Thought-provoking Things Worth Sharing - Issue #66
Gathering advice and tools for the recently laid-off
To start this week, I’m going to start with a variety of resources that I’ve seen this week aimed at recently laid-off folks in tech. As you might imagine, with the news of layoffs from Twitter, Meta, and Amazon, and expected layoffs across other large tech companies, many websites are offering advice and other resources.
So before we get into the regular topics of interest, here are some things to look at around dealing with layoffs:
Webinar - Laid Off And Looking
Apply Anyway: The Truth On Requirements in Job Descriptions
Laid Off? Here's How to Get Back to Work
What To Do When You Get Laid Off From Work: A Full Guide
Exactly what to say to someone who’s been laid off
If I may offer a bit of my own advice. During the holidays, don’t be afraid to talk about it. Being laid off isn’t something you should be embarrassed about. As we’ve seen time and time again in the tech industry, layoffs aren’t about the people being laid off. They are about some poor decisions or missed risks taken by tech leaders. You have nothing to be ashamed of and, frankly, the more people who know you’re looking for work, the better. You don’t know who knows who and who might become aware of the next great opportunity, so talk about your situation.
Not to mention the fact that it’s just easier to go through this with people there to offer encouragement and support.
If you happen to be in a situation where someone you know is dealing with a recent lay off, please share this newsletter with them, and if you’ve been through your own layoff and have some advice, leave a comment.
Security and Privacy
Cybersecurity leaders want to quit. Here's what is pushing them to leave
“It found that many IT security leaders are struggling to keep up with evolving threats and new cybersecurity practices, while also reporting issues around recruitment, retention and work-life balance that are prompting many to turn away from the industry.”
Your IT Folks Probably Know A Lot About You - Do You Trust Them?
“These tools are very powerful. Used correctly, they can help prevent data breaches, keep the workplace free of harassment, and provide evidence of illegal activities. That’s why they exist and why we want them to exist.
What happens if they aren’t used correctly, though?”
Scam text claims to be from Amazon. Here are the red flags
Careers and the Workplace
The Benefits of the Arts in Business
“My point was that as a trainer, I do quite a bit of presenting and public speaking. I also do a fair bit of storytelling, but I didn’t learn that skill in business school or from my technical education. I had to learn those skills later in my professional life. So, I take every opportunity to encourage young people to learn those skills. You may not be looking for a career as a speaker, actor, or Improvisational Comic, but the skills you learn there will make you stand out in the workplace when it comes time to do a presentation or speak up for your ideas.
I was reminded of this again last week when I listened to my friend and former colleague Laura Prael being interviewed on the Aussie podcast Two Drunk Accountants.”
Your Workplace Has The Power To Change You, For Better Or Worse
“Even if you consider yourself an independently-minded person impervious to external influence, the reality is that spending a significant number of hours in any environment will inevitably have an impact on who you are, no matter how much you try to resist it.”
4 Big Reasons Why This Recruiter Says You Should Start A New Job Search Every 6 Months
“You should apply and interview for a new job every six months just out of habit. You don't have to accept anything, but knowing what you can get on the open market is always nice.”
Mental Health in the Workplace
Linked – Why It’s Critical to Start Talking About Suicide in the Workplace
“So please, read the whole thing and be prepared for the possibility that someone you work with may be at risk for suicide or surviving after a loved one’s death by suicide. The more you know, the more you can support them.”
Why We Must Focus on Workplace Wellbeing
“Workplace wellbeing isn’t something many people talked about 30 years ago. While that may not be surprising, it wasn’t on the radar of many people three years ago either. Now, mental and emotional health is a safer topic for cocktail parties, is mentioned on the news, and cited as a problem by top performers around the world. Our workplaces play a big role in our lives – including our wellbeing. This isn’t just a fact. Figuring out how to support workplace wellbeing is the right thing to do and can be a competitive advantage.”
Training and Development
Rolling Stones and A Bad Taste from Training
“So, trainers, you’d do well to remember that it only takes one bad experience when users are first learning a product to mar it forever. The training experience you provide can help decide whether the user considers your product a cheesy 80’s tune or Sympathy for the Devil.”
Want to keep top talent? Create clear paths to advancement
“Give them the opportunities they are looking for before they find them somewhere else.”