I’m terrified of an impending recession :/ just been hearing news of layoffs from agencies and companies and I’m filled with anxiety. Been at my new workplace for less than a month and I’m worried it’ll be a last-in first-out situation if it comes to that. Any advice on preparing for a recession?

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If you’re going to get laid off then worrying isn’t going to make a difference.

Save money.
Keep working.
Eat some vegetables.
Take a walk.

likesmartuplifting

good advice.

Very few places look at tenure when it comes time for layoffs. It's all dollars on a spreadsheet. And I don't know about you, but I'm allergic to spreadsheets. So I find it easier to go about my days pretending they don't exist.

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Producer 1 - absolutely untrue. We had layoffs two years ago when we lost a big account, during the protests. Only white males (who had been with the place a while and were making great work) were let go. Management used it as a chance to bring more diversity into the agency and boost numbers, which is fantastic in theory. Except for the fact that the people they replaced them with since then unfortunately aren’t of the same caliber creatively. Agency creative output hasn’t been as strong since then.

like

1- they just hired you so the bloom is still on the rose.
2- if you do get laid off, you’ll survive and freelance for a bit. And you’ll see you’re stronger and more resourceful than you think. And you won’t be afraid/owned by agencies. And you’ll go into your next gig more confident than you were before and people will see that and respect your opinions and put you on great briefs and you’ll win lions so they’ll promote you and then you’ll be a great boss with lots of empathy that everyone will want to work for.

I don’t mean to be glib, it’s terrifying and a lot of work and can be really depressing. But it can also spur you too.

likeupliftingsmart

Love this. For some of us, the best time to go freelance is when life forces you to. Then you end up wishing you'd done it sooner.

It really is something being above the fray and untangled with petty office politics and knowing that at anytime you can walk away from toxic environments without even blinking. The confidence carries with you even when you go back fulltime.

We're each more powerful than we know.

like

Here’s something to ease your mind:

There’s been a lot of high profile tech layoffs recently, but I read that the total # of people who lost their jobs represented a pretty small fraction of the number of current openings in the tech industry.

Things are fine, for now.

likeuplifting

Really hope a recession isn’t going to happen but it looks kinda inevitable at this point.

I was let go from my first job at a small agency in the 2008 crash and here’s some stuff I learned in case it happens to you or anyone reading this:

1. Don’t be too proud to take financial help like unemployment benefits. You’ll spend your life paying into the system so there’s no shame in using it.

2. Keep your portfolio fresh. Making sure your book is up to date with new work or spec ensures you stay sharp and that you’re ready to apply for jobs all the time.

3. Tell your friends and contacts as soon as you get let go and ask if they have something. Don’t keep it to yourself - there’s no shame in it.

4. Ask the place that lets you go if you can freelance for them until things pick up.

5. If nobody is hiring at your level, don’t be too proud to drop a level in the short term. Most important thing is bringing in $$$ for rent etc and they’ll soon promote you again once they see your worth.

6. Try and enjoy your time off. It’s hard but you’ll be working again soon so make the most of it, and it’s good for your mental health.

Getting let go from that small place meant I joined a bigger place a couple months later. Also met my now wife in the downtime and had a lot of time to date each other.

likeuplifting

God give me the power to accept the things I cannot control.

Don’t borrow trouble. If you get laid off you’ll figure it out. For now, write good stuff.

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I can’t borrow trouble, not at these interest rates.

likefunny

If you can, cut back your spending in a few areas or think twice about purchases that aren’t critical and save up an emergency fund if you don’t already have one. (3 months of expenses is a good place to start.)

helpful

Agree, I was last in and first out in the layoffs and the job market is rough. But the above person is correct. Stressing won’t help but I would suggest updating your resume and maybe getting reference prepared in case you’re impacted.

Also…every place is different, but typically the lower paid employees are some of the last to go.

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