The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. It’s hard to believe that it’s been four weeks since I was laid off. If you’ve been following my journey, you might recall my blog post about the nature of human connection, where I reflected on being let go from my company. I discussed how every season has its end, and it was time for me to move on. Following that, I shared some thoughts on preparing for the next step in your career, especially for those who, like me, find themselves suddenly without a job. I emphasized the importance of being proactive, rather than simply relying on severance pay and waiting for the next opportunity to come along. My most recent blog focused on avoiding rookie mistakes and the importance of patience in making business decisions.
Now, as I sit here in my fourth week since being let go, I’m excited to share that I will be starting with a new company on Wednesday. This transition has given me time to reflect on the decisions I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned. I want to share some of those insights with you, as they might be helpful for anyone going through a similar experience.
The Power of Consistency and Connection
One of the first things I noticed during this transition period was my consistency in writing. I’ve been posting a blog every week for the past 20 weeks—almost six months of consistent content. Initially, I saw a gradual decline in engagement, which picked up again when I added “Open to Work” on my profile. It’s human nature to be curious, to want to know the story behind a sudden change. Some people might want to see if you’ll fail, while others are genuinely interested in your journey.
However, what surprised me was the realization that I had built some truly solid connections with people. When you’re consistent in your efforts, whether it’s in your work or your relationships, people notice. They remember the kindness, the leadership, and the effort you’ve put in. And in times of transition, those connections can become your most valuable asset.
Being Good to People: A Leadership Lesson
The main message I want to share this week is simple: be good to people. Be a good leader. Always do your best, no matter the circumstances. In my previous role, the company was going through significant changes, and it wasn’t a particularly positive environment. Change can be challenging, especially when it disrupts established ways of doing things. I’ve always prided myself on being adaptable, but sometimes, even when you’re willing to change, others around you may not see you as part of the future. That’s just the way it is sometimes.
Despite these challenges, it’s crucial not to let negative experiences change who you are. Remain a good person. Over the years, my leaders have often commented on my high emotional intelligence (EQ), which is a compliment I appreciate. But I haven’t always had it. It took years of personal growth to move away from a more rigid, military way of thinking—where you do something simply because you’re told to—and towards a more empathetic approach. Understanding people’s “why” and being kind in your interactions is essential. When you do this consistently, people remember it, and they want to stay connected to that positive energy.
Handling Negative Relationships with Grace
Of course, not everyone you meet will like you, and that’s okay. In the last five years at my previous company, I can think of two people who probably hated me. One of them, I believe, just needed someone to dislike, and I happened to be that person. The other likely wasn’t a good fit for their role in the first place. But out of the hundreds of people I met, having only a handful who didn’t like me is a pretty good ratio.
The key is to remain gracious and not let these few negative relationships overshadow the many positive ones. Not every personality fits together, and that’s perfectly normal. Focus on the connections that matter and continue to be kind and professional in all your interactions.
The Importance of Patience and Preparedness
In these past few weeks, I’ve learned that patience and preparedness are two of the most important qualities you can have during a career transition. As soon as I was let go, I started a business, thinking I might need to do contract work until I found a permanent job. Even if it meant staying in contracting, I saw it as an opportunity to learn new things outside of my usual scope.
But I was careful not to rush into anything. When former colleagues reached out with immediate opportunities, I didn’t jump at the first offer. I took my time, ensuring that I had all the necessary elements in place—like a business bank account and insurance—before moving forward. It’s about being patient and making decisions that are right for you, not just convenient for others.
Building New Opportunities Through Connections
Interestingly, in the past few weeks, I’ve had more meetings than I did in the last few months of my previous job. I’ve met and consulted with more people, sent out proposals, and even got one signed—all because I took my time and didn’t rush into anything. One of the most significant opportunities came from a connection I made years ago. We reconnected over lunch, and I learned that this person had moved up to a senior director role at a new company and was thriving there.
After discussing their company’s culture and values, they asked if I’d be interested in joining their team. I took the time to research the company, ensuring it was a good fit for me before moving forward with an interview. The process was enjoyable, and I was impressed by their thoughtful and honest approach. Their core values aligned with mine, and I appreciated the opportunity to explore this new path.
A Fresh Start and the Value of Reputation
As I prepare to start my new role, I can’t help but think about the importance of maintaining a good reputation. I’ve seen many of my peers struggle to find work after similar layoffs, not because they weren’t skilled, but because their reputation didn’t reflect the kind of person others wanted to work with. Your reputation is built on how you treat others, how you handle challenges, and how you present yourself in the professional world.
Years ago, I moved back to New Mexico to help my mom after my dad passed away. Despite being a master electrician with military experience, I struggled to find a job for months. Looking back, I realize that my sense of entitlement was a significant barrier. I expected that my qualifications alone would be enough to land me a job. But I learned a valuable lesson—approaching opportunities with gratitude rather than entitlement is key to success.
The Importance of Professionalism and Kindness
In the professional world, being kind and professional goes a long way. I’ve always tried to be the person who shows up on time, volunteers first, and helps others without jumping to conclusions. I’ve made a conscious effort not to hold grudges or be petty, though I’ll admit I’ve had my moments. But overall, I’ve aimed to be positive and supportive, and I believe that’s made a difference in how others perceive me.
When people think of you, they don’t just remember your job title or the clients you managed. They remember how you made them feel, how you treated them, and whether they could rely on you. Being a good person in your professional life doesn’t mean you have to be all business, but it does mean you need to be consistent in your kindness and reliability.
Preparing for the Future
Even though I’m starting a new job, I was fully prepared for the possibility that it might take longer. I organized my finances to ensure I could manage for at least 12 months without a significant income, which allowed me to focus on finding the right opportunity rather than just any opportunity. My goal was to secure a new job within three months, and I was prepared to do whatever it took to make that happen.
Fortunately, less than 30 days after being let go, I found a new role that aligns with my values and goals. But I know that this success was due in large part to how I’ve treated others throughout my career. Kindness, patience, and professionalism have opened doors for me, and I believe they can do the same for anyone.
Continuing the Journey
Just because I’ve found a new job doesn’t mean I’m stopping my blog. I plan to continue sharing my experiences and insights, both here and on my consulting blog, Master of One. If you’re interested in topics like SEO and building a personal brand, especially for Realtors, I encourage you to check out my latest posts.
Thank you for following my journey. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help others who are navigating similar challenges. Remember, success isn’t just about what you know or what you’ve done—it’s about how you treat people along the way. Stay kind, stay patient, and keep moving forward.