Being suddenly laid off is never easy, especially when you’re deeply invested in your job, as I was. I had found what I thought was my dream position at a biotech firm, where I was thriving in my role as a sourcer for the executive recruitment team. The work was fulfilling, and I felt supported by my colleagues and leaders. Then, out of nowhere, a merger changed everything.
In this article, I want to share my personal story of how I secured four job offers in just one month after my layoff. It’s a journey filled with lessons learned, emotional turmoil, and ultimately, a newfound confidence in navigating my career.
The Shock of the Layoff
The day the merger was announced was like any other Monday. I was actively engaged in projects, feeling secure in my role. But by the following Friday, I was unexpectedly out of a job. The news blindsided me and I was filled with fear about my future. Here I was, someone who had always found joy and purpose in my work, suddenly grappling with uncertainty.
The panic set in quickly. My mind raced with thoughts like, “How will I pay my bills?” and “What do I do now?” I had loved my job and had been rapidly growing within my team. The shock of this layoff was compounded by the fear of not knowing what would happen next.
Turning to Strategy
Despite my emotional upheaval, I wanted to act fast. Drawing on my experience as a sourcer, I shifted my focus inward and began to strategize my job search. I decided to concentrate on executive search agencies that focused on life sciences, pharma or biotech.
I spent an entire day compiling a comprehensive list of search agencies in the U.S. utilizing every resource available—from agency websites to LinkedIn—to identify key players within these organizations. It felt empowering to take control of my situation and apply the skills I used for my clients for myself.
Outreach Approach
With my list of agencies ready, I dove into outreach. I reached out to over 100 individuals in the first two weeks, crafting personal emails that explained my situation and highlighted my experience. I was candid about my recent layoff, sharing my journey and what I could offer. I attached my resume, making it easy for recipients to learn more about my background.
The responses I received were encouraging. Many people were willing to help; they offered to connect me with others or kept an eye out for potential job openings. By the end of that month, I had 17 phone interviews lined up, and it felt like my hard work was paying off.
Lessons in Self-Care
As the interviews progressed, I found myself facing a significant choice: several offers came my way. However, the emotional turmoil I had experienced during my job search left me feeling vulnerable. I instinctively gravitated toward the offer that seemed the safest, mirroring the job I had just left. The financial stability of the role also felt comforting amid the chaos.
But the lesson I learned was while it’s crucial to secure a job, it’s equally important to consider long-term growth, company culture, and how the position aligns with your aspirations. I made my decision based on what felt safe, not on what would serve me best in the long run.
Reflection
Looking back, I wish I had given myself a moment to breathe after the layoff. The initial shock created a whirlwind that made it hard to think strategically. I believe that taking a step back to evaluate my emotions and clarify my goals could have led to a more thoughtful choice.
That’s the thing about layoffs—they can feel like a personal failure, yet they are not a reflection of your abilities. In this highly dynamic industry, change is constant, and being laid off is sometimes just a part of that landscape.
Embrace Your Value
The core of what I want to share is when faced with a layoff, it’s vital to remember your worth. Just because you’ve been laid off doesn’t mean you’re not skilled or valuable. Use your sourcing expertise to market yourself in a way that reflects your true capabilities.
While I did secure multiple offers, the journey was as much about self-discovery as it was about finding a new role. Remember to take care of yourself emotionally, approach your job search strategically, and remain open to opportunities that align with your long-term career goals.
In the end, your next chapter is waiting for you. Embrace it with the same creativity and determination you apply to your work every day, and you may just find that layoff is the beginning of something great.