Please share your experience as a laid-off employee, so those going through this in coming weeks can benefit from what you learned.
Earlier: A Gannett Blog layoff FAQ
Please post your replies in the comments section, below. To e-mail confidentially, write gannettblog[at]gmail[dot-com]; see Tipsters Anonymous Policy in the green rail, upper right.
Friday, July 10, 2009
38 comments:
Jim says: "Proceed with caution; this is a free-for-all comment zone. I try to correct or clarify incorrect information. But I can't catch everything. Please keep your posts focused on Gannett and media-related subjects. Note that I occasionally review comments in advance, to reject inappropriate ones. And I ignore hostile posters, and recommend you do, too."
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Laid off from a Southeast paper in December:
ReplyDelete1. Realize that it's not your fault and you did nothing wrong.
2. Cry if you need to when the shock wears off.
2. Apply for unemployment as soon as possible.
3. Recast your resume emphasizing your skills over your experience, and eliminate newspaper jargon.
4. If you haven't already, join a social networking site, such as Facebook, so you can stay connected to peers and network for jobs.
5. Tell your children as much as they can understand; they'll sense something is wrong.
6. Prepare to be unemployed -- with all the psychological and financial implications that carries -- for at least six months.
7. Consider talking to a financial advisor about rejiggering your finances and investments, if you're lucky enough to have them.
8. Know that you are not alone, and everything you are feeling is normal and expected.
You need to get out right now and start getting your resume out there always insist to talk to the manager who is hiring not just turn it in and walk away,keep up on all jobs in your area there are jobs.Sign up on Indeed.com job site it is what I used and it was very reliable.Depending on your job pressman and platemakers and even sales people can turn to the commercial print field,thats what I did and it worked out so far.GOOG LUCK I survived so can you PEACE oh by the way Gannett sucks
ReplyDeleteJoin LinkedIn.com
ReplyDeleteIt's more professional than Facebook.
Take a good hard look at the crap that Gannett is now publishing and feel a sense of pride that you have worked for newspapers which were worth reading!
ReplyDeleteIf you are 60ish like I am, don't count on these strategies to find employment. You might be lucky, but we are simply not welcome out there. Even when you get to an interview, it's very easy to tell how unimpressed they are that you worked for Gannett. Under no circumstances, give in to the feeling that you have been an unworthy employee. Realize that you are older, and in this country, that counts for nothing.
Here's a tip: go look for a job.
ReplyDeleteSleep a lot. Eat whatever you want. Don't deprive yourself of creature comforts like mac & cheese, donuts, you get my drift. This is not a time to be stoic.
ReplyDeleteCry, smash pillows, listen to music really loudly.
Pat your dogs and cats a lot.
Hug your spouses and children a lot.
Go to the library and get lists of the biggest companies in your area, spiff up your resume and write a sharp, tight cover letter saying you'd like to come in for an "informative interview." This means, you don't expect them to hire you but you'd like to introduce yourself. I got this tip on a job interview just the other day!
After you've grieved a bit, look for a part-time job somewhere, anywhere. It helps, believe me. To be back out in the public, just earning some money to add to unemployment.
Write things down. Keep a journal. Someday you'll read it and hopefully, have a few good laughs.
Most of all, have faith in whatever higher power you believe in.
Bonne chance, mes amis.
I can honestly say that there is no higher power I believe in, because there's just no reason to believe in one. Far too much unhappiness and suffering in the world to support such an outrageous idea.
ReplyDeleteApart from that, good advice!
Advice on writing your resume- As I found out (thankfully), my resume was filled with Gannett/newspaper baggage such as "saved $X in expenses", "reduced....", "eliminated ____ saving the company $". While routine in the current newspaper environment, it was quickly pointed out I need to focus on positives people would value- Increased ____, created ___ resulting in X% increase. Write the resume as you see fit, then remove the "baggage" unique to a declining industry. You'll find you feel better about yourself as well when you start listing accomplishments instead of reductions.
ReplyDeleteGood luck everybody.
The "Higher Power" is all good and all loving, it is mankind who has screwed everything up.
