What I Learned From Being Unemployed With My Mom | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Adulting

What I Learned From Being Unemployed With My Mom

I Never Thought It Would Happen

71
What I Learned From Being Unemployed With My Mom
Top Concord Orthodontics

From a young age, my mom expressed fears about losing her job. I never really understood why. She was a hard worker, had several degrees and was loved by all of her colleagues.

As I entered the workforce, I did what I had been socialized to do: work hard and build rapport with my team. A year and a half later, I found myself going through my first downsizing. I never thought it would happen to me. After two months of collecting unemployment, I landed a job at a fairly large local company. It was a great fit. There were some late nights, but I loved my company and my team. Less than a year later, I received notice that my job was going away.

Shortly after that, my mom also received notice that her position was being eliminated. She texted me the news and like any good daughter, I went to get ice cream cones from the local creamery. Her company paid for her to go to a local career transition and outplacement company. My mom really enjoyed meeting the career coaches and the services they provided. She signed me up to attend for a month. I also enjoyed working with my career coach. She gave me a lot of insight and was able to change my way of thinking about the job application process. My key takeaways from her were to “be selective” when accepting a new opportunity and to give myself “full credit” for my accomplishments. My career coach also gave me the information about a great local networking group for “professionals in transition”. Every week, my mom and I attended the networking group. We would listen to the speakers and socialize with other attendees.

A topic that many of the other job seekers were self-conscious about was their age. I found it interesting that people with so much experience were apprehensive about prospective employers finding out their age. Being a millennial, I constantly try to “appear older” at work to avoid the many negative stereotypes my generation receives.

Going to networking events with my mom was a lot more beneficial than I had anticipated. We are both fairly outgoing, but shy when it comes to talking about our own accomplishments. My mom would highlight my achievements and I would talk about her impressive credentials.

After months of applications and networking, I finally started getting interviews. I eventually received and accepted an offer. I don't know if my mom and I will ever be unemployed together again, but having this time out of the workforce together helped us grow as workers and individuals.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179801
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6897
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452257
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23184
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments