Ugh just got laid off. For those who have experienced layoffs before - How many years have you been in your career and how many times have you gotten laid off? I can't be the only with more than one 😞

likehelpful
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This is advertising. 17 years. 5 layoffs. Freelance in between.

They’re going to be waaaay more frequent for creatives in the next 5 years until a creative career in this business is no longer tenable. Try to get out now. I sure as hell am.

like

Freelance 1, when you say "I sure as hell am", I'm curious: what is your exit plan? I hear a lot of folks on here talk about that situation but I'm genuinely curious.

17 years.
I’ve been laid off 4 times.
Currently laid off. It’s been 3 months.
I wasn’t ready.

like

2x in the last 2 years and 4 overall in 15 years. I’ll tell you something each time I got laid off something else came along. It may take longer than you’re comfortable with but rest assured you will get something. I seriously guarantee it!

likeuplifting

I’m so sorry to hear. Apply for unemployment immediately. And, if you can take a little time off before looking for another job.

smart

Sorry. Welcome to the Club. If you haven’t been laid off, you haven’t been in this biz long enough. It happens to all of us at some point. Mostly bc we were making high salaries. Chin up and start networking.

like

Twice for me. First time was 20 years in and second time was 8 years later. I both cases I landed quickly and with a better job.

uplifting

2 times in 5 years (though the first was pandemic/not an ad job). I barely feel like I’ve been able to have a career and it’s pretty depleting

like

Ogilvy was my first job, and first lay off. Welcome to the club. Feel bad for one minute. Then start looking for a new (better!) set up.

Laid off after 15 years at my first agency. Went freelance and never looked back. You will survive this. Network as much as you can.

I’ve been laid off 4 times in 17 years. I

16 years

2 redundancies (scope reduction or role eliminated agency wide)

2 layoffs (wasn’t agency wide, wasn’t making enough good work).

1 resignation, on my terms (they said it wasn’t working but company comms let me own the narrative).

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