ReplyDeleteAs far as unemployment ASK QUESTIONS because they won't tell you anything and it's very confusing. Each state is completely different so if you can go to your unemployment office and ask them a ton of questions.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you are interested in being trained in a new field there are great programs to help pay for school. Google WIA or Workforce Investment Act and talk to someone. My school is being paid for by them and it even exempts me from looking for a job while on unemployment.
Keep in touch with the former Co-workers. Facebook is a good idea to socially keep in touch with them.
And most importantly remember that there is life after gannett. It might suck now, but there is not 1 person that I know of that their life is not in a better place after being let go. It always works out!
Have the good fortune to be in a position to retire if you are cut.
ReplyDeleteAnd leave with fond memories of what journalism used to be like.
Linkedin,com is a good to join, but don't discount Facebook. It's not just for college students anymore and has been, for me at least, a far more effective tool to network and get in touch with lost contacts than Linkedin has. It's the digital age and using ALL of the tools in the bag is better than segregating some over others.
ReplyDeleteBest book I've read since being laid off in the December massacre: "Your Money or Your Life"
ReplyDeletehttp://www.yourmoneyoryourlife.org/
About COBRA...For those who need to know...I asked Benefits Resources (Hewitt?) what date my benefits expire and what COBRA costs would be. Apparently, they don't have the info until after you no longer qualify for your current coverage. They couldn't even tell me how to qualify for the COBRA subsidy plan. Oh, well!
ReplyDeleteHello from Your Benefits Resources [TM].
We are unable to answer your questions. Please keep in mind due to prior response. We will not have that information til we have received further communication from the company that you are no longer working, so that we may be able to inform you better.
Thank you for using Your Benefits Resources.
--Original Message--
Date; 7/4/2009 5;45;37 PM
Subject; Re; COBRA costs/Subsidy? [#1445121]
Hi,
What is the date my benefits expire?
How can I qualify to have a COBRA subsidy?
Is there a specific income limit for that?
How much money is Gannett currently paying for my
benefits? [Weekly? Monthly or this year?]
As I mentioned in a post last week, start copying, saving, moving and deleting anything you want to take with you or anything you don't want to leave NOW. Regardless of whether or not you think you will be employed by the week's end, just do it. I was caught totally unaware in December and it's taken months to rebuild my contact list, email lists, etc.
ReplyDeleteOn the plus side, after one hell of a pity party, I woke up the next day totally at peace. It hasn't been easy, but the pride and pleasure I had once taken from my work had become almost non-existent. I am now working for myself and while not getting rich, I am a much richer person than I was six months ago.
To those who have said a higher authority doesn't exist, you're wrong. But unless you give it over to him, you'll never know.
Regarding COBRA, the way it worked for me was my end of severance was May 18th or something. Gannett provided my insurance until May 31st. At that point I was without insurance if I didn't pick up the COBRA. For a single person that was previously taking the United Healthcare Fund and paying like $80 per month After the government COBRA stimulus I would now be paying $135 per month.
ReplyDeleteThat amount is good for I believe 9 months and then I can continue on the higher COBRA where I pay all of it.
When your end of severance is close at hand you will get a letter from Hewitt stating that it is almost up and you need to call within a specific time and set up COBRA. Then you have to start mailing in the moolah...
Be ready to dramatically restructure your life. I'm not being pessimistic, but plan (budget) for 12+ months of Unemployment and 48+ months of Under-Employment (making less money than you are currently making).
ReplyDeleteDevelop multiple scenerios for your person finances; think about selling your home -if necessary- an relocating to a cheaper state; plant a garden to cut expenses. Basically PLAN FOR THE WORST; this way you'll be better off no matter what happens.
Good Luck
Doug Walden (waldenapp@aol.com)
Laid-Off May 3rd 2009
Asbury Park Press
One other thing. This holds true in Kentucky... not sure about other states. We can get unemployment at the same time as severance (check local listings). But Pension is different. If you choose to start receiving your pension in payments or even start using the money (I assume) then that will work against you as far as getting the unemployment.
