Two men smile at one another across a table in a job interview. Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.
Took a leap, but let go after 30 days after leaving secure position. Absolutely spiraling.
20 Years in financial services operations leadership. Very specialized expertise. I have been absolutely miserable at work, and a little over a month ago I applied to a role that was looking for someone with my background. Interviewed well, got a great offer. Seemed too good to be true, but knew if I didn’t try I’d hate myself.
The role changed during the interview process, but the recruiter told me I should be flexible and that I was still a good fit and I was happy to leave my current role.
I’ve always worked for large corporations with strong leaders and defined expectations. This was the complete opposite. So I did what I would typically do, learn the process I was responsible for from those doing it. I learned it, documented it, delivered on what was expected of me (I thought).
Over the month, I received zero feedback, zero expectations, almost no communication from my boss as he was new also and struggling.
High-rise corporate buildings as viewed from the ground. Scene shown is a visual representation.
A man with decades of specialized experience in financial services decided that he needed to leave a job he didn't like and received what seemed like a good offer elsewhere. Even before he started, the role changed, and it was apparent that the working environment was different from what he was used to.
After receiving little support to get used to his new role, he ended up getting fired a month after starting. It was a knock to his confidence and left him wondering how he should move forward professionally.
Two men shake hands across a desk in a job interview. Picture does not depict real parties.
On day 30, I received phone call from my boss and HR right at the start of my day. He basically said that leadership had no confidence in my abilities and that this was a poor job fit. I was termed immediately.
My previous role has already been filled and they were very upset when I resigned so returning isn’t an option.
There were so many red flags; crazy high turnover (I was at least the 3rd person in this role this year), lying to customers about the products functionality, a level of disorganization that frankly left me stumped how they even got investment capital.
I’m trying to pick myself back up, but I’m absolutely gutted. I took the weekend to feel sorry for myself and looking for roles similar to my old one. I am starting today on applying out but there’s nothing. I’m so screwed it’s not even funny. I’ve been sobbing and can barely look my wife in face. I’m such a failure.
Please tell me things are going to be okay, or share if this happened to you. I’m so embarrassed in myself for scr*wing this up and in turn my family’s life.
I haven’t told anyone but my family and a couple close friends, typing this out has helped.
Although being laid off isn't fun at any point in a career, it can be even more painful for those who have put years of their life into being a certain kind of professional. It is difficult to feel like the skills you have developed are not valued, or simply don't work in that situation. The level of soul-searching is something that nobody thinks they are going to have to do at any point in their working life.
Nonetheless, people get fired, change jobs, and even completely change their profession all of the time. It is easy from the outside to say that it shouldn't be taken to heart, but it is more difficult to believe that when it happens to you.
Close-up of two men sitting next to each other, comparing paper notes between laptops. Not actual story subjects.
Sorry this happened to you. But this is no time to feel sorry for yourself. As you said you hated your old job and would have hated yourself if you didn't take a risk. Well it was a risk and you took it and it didn't work out, just get back out there and apply full time.
I also think it is just better to rip off the band aid and everyone eats mac and cheese until you guys can figure this out. Family needs to face problems together, you will just get in trouble if you don't face reality.
Glad you're getting the support OP but I just wanted to add that you're not a failure and you haven't let your wife down. You don't have to save face in front of her. If this happened to my husband, I'd be devastated and angry FOR him. Losing a job or income is not a referendum on you as a man or husband. Hold your head up, let your wife take you out for a movie date :) spend some quality time together, then chip away at job applications full time. You got this!
I'm proud of you for escaping your last job, most people don't drum up the effort.
This layoff was quite a surprise, but don't think that you made the wrong decision by leaving. I think that unfortunately you got screwed by the recruiter and job. That blows
The grass is not always greener on the other side. Much of corporate America currently treats people like they are disposable, and expects you to treat customers/clients like ****. Here's hoping you land well. Keep an open mind as you look for a new position. Ask how long the recruiter and interviewer(s) have been with the company. It is very common to end up vibing with someone who seems nice but who is new and has no meaningful authority themselves. Take negative reviews with a grain of salt, but don't blow past red flags.
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