose a digital bootcamp - Why leaders and management need to upskill as well For speaking inquires, visit www.nicollemerrill.com Got thoughts on this podcast episode? Contact me at hello at 50 conversations dot com.