Lehigh98
Footballguy
Hey guys,
Just found out at the end of the day yesterday that my company is doing some organizational realignment and my position is being eliminated. We had been going through several changes over the past few years but it was still a bit of a gut punch. I just hit 20 years last year and this was my first job out of college. It actually started with an internship and I received the offer before I graduated so I guess you could say even before I was out of college. I never really had to engage in a full scale job hunt before. I have questions both general and specific and just looking for some advice.
I graduated as a Mechanical Engineer and have been working at an industrial gas company that supplies nitrogen, oxygen, argon, etc to different types of companies. Most recently I was an "Applications Engineer" that helped our existing customers improve their process or new prospects implement new processes (with the help of our products and expertise). Basically a problem solver / solutions provider. Generically I would say it could be called something like Technical Sales.
My company offers outsourcing assistance through Right Management but looking at some reviews it looks like I shouldn't expect much help there. I contacted them anyway and I'm awaiting a response and I'll hope for the best.
I've built up a LinkedIn profile with almost 800 contacts, I'm aware that recruiters use this but I'm not sure the best way to actively engage. I changed my status to "actively applying" so not sure if I'll start showing up in searches or will get more notice / requests. Any advice in moving from passive networking to active job seeking on LinkedIn?
Are there other resources I should be investigating for conducting my own search?
I don't know much about headhunters, recruiters, etc. Would appreciate any advice on the best way to engage or suggestions for firms I should contact.
Although I enjoyed my job for the most part, it wasn't what I loved to do. I don't know if I should take this as an opportunity to reevaluate my career and future plans. I just turned 43 so I guess about the midpoint of what I planned for a career. My kids are just 13 and 11 and won't be long before we're discussing college and how to pay for it. But at least this didn't happen in the middle of paying those bills.
We've kept a safety nest egg and also have some additional savings from planning on some home projects but they will be on hold until I know where I end up. So if I'm ever going to make a career change or try something new, this is the time. But hoping not to take too much of a hit to affect kids' college or retirement too much. But maybe if I find something I love, I won't be looking forward to retirement as much and can put it off.
Sorry I'm all over the place, I guess I'm thinking through this as I'm typing too. I'm a pretty positive guy so I'm trying to look at this as an opportunity but I also veer back to feeling some low self worth at times since my company was fine moving on from me. Timing isn't too bad since we're getting into Spring and I have projects around the house that I'd like to do. Was looking into hiring people but may give them a shot myself now since I'm going to have some time on my hands.
I was worried about my wife but she's been very supportive and also looking on the bright side of this as an opportunity since she knows I wasn't completely happy in my job. It also helps that she has a good job (a little better than mine) which takes some immediate pressure off. Plus we all have our health so what more can you ask for? We'll, I guess some advice, please let me know what you think. TIA!
Just found out at the end of the day yesterday that my company is doing some organizational realignment and my position is being eliminated. We had been going through several changes over the past few years but it was still a bit of a gut punch. I just hit 20 years last year and this was my first job out of college. It actually started with an internship and I received the offer before I graduated so I guess you could say even before I was out of college. I never really had to engage in a full scale job hunt before. I have questions both general and specific and just looking for some advice.
I graduated as a Mechanical Engineer and have been working at an industrial gas company that supplies nitrogen, oxygen, argon, etc to different types of companies. Most recently I was an "Applications Engineer" that helped our existing customers improve their process or new prospects implement new processes (with the help of our products and expertise). Basically a problem solver / solutions provider. Generically I would say it could be called something like Technical Sales.
My company offers outsourcing assistance through Right Management but looking at some reviews it looks like I shouldn't expect much help there. I contacted them anyway and I'm awaiting a response and I'll hope for the best.
I've built up a LinkedIn profile with almost 800 contacts, I'm aware that recruiters use this but I'm not sure the best way to actively engage. I changed my status to "actively applying" so not sure if I'll start showing up in searches or will get more notice / requests. Any advice in moving from passive networking to active job seeking on LinkedIn?
Are there other resources I should be investigating for conducting my own search?
I don't know much about headhunters, recruiters, etc. Would appreciate any advice on the best way to engage or suggestions for firms I should contact.
Although I enjoyed my job for the most part, it wasn't what I loved to do. I don't know if I should take this as an opportunity to reevaluate my career and future plans. I just turned 43 so I guess about the midpoint of what I planned for a career. My kids are just 13 and 11 and won't be long before we're discussing college and how to pay for it. But at least this didn't happen in the middle of paying those bills.
We've kept a safety nest egg and also have some additional savings from planning on some home projects but they will be on hold until I know where I end up. So if I'm ever going to make a career change or try something new, this is the time. But hoping not to take too much of a hit to affect kids' college or retirement too much. But maybe if I find something I love, I won't be looking forward to retirement as much and can put it off.
Sorry I'm all over the place, I guess I'm thinking through this as I'm typing too. I'm a pretty positive guy so I'm trying to look at this as an opportunity but I also veer back to feeling some low self worth at times since my company was fine moving on from me. Timing isn't too bad since we're getting into Spring and I have projects around the house that I'd like to do. Was looking into hiring people but may give them a shot myself now since I'm going to have some time on my hands.
I was worried about my wife but she's been very supportive and also looking on the bright side of this as an opportunity since she knows I wasn't completely happy in my job. It also helps that she has a good job (a little better than mine) which takes some immediate pressure off. Plus we all have our health so what more can you ask for? We'll, I guess some advice, please let me know what you think. TIA!
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