How to Stay Connected During Downtime

Networking from a Place of Vulnerability Networking after a layoff isn’t easy—especially when you’re unsure of what to ask or how much to share. Here’s how I tackled it. Job loss brings with it an unexpected new responsibility: networking. Before the layoff, I thought I was pretty good at reaching out to my network, but suddenly, it took on a whole new meaning. This time, I wasn’t just connecting casually—I needed to be intentional, letting people know I was looking for new opportunities. It felt different, almost transactional, and I wasn’t sure how to navigate it. I won’t lie—at first, I felt embarrassed to reach out. I wasn’t sure how vulnerable I should be. Would I have to beg for help? How much should I share about my situation? Would people think less of me for asking? The fear of rejection loomed large. But each small step forward proved that these fears were unfounded. The support I received reminded me why building relationships is so valuable. The first step was reaching out to connections I’d built over the years, but it wasn’t easy. I didn’t even know what to ask. “Hey, do you know anyone who’s hiring?” felt awkward and desperate. But as I took the plunge, I realized that those same people were eager to help because of the relationships we had built before. Surprisingly, posting about my experience on LinkedIn brought even more connections. People reached out to offer advice, referrals, and encouragement. What started as a nerve-wracking task became an opportunity to rediscover the power of genuine human connection. Thanks to the foundation I’d laid before the layoff, my network responded with kindness and generosity. The connections I made exceeded my expectations. I felt seen and supported. Some people passed along my information, others offered career advice, and a few went out of their way to introduce me to new connections. These moments not only opened doors professionally but also reminded me that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Lessons I Learned 🎯 Be Genuine: Clearly explain why you want to connect, and if you’re reaching out on LinkedIn, always add a personal note. 🎯 Be Okay with Rejection: Not everyone will say yes, and that’s okay. Focus on others in the same industry or company who might be open. 🎯 Be Prepared: Research the person’s background and role so you can ask thoughtful, tailored questions. 🎯 Be Curious: Prepare a list of questions and end with one they may not expect, like, “Is there anything I can do to support you?” 🎯 Be Courteous: Respect their time by sticking to 20–30 minutes and thanking them afterward. Networking can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it during a tough time. How have you approached reconnecting with your network? What tips or strategies have worked for you? Let’s share and learn from one another in the comments.

The first time I was fired was in 2013. The next day, I did exactly what I thought I was supposed to do, politely and aggressively started pinging my network, asking people to "keep on eye out for me" for the right job. And, that motion didn't work that well - I mean, I was having some fine conversations but they didn't go anywhere. And, as those conversations led to dead ends, I took it all personally, taking too long to realize I needed to change my thinking and approach. Just laid off? Here are a few things I've learned, the hard way: ⏭️ Your next job is going to come through your network, not cold applying. You should cold apply, you should put yourself out there, but it's only one approach not your entire strategy. So, what's your other strategy? 🛜 LinkedIn and the other socials are gonna be your best resources, but not necessarily your best friends. Aka, only you can prevent doom scrolling. 🖇️ Now's the time to get to know your network. Spend the time just going through friends, connections and followers. Be curious about "where people have been and where they are now". Make a list of who would be interesting to reach out to. 🫢 Only you can tell your career story. I remember working so hard to hide my layoff when calling folks. I mean, I was calling folks to talk about finding a job, but I could not say "I was laid off". And, I've learned that layoffs are powerful conversation starters if used the right way. 🤗 Reach out to people with intention. Be honest on why you're reaching out, your ask and what you have to give. FYI - Everyone has something to give. Example, see someone in your extended network that made a career pivot that's interesting, REACH OUT. Tell them "good job" on the career pivot, that it's something you're pursuing, and you'd love to learn from their journey. Flattery that is based in reality, almost always works. 🎁 If someone offers to help you, take them up on it. They mean it, but it's your job to make sure they can help you. Asking someone to "keep you in mind," is the easiest way to be forgotten. Instead, make an ask for a connection, a referral, a recommendation, or a promise to reconnect in a few weeks/months after you explored their advice. The worst that happens is they say no, they can't help. ☠️ Take the time to mourn your layoff. No one cares you were laid off, they care about how you show up next. I know I jumped into the search too quickly, and that haunted me during some of my interviews and networking, as we gossiped about the past vs. uncovering my future. As my friendship bracelet reads, "keep f*&king going." Reach out if I can help. #layoffs #pivot #pivotpeople #networking #relationshipworking