ReplyDeleteProbably different in other states so just ASK. Never hurts and you might be surprised. And one thing... Say you work a second job somewhere and you decide to quit that after you are laid off... you're screwed. So before you make any moves... Call the unemployment office and ask.
your better off. it may take some
ReplyDeletetime but there are other places to
work. not to mention you will
be a happier person not working
for gannett.
Laid off from the Wilmington paper in December. Was fully prepared, to the point where it seemed to surprise my supervisor and the executive editor. Felt (relatively) empowering.
ReplyDeleteGo to Best Buy and pick up a thumb drive. For less than $20, you can get a 4GB one. Bring it to the office tomorrow. Highlight the e-mail you want to keep, drag the lot of them onto the flash drive's icon on your desktop, and just let go. (That last clause is helpful in more ways than one.)
Do the same with personal documents, expense and mileage sheets, and any other files -- music or video, if you have any.
Open your web browser. Click the Security or Preferences tab, wherever your browser might have it, and erase all of your history, cookies and bookmarks. Plenty of sites offer the free transfer of bookmarks, if you don't want to lose those.
On a pad of paper, jot down a few basic questions for that anticipated meeting:
* When, exactly, will your severance end? (Tell them you'll need a document that verifies the layoff was by no fault of your own. Probably won't need it, but it's good to bring with you to the unemployment office.)
* Whom in HR should you contact regarding COBRA? How will the stimulus affect your costs? (You'll have to actively pursue the stimulus discount, so don't be shy. Without it, you'll pay more than double what you have to pay.)
* How can you verify your remaining vacation days? How will you be compensated?
* If you have been waiting, as I had for nearly two years despite repeated requests (written and oral), for your supervisor to submit your annual reviews, ask how and when they will backpay the salary from any raises. (This, by the way, is a shot in the dark. I tried it -- make sure you maintain control of the questions and don't appear to be asking for any favors -- but no dice. Basically, I was told annual raises are not guaranteed, so I was due nothing. Technically, they're right. Technically, their malaise and irresponsibility are shameful.)
refill prescriptions, contacts, glasses, get expensive medical and dental procedures (crowns, braces, etc) done while you still have coverage, ask for three month prescriptions and fill them via mail order. spend all of your health savings acct before you leave.
ReplyDeleteAllow yourself to grieve. You will be shocked. You will be sad. You will be angry. It's ok.
ReplyDeleteAllow others to do things for you. If someone offers to shop around your resume, say please!
Learn to toot your own horn. This was hard for me, but I ended up basically calling everyone I've met to make sure they knew I was looking for work.
If you're going to join Facebook, you might want to create two profiles. One that is personal and the other professional.
ReplyDeleteIt is really hard to keep up a professional facade when your friends are posting about getting drunk and it appears on your page.
LinkedIn is a lot more professional and allows you to network and get referrals that appear on your page.
Ask immediately in writing for your pension payout if you get one. Then plan to bug HR every few days to see how they are coming along on your claim. It can take months to get if you don't. And no one wants to get caught in that space if Gannett decides to shitcan the pension in coming weeks or months.
ReplyDeleteWith the exception of 8:42, who is obviously an ass, this string is the reason why people have remained loyal to Gannett Blog. There is useful information and good advice here. Thanks to everyone for their contributions.
ReplyDeleteThumb card everything, rolodex, tearsheets, artwork and anything you think you can use to get a new job. They don't give you much time to get out so be prepared. Good luck, you all have my sympathy (unfortunately empathy as I was released last year).
ReplyDeleteGive yourself a week or two to process--it is similar to a death in the family as far as stressfulness--then get serious about the job hunt.
ReplyDeleteI jumped in too soon and sent out lousy resumes, applied for all sorts of stupid jobs. Nothing worked until I seriously focussed on what I wanted to do. Right after I lost my job, I was not thinking clearly.
Even if you are not thinking clearly, make sure you ROLLOVER both your 401K and pension ASAP. Do NOT cash in either without receiving good financial advice, no matter how desperate you are as there are tax consequences and if you're under 59 1/2 penalties.
