Terminated - Job Seeking Advice and Discussion - Over 200 Posts with Advice

Added in edit by Forum Moderator 3-26-2008:
Here's a thread that began long before I registered and ran over a year (December 2002 through January 2004.) Despite some detours, it deals primarily with the traumas of being laid off and struggling to get a new job in a tough economic climate.

We have several current threads going about job hunting and getting interviews along with packaging yourself via resumes and cover letters to present the best picture to a prospective employer.

I think it's worth the time to revisit this thread and see that being fired (no euphemisms here) is not unique. It happens to many people through no real fault of their own. Being fired means it's OK to feel sorry for yourself for a little while, but then you have to start work full time on the new job - "job hunting!" It's strictly commission, you don't get paid until you make a sale!

When you hunt for that job, make sure all your tools and weapons are in first rate shape. The most important tool is attitude! I'll be taking that topic up soon in the "gatekeeper" thread http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=9325
This seems like a good place to put this.

My Fellow Cove Members,

The holidays are upon us and it is a time for rejoicing. There are probably a few who will do just that at this little piece of news. But, I’m a big boy. Enjoy.

Energy has been given the old heave ho, the walk of shame, handed his hat, booted or using the preferred term, “terminated” from his place of employment for the last two years. (Just about the time I joined the Cove.) Top Management has decided to abandon attempts at ISO registration and maintaining a Quality Department, therefore my services will no longer be needed. I believe there are posts recommending doing just that. What a Christmas present. The Managers who refused to cooperate and contribute their share to the ISO effort will enjoy Christmas with the family “employed”. I believe it was Jim Wade who said that we have to be Salesmen. I think it was Mike S. who expressed anger that the Mgt Rep/QA Mgr could lose his/her job because others ducked responsibility for successful implementation. Well, you were both right. I couldn’t sell them. I relied heavily on Top Management to force a commitment. Many of my posts complained at the lack of Top management’s commitment, but that was here in the Cove. When you are told that “we don’t have time for crap right now” from your boss, back to work you go. Unfortunately, that boss has also fallen into disfavor with the “Grinch who stole Christmas” and has been re-assigned, but still working. And, that’s what it’s really all about. Mike S., that’s the thin line we walk. You just hope that it doesn’t happen.

So, I will join Lucinda and others who may be seeking employment. At the age of, soon to be 60, it won’t be easy. The employment picture is bleak and it looks like a long haul. Posting is not the same without a nice office and weekly checks, but I’ll drop by from time to time to read and stay abreast of the latest trends. No jokes. You have to be in the mood. Later Y’all.

Bill

[Marc]

Sorry to hear that. You'll find another 'Master' soon, thought, so enjoy the free time as best you can.

[D.Scott]

Energy - I am sorry to hear your news. I am on the other side of 60 and I sure know how I would feel in the same situation. With the ecconomy what it is, that is a possibility I face and worry about daily.

I have often wondered what I would do if it came to it and have always thought I could at least pick up some time auditing, teaching, or consulting. With your experience and knowledge you would be a value in all of those areas.

I sure wish you the best and will let you know if I hear anything through our suppliers and customers in your area. Be sure to let me know if there is anything I can do to help - you have my e-mail.

Dave

[Atul Khandekar]

energy,

Sorry to hear the news. Cheese has a bad habit of getting moved!

I do remember having mentioned in one of the threads a few months ago that you would make an excellent consultant, just as Dave has said here.

Whatever you decide to do, I do hope you would stay on with the Cove and wish you all that is best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
-Atul.

[Craig H.]

Bill, this stinks!!

The first thought that came into my mind is that they don't deserve your services, anyway. Leave them to swing in the wind.

Several here have mentioned that you would make a great consultant. I agree. You seem to be eager to help others, and you have a lot of knowledge to share. If your sense of humor in person is anything like it is on the 'net, getting along with clients should be a natural for you.

Great luck with whatever you decide to do. I'll keep my ears open...

[Mike S.]

Dam*it, Energy, I didn't want to hear something like that today! But of course neither did you! While I wish you could have left on YOUR terms, not theirs, I agree that they didn't deserve you, that you were being forced to live with the lack of support by others, forced to do most all of it yourself, thereby making your job nearly impossible (I know the feeling well). Imagine the Mfg. guys being told to do their job alone with no support from Purchasing, Engineering, QA, HR, or Finance! I'd like to see them get a taste of that medicine to bring it into better focus for them! But I'm preaching to the choir...

Between you and Lucinda this is getting depressing. I understand your concern with age possibly being a barrier. Hopefully you can get in with a company that will see the benefits, not the drawbacks. Tell 'em how you outworked the young whipper snappers, what a vast range of experience you have, and how you'd be a great mentor. Maybe offer to come on board as a consultant first to get their trust. Use the 'net; use networking anong friends and associates; especially consider calling suppliers you worked with who might have liked your style and asking if they have any leads for you. Ya never know. And take the time to write a killer resume' -- I think that is VERY important. Perhaps you can get some advice as to how to handle the age issue at www.workforce.com, a forum-type web site similar to the Cove that deals with all types of HR related issues and seems to have lots of participation. Ask a HR dude what gives them a warm feeling when dealing with older applicants.

Keep dropping in here to stay sharp and stay out of the dumps. If there is anything I/we could do to help, let us know.

[Bill Ryan]

Energy, I'm truly sorry to hear your news. I'd like to be able to say something that might lift your spirits, but I don't know what that would be.

I, too, will keep my ears to the ground and relay anything I hear about (for you to Lucinda!).

Please stay in touch here at the Cove and let us know how your search is progressing.

Hang in there and I wish you the best possible holiday season.

Bill

[Jimmy Olson]

Energy,

Sorry to hear about things. I hope you stick around the cove until you find something else, that way we can all listen to you complain about your new job.

Get some extra fishing in for me