I got laid off from my job today.
So much for my cushy government lawyer job. According to page 67 of this, my division’s budget is getting cut by one of the largest percentages of all state agencies – a 40.5 percent cut.
I’ve been given six weeks’ notice. (My last day is May 12.) And I’ll get paid for my unused vacation time. And fortunately Matt and I are currently living rent-free.
The silver lining is that maybe I’ll finally find something I really enjoy doing. Maybe, maybe not. (I’ve been looking for that grail since college and haven’t found it – why would I find it now?)
Maybe now I can find a job in Manhattan and have a shorter commute.
Maybe I can find a job with a higher salary.
Still, this sucks. Now my life gets to be turned upside down for a bit. I hope it’s not for too long. And my self-esteem isn’t doing too well right now, either.
I’m still kind of in shock and don’t really know what my next step is, or even what I want that next step to be. But if anyone has any advice or job leads or whatever, I’ll listen to anything.
Since you are currently rent-free, now is the time to pursue something that has always been of interest to you. Something you thought would never happen because of financial reasons. Oh, and by the way, the holy grail is always within you grasp. You just have to shed your pre-dispositions.
I’m sorry to hear that.
You should consider the City Law Department. If you want to continue in your field, it might be a good place to look. And you don’t pay Social Security taxes!
I second Tim. See this as your oppurtunity to practice law in a field you’ve always wanted to work in. Or get out of law altogether (but not too far, learning a new skill set might take too much time). But above all, don’t underestimate yourself!
WHAT!?!?!!?
Well…we have a generalist position open…also a position open in LA if you feel like relocating to civilization.
Anyway, pardon my french, but that fucking SUCKS. I am so sorry — but you know, when God closes a door he opens a window. It’s true, really.
I read your post very early this morning and I was about the offer some very hackneyed advice, but … All I can say is don’t rush into anything. Take care of yourself (diet, exercise, sleep) and put your well-being at the top of the priority list for the next six weeks. If it happens that you experience extended unemployment, use that time to develop the state of mind, life outlook and physique that you always wanted.
Ouch. But if the self-esteem part is that you got canned and others didn’t, well, forget ’em. You’re younger, you’ve left Jersey, and you’ve indicated you never bonded with “the team,” so it makes plenty of sense without taking it as something personal or a reflection of your work.
Many people toy with the idea of joining a campaign, but drop the idea because it might interrupt their day job or career. You apparently… don’t have that problem.
You have the right degree, appropriate civil work experience, interest in a range of public policy topics, au courant blogging skills, writing talent demonstrated from a portfolio of columns to a letter in the Times, an itch to be out on the streets of New York, proximity to enlist bright-eyed college volunteers, an obvious appreciation of the city’s cultural role, the ability to sit through a community meeting on sewer hikes, and a job title that would make people think you were tough on crime. So I’m sayin’, youze could make a case for yourself.
Don’t know the midterm situation in New York, but you might scout candidates for city office, better yet for state office but who’d have a constituent office in Manhattan, better yet ones likely to survive the September primaries, or maybe most fun of all, a campaign that’s completely, utterly, tragically doomed. I mean like, opera level doomed.
Aside from any half-year job hunt continuance you’d get on a campaign — and assuming a desire to keep living in the manner to which lawyers become accustomed — your interests seem to lie more with the judiciary, generally. Unless you could be the next A3G. Or else OddTodd. Or toss it all for an alternative weekly non-salary, and waitsinging at Ellen’s Stardust. Man, think of the tips!
Hang in there! Change is good. You realize you have time to do things you’ve put off. Focus on the positive aspects of your job and what you like about it and use those criteria for your new search. Maybe its time for a whole new career. Tap into some of that unused talent that you dont know you have. Its an exciting time right now and a lot of companies are hiring. Having a law degree comes in handy, even if you arent practicing law per-se. Good luck and I can’t wait to read about what lies ahead in the next few weeks.
Yowsers! That bites. Glad to hear you aren’t in dire straights though. Good luck in the search. At least the job market has improved.
Oh Jeff, I think you will find a lot of new doors waiting for you to walk through. Good luck on the ob search.
Good luck on the job search. I hope it all works out. I was laid off about 8 years ago and went into teaching. I’ve been there since! I enjoy it! Hope it works out!
I only just started reading your blog…but that was shocking news indeed! I actually gasped…good luck to you…I’m sure everything will work out for you…from what you said you seem to be in a good place right now…Good Luck to you!
Jeff, I’m so sorry…please let me know if there’s anything I can do.
I’d bet that someone as talented, well-educated and handsome as you can find a better paying paying, better located job. You just didn’t have an excuse to look for one before.
I’m cheering for you, love.
Once the shock wears off, you’ll see that it really is an opportunity more than a curse. One thing I’m sure of is that you’ll make better use of this opportunity for yourself than I did after my own layoff a few years back, when I ended up going into government service as a result. And even so, I’m happier now than I was at that job back then. I suspect you’ll come through this even more ably.
For the moment, though, huge hugs, and I’ll definitely help any way I can.
I’ve been off the map for a while (hence the late comment), but had to pop up to tell you that as difficult as this can be–and it IS difficult–it also often turns out to be the best thing that could’ve happened to you. I’ve been there twice, and each time I found something that I ultimately enjoyed so much more than my comfort-zone, doing-it-for-years-the-same-way job. Not dream jobs (yet!), but an improvement, and that’s a big thing.
It’s rare to find career fulfillment. It really is. How many people do you know who absolutely LOVE their jobs? It takes a long time, many job changes, and probably some soul-searching and uncomfortable unemployment. But if you’re one of the lucky ones who do find it, it’s worth it. Use this as one more step toward being a lucky one.
You’ve my sympathies. Getting cut loose like this is never fun, whoever or whatever does the cutting.