ReplyDeleteOnce you get your bearings and realize this may be a blessing in disguise, double and triple check your final pension figures. They are all over the block and you may be getting "screwed" by Corporate. Look for an outside firm (when you get over the initial shock and have your numbers) to go over the numbers from your pension and make sure they are cq. I have heard of people who left who were "misquoted" pension figures in the $50,000 range.
One more thing to keep in mind: Prepare to stay in touch with the people you care about at your site, including others who have been cut loose. You will need support, and nobody understands that better than those who have been through hell with you.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the Pension/401K Rollover... When I was layed off back in December I originally was planning on just cashing it in and taking the hit and paying off a second mortgage with it. EVERYONE was telling me not to do so because I would pay the interest and penalties. I agreed with them, but when you're faced with no job you don't think straight.
ReplyDeleteA wise person suggested going to a local bank and setting up a IRA account that was very stable and the money would not be tied up. I could use it and withdraw from it as needed. That way I could withdraw the money only as I needed it to make the payments for the 2nd mortgage. And if the money coming in resumed then I only had to pay taxes and penalties on the smaller amount I had used.
I know touching the money is not a good idea and everyone will bad mouth me for doing such. But I know until I get a job I have a backup sitting in the bank. To this day I haven't touched it and when I start working again I can just leave it and move it into riskier investments or roll into my new employers 401K... Just go talk to someone at your bank and ask them about options.
Look outside journalism, and remove all of the newspaper buzz words from your resumes!
ReplyDeleteA lot of your writing, editing, communications, etc. skills will translate well into online community management, which is a new and growing field. In the next few years, a lot of companies are going to be looking for people who can organize and motivate their customers without the PR b.s.
I count my blessings every day that I no longer work for GCI. As hard as it is for you to imagine right now, I am a healthier, happier, saner person than I was while I worked there (over 15 years at Corporate).
ReplyDeleteThe day will come when you will be able to finally disconnect from GCI and realize and understand that there are better opportunities to work elsewhere where you will be respected and appreciated for your intelligence and for your experience.
GCI does not respect and appreciate its workforce, and I feel sorry for its current employees.
More tips:
ReplyDeleteDon't send any Jim-type gadflies any money for "watchdog blogs." Remember how it was misused here.
Don't listen to anyone here offering financial advice.
Learn how to write. Many of you here still have not mastered this, and companies outside of journalism are not going to ignore some of the flaws.
Realize that one-dimensional skills are not going to translate well to another job.
Ignore the negative vibes of people like 7/08/2009 4:06 p.m.
ReplyDeleteIgnore the Jim-sheep like 7:13. They have less than 48 hours to act as if they are relevant.
ReplyDeleteI was layed off in April. Unfortunately, I justified in my own mind that the other folks I worked with would go before me because I had been there longer. My bad~! God was I stupid!
ReplyDeleteAnyway... my suggestions:
#1. Network, network, network. It's the way to get a job these days. Get on linkedin.com and try to connect with everyone you can... you never know where your next opportunity will come from.
#2. Read a book called "Carve your own road." It'll be the best $15 you'll spend. It's on amazon with free shipping.
#3. Redo your resume... the format we all used to use just doesn't cut it anymore. Most standard formats are not easly searchable online or downloadable by recruiters. I used a site called resumedoctor.com and it made all the difference in the world. It was a bit pricy... about $200 but seriously, once I published my "new and improved" resume, I started getting calls and e-mails within a day. Definately an investment you cannot afford to make.
#4. Stay positive... make finding a job your job. Don't lay around and sulk. Get up every morning and get ready just like when you were working.
#6. Realize that you may not find your perfect job immediately, but you can find the perfect job for right now...
#5. Don't search craigslist for jobs... most of them are scams.
In the end, realize that there is life after the newspaper. For once in your life you will actually have balance.
Absolutely every single person I've spoken with that has been layed off is far better than they were when working for Gannett. Yes, Gannett was great once... just not anymore.
Good luck! You are going to do great!
I found a job within a couple weeks...
4:44 should have invested in spellcheck or a dictionary. Nice editing job, idiot.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder people like this are being let go.
Hang in there! Don't take any crap from anyone and Craigslist.com!
ReplyDelete