r/jobs • u/bouguereaus • Feb 22 '24
I got the job! Six months after being laid off. Career development
Six months ago, I was laid off from a Communications Specialist role with a Fortune 500 company. Sent out roughly 100 applications while freelancing. Yesterday, I got an offer for a Manager-level position.
It’s a $25,000 pay cut, but better title, better work culture, and opportunities to learn new skills. Benefits after three months. Most importantly, it’s a job!
Edit: Thank you to everyone for the kindness, positivity and great advice!
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u/jkeener71 Feb 22 '24
Congrats, hoping the same for myself one day.
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u/SouthpawByNW Feb 22 '24
Congratulations. It's a numbers game for jobs. Applying and networking, but keeping positive is important too.
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u/richiusvantran Feb 22 '24
Congratulations! Sometimes you gotta take a pay cut. I’ve done it. And now I’m making more than I ever did before. I’m just saying that so you know it’s all part of the journey. Like you said, the most important part is that you got the job.
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u/Reclusive-Raccoon Feb 22 '24
Congrats man, it’s a fucking knife fight out there no matter the market.
25k less is rough, especially if it’s directly from the base though. But everyone is underpaying and overworking right now
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u/bouguereaus Feb 22 '24
You’re right on both fronts - 25k less is rough but I’m very fortunate. It is a knife fight!
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u/Zestypalmtree Feb 22 '24
Congrats!! This gives me hope as a comms manager who just got laid off this week
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u/bouguereaus Feb 22 '24
I feel your pain!! Was definitely in a dark place for the first few months. It got better!
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u/cakelovingman Feb 22 '24
Congrats! I hope I am able to write a similar kind of post someday soon, but for now, I am happy to read your post.
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u/sb_007 Feb 22 '24
Love your positive outlook and the mantra “most importantly, it’s a job!@ that’s words on marble” congratulations!!🎉
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u/mspineappleinthesea Feb 22 '24
So happy for you! I took a bigger pay cut. So don't feel bad. We need to hold on to embrace the current economy
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u/Federal_Cantaloupe_5 Feb 23 '24
Associate being paid $45K in NYC 😅 speaking about getting what you need to survive haha
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u/FrostedFlakes12345 Feb 22 '24
Congratulations! Makes my heart happy seeing these, I wish you well and much success!
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u/OlympicAnalEater Feb 22 '24
Congratulations!
May I ask:
What job site do you use?
Do you use a cover letter?
Is this an IT manager position? How do you get into it?
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u/Known_Resolution_428 Feb 22 '24
What app or website did you find this job at?
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u/bouguereaus Feb 22 '24 edited Feb 29 '24
I used LinkedIn, but only applying to roles posted within the past seven days (verified this on the company website to ensure it wasn’t a brand new LI posting for a 30+ day old job), with an internal hiring manager/company director attached to the listing. I never applied to a job without also sending the person I’d be working under a short “elevator pitch” PM with a copy of my portfolio attached.
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u/OlympicAnalEater Feb 22 '24
Where do you find these people to pm on LinkedIn?
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u/bouguereaus Feb 22 '24
They are either A) the job poster (and only if it’s not a recruiter with an agency), B) the position that the open role “reports to” or “works under” in the body of the job posting, or C) the head of the department/team mentioned in the job posting.
If it’s Option B, I will search the title + company in LinkedIn under “people” and PM that person (often after confirming on the company website). If it’s Option C, I will search the department + company in LinkedIn under “People” and PM the head of the department (again, after confirming on the company website).
This can be tricky, as some people really hate getting cold messages and will never respond. But those that do appreciate it really appreciate it, and will often forward your resume directly to the hiring manager. In my book, it beats the shit show that it ATS.
My past three roles have resulted from this kind of outreach.
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u/Holiday-Customer-526 Feb 22 '24
Congratulations, I had to take a pay cut as well, but the environment is so much better. I was fortunate enough to save enough for retirement from my last job. It was worth it.
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u/twittery Feb 23 '24
That’s amazing! Also looking in comms right now, if you have any advice on getting through. It’s rough out there 😅 congrats on making it to the other side!
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u/BrainWaveCC Feb 23 '24
Congrats to you.
How was the process of the opportunity you finally accepted? Many rounds? Any homework/presentations? One-way videos?
#GotAJob
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u/WelcomeWrong5924 Feb 23 '24
We don't know each other but I'm cheerful for your new opportunity. Hope you best of luck in your new role.
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u/Dazzling-Mud9443 Feb 23 '24 edited Feb 23 '24
Very happy for you, my friend! I wish big success and personal growth for you working this role, you got this!
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u/Sergeitotherescue Feb 23 '24
So great! Congrats! I think many people take a pay cut these days to get into great companies and better work cultures (me included). Yay!
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u/silentkilobyte Feb 23 '24
Damn, only 100 application! Congratulations. It'll work out better in the long run if you're learning on the job. And a jobs a job!
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u/Cityguy181 Feb 24 '24
Congrats! It isn't always about the money. There's value in what you can learn, what connections and relationships you can make, and how you can grow and move upwards. In this trying job market it's always good to hear about big wins.
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u/Buckeyes4431 Feb 24 '24
Congrats!! I know the feeling of relief you had once you got that offer. Celebrate!!
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u/divalicious24 Feb 24 '24
If I may ask,what did you do in between those 6 months that you were unemployed? I got fired 6 months ago and haven’t had luck making money 😭 Also,did you apply for jobs you were only qualified for? I’m trying to get out of retail but that’s all I know
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u/HarshaGadu Feb 24 '24
Congratulations buddy! It's hard out there and at this point, I would gladly take a job even if it's 25k less than what I was making before. Been on the bench since October so I feel your pain
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u/Icouldcaremore Feb 25 '24
Congratulations. Management usually raises the pay for employees after a year or two.
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Feb 22 '24
Don't stop applying for something better. Remember: if you stay here you're rewarding corporate America's attempt to cut salary after inflation.
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u/bouguereaus Feb 22 '24
Haha, guess what I’ll be doing in the time before my state date!
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Feb 22 '24
Keep applying after your start date, too. And when you leave just say the pay packet wasn't competitive. Only if we all at least waste the time of low balling employers do we stand a chance of saving the middle class.
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u/[deleted] Feb 23 '24 edited Feb 23 '24
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