Dog-Sitting, Nannying, and a Comeback
What Maureen Martin Learned Post-Layoff
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What do you remember most vividly about the day you got laid off?
It was a Monday. It was 10 AM EST. It was my first day back from a wonderful vacation to Barcelona with my husband and son. It was the week after everyone else was notified. NOTHING prepares you for that conversation. It was like a gut punch. Although I always knew this could happen, I was in shock. I was always a high performer. I always went above and beyond. I was a voracious learner. I had just received a coveted award three months prior. I felt the need to be in control and ACT. I started searching for internal jobs that night. I was convinced I would land another job at IBM.
What was most unexpected about how the tech layoff played out, for better or worse?
On a positive note, my manager was willing to provide recommendations for me and made several connections as I pursued other positions. I applied for 50+ IBM positions alone!
What was the most unexpected, though, was those who were not affected. I know I was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and the wrong level, but it still hurt. It hurt to see those who were “protected.” One year later, now they too have been affected by subsequent layoffs. This layoff was so far-reaching that it was one of the largest I had seen in 20 years in our department.
How did it feel navigating everything for the first time without a “playbook”?
It was hard. It was a challenge. It was lonely. It was devastating at times. It was entirely new to me. I started at IBM out of college. It was my first and only corporation. What made it especially difficult was job hunting while continuing to do my job and ensure proper turnover to my lower-cost replacement.
I was on a highly visible transformation, and while others affected by the layoff focused solely on their job hunt, I continued to perform at the highest level. I wanted to ensure I was positioned to be brought back if it were possible. I was burning the candle at both ends, there was not enough time in the day to navigate everything I had to do in the time I had left. I was emotionally and physically exhausted.
What changed between your first job search days and eventually landing somewhere you’re happy?
What I didn’t realize was that it was going to be a very difficult and long road to finding a new position. There seemed to be SO many IT Project Management jobs out there. I was incredibly positive and hopeful. Heck, I worked for IBM for 39 years, I had great experience and credentials!!!! What I came to find was that many of these jobs were not “real,” and connecting with a recruiter isn’t a sure-fire way to land a position.
One thing I did know, and it’s ultimately what enabled me to land a new position, was networking. The position I am in now was brought to me by a former colleague of mine at IBM, who knew I was part of a layoff.
What did your new role or workplace get right that made it feel like a better fit?
I am in a contract position capped at 40 hours/week. I am a bit of a workaholic. If given the opportunity to work more, I would, but I can’t!!!! This feels like a part-time job for me, and it’s perfect!
Did the layoff give you clarity on what you actually want from work?
Yes. When it first happened, I created a list of the most desirable options. After working through the other things on the list that I thought I might want, I realized I wanted to be back in the corporate world doing what I was doing!!!! It was the last thing on the list, but I am happy, and I feel like myself again. Financially, I don’t have to be working in this capacity, but I am doing it because I want to! It is quite freeing to know this is MY choice and I will only stop when I make that decision.
What were some of the side hustles you tried, and what made you want to try them?
I always felt I would not retire 100%, that I would always want to work in some capacity. When laid off, I thought maybe it’s time now to start that side hustle (or hustles) and slow down a little bit. I had worked my tail off for almost 39 years. I tried a Math Tutoring business, a Personal Assistant, a Dog Walker, a Personal Driver, and a Nanny. My tutoring business basically opened and closed in 24 hours, because I didn’t want to primarily work during the evenings and on weekends! I found dog walking to also not be as easy or glamorous as I thought (there is quite a bit of competition out there in the dog walking market in my town) - another great idea abandoned! Nannying and being a personal driver/rides for kids was easy cash and perfect as my unemployment was ending. I was forever changed by the family I was a nanny for. They were the kindest, loveliest family. It was perfect timing for me as I had been job hunting for 10 months, and it lifted my spirits being around them. This was only a six-week gig until their new au pair arrived, but it gave me purpose, and I am so grateful for that experience.
Was there one hilarious or humbling moment where you realized: “Oh no… this is not my future”?
Yes, when I was dog-sitting. One dog pinned me against the couch as she pressed her head against my neck, and I could not move… I thought I was going to suffocate! I have a video of this with me yelling “Get off me” - and that was only night one of five!
What did you learn about yourself through all those attempts, even if none of them stuck?
I am even more resilient than I thought I was!
Looking back, what would you tell your just-laid-off self with the benefit of hindsight (and humor)?
You WILL get a job. It WILL work out. If I had known ten months ago that I would get a job, I would have been able to relax and enjoy myself more.
What’s something unexpected that helped you get through the weirdest parts?
The side gigs. Meeting the lovely family I nannied for, and driving the lovely boy whose mom was in law school to his swim practices, helped me in a way I would not have expected. I truly enjoyed getting to know these families.
What do you hope others realize about reinvention, even when it doesn’t go the way you thought it would?
I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Take the opportunity to ask yourself, “Why is this happening, and what is the universe saying I need to learn from this?”
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