If you’ve been impacted by this week’s layoffs at Microsoft or LinkedIn, I want you to hear this clearly. You are NOT alone. And this moment does not define your worth or your future. I used to believe that staying “hireable” was the key to avoiding stress. That if I could land somewhere else easily, I’d be okay. But the job market has changed, and so has what it takes to feel secure. Today, even junior roles can take 6 months to land. For senior professionals, it’s often 12 to 18 months. Can you afford to go that long without a salary? You can if you build income outside of your paycheck. When I launched my business Data With Serena™️ in 2023, I had 5 income streams. Today, I have 10. That growth wasn’t accidental. It was an intentional mindset shift. Here are five steps to help you take control of your future: 1. Learn AI Skills Now AI is transforming every industry. Employers want people who know how to use it to work smarter, make decisions faster, and stay ahead. Set aside 30 minutes a day to build your AI literacy. Use platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera. If you’ve been impacted this week and need access to one of my LinkedIn Learning courses on GenAI (you’ll get verified skill to put on your LI profile), DM me - I am happy to give you free access to help. 2. Start Building Multiple Income Streams One income source is no longer safe, whether you’re with big tech like Microsoft or even the government. You can freelance, consult, offer digital products, teach what you know, or start a service-based business. Start small. Pick one thing you’re good at and turn it into a paid offering. 3. Improve Your Digital Presence At minimum, make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your résumé. Create a headline and summary that clearly explain who you are and what you’re looking for. Be mindful of past posts. Most companies screen them across multiple platforms. 4. Make 3 Connections Every Week Most roles are filled through conversations and referrals, not job boards. Set a goal to reach out to 3 people per week. Networking is back in-person so make sure you carve out time and budget for events too. Some of my coaching clients do this five to seven times a week and land interviews & offers faster than they expected. 5. Shift From Job-Seeking to Freedom-Building This layoff can be a turning point. Instead of just looking for your next job, you can create a new life where no single company controls your livelihood. A layoff is NOT the end. And if the noises in your head start to get loud, let me be the one to remind you that you are NOT your job. You are WORTHY regardless of your employment status. And YOU matter. The world is a better place with YOU in it. If you found this helpful or if you know anyone impacted by layoffs this week, repost for your network. https://lnkd.in/erwcu49p

Your coworker bestie just got laid off. Here’s how to show up without saying “let me know how to help.” I’ve learned that the best support is specific, human, and consistent. Here are 6 ways to actually be helpful: 1. Offer specific help “Want me to review your resume or LinkedIn?” “Want me to connect you with my recruiter friend?” When you’re specific, they don’t have to carry the emotional labor of figuring out what to ask for. 2. Share job leads thoughtfully Don’t just send random links. Say, “This role made me think of you because it fits your experience in [X].” Tailored is better than volume. 3. Normalize the grief Say, “This sucks and you have every right to feel however you feel.” Before trying to fix it, hold space. 4. Brag about them Write a LinkedIn post about how brilliant they are. Tag them. Highlight their impact and skills. Visibility is support. 5. Send a little joy A meme. A playlist. A coffee gift card. A voice note. It’s not a fix, but it’s a reminder that they’re not alone. 6. Make plans that don’t involve work Go for a walk. Get lunch. Binge a show. Sometimes the most healing thing is being reminded they are more than their job. We rise by showing up for each other. Always. #theBOLDjourney #layoffs #careeradvice #support #jobsearch #microsoftlife #microsoft