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In the past (when I was looking), I've had good luck from the major online job search sites.
Dont get down on yourself...apply for work everyday and at 5pm, call it quits for the day and dont get depressed...just keep applying for the jobs everyday.
Slinger
If you are in the US and do IT related work you might try Dice.com. A friend got some good interviews, and I think the job he eventually ended up accepting, through them.
And there is always craigslist.
I hope you had a few moments before leaving to erase personal files and profiles... I once left an employment position hastily, then days afterward I saw "myself" log on to MSN (aka Live Messenger). I immediately changed all my passwords. Also beware if you ever used your machine to access personal sites like online banking, eBay, facebook, or even iGoogle. Those cookies will let someone else log in as you. Just to be safe, I'd recommend a security sweep - change all your passwords, everywhere. Even the one you use to log in to WebmasterWorld.
The most recent time I left an employer, I quit giving 2 weeks notice - so I had plenty of time to back up files, erase cookies, delete accounts, change passwords, and otherwise sanitize my (actually their) PC. When you're at the machine, it only takes a few minutes. But if you leave without getting the chance to do that, it can take hours to change passwords all over the place. It's a real drag.
I soon got into a position where I was doing some sophisticated things on the PC and was able to spin that on my CV to get back into IT.
I quit giving 2 weeks notice
I have worked at a number of places that had a policy to immediately lockout (sometimes including disabling computer/network accounts, physically escorted from the building) someone as soon as they gave notice. So you should plan to do a security sweep BEFORE giving notice. Most of the time it was used when firing someone. I don't remember off-hand any "friendly" separations being subject to immediate lockdown, although some did have restrictions placed on some access and functions.
Don't look at it as "lost", look at it as a new opportunity has opened for you. Right now you're probably worried about money and what-not - you will probably be able to collect unenjoyment for a while. So give yourself a little time to think . . do you really want to go out and jump in the first job that comes up, out of fear?
When stuff like this goes down, we automatically go into defense mode. Give yourself time to think about it, maybe you want to go into business on your own, or get into something ELSE you love, or . . . . what?
Don't sweat it, everything you need will come to you, and like the song says, "every new beginning is another beginning's end . . . "
I quit, giving 2 weeks notice. With a comma in the right place, it makes more sense.
Thanks for pointing that out, LifeinAsia, I like grammar double-entendres but I do neglect to look for them in my own sober prose.
The nastiest in-between job I ever did was picking strawberries in the field alongside migrant workers from Chile. The Chileans were fantastic, but strawberry juice is very acidic and will give you a skin rash if you're exposed to it for several days.
Walk the telephone directory and check in with local web design agencies and ISPs. Print a mini-portfolio, wear a smile and get yourself on their freelance lists. Sometimes they need extra people for big projects, and they'll pay top dollar. I paid my rent many-a-month through the benevolent capitalism of freelancer/agency relationships.
Oh and I went to 2 former competitors and have already had interviews with them.
And one called my old job and started asking a few questions.
I was the person that was told when someone was being fired so I could lock them out of all systems at the right time. I would get signals from human resources when to do it. What really sucked was when it was a friend, something would delay it and I'd wind up at lunch with the person I knew was about to get fired.
Good luck walking through this new door of opportunity.
[edited by: tedster at 9:58 pm (utc) on Aug. 21, 2008]
Also, discussing this publicly may or may not be in your best interests moving forward, just being over protective, that is all. You have some tenure and a search for your name is surely going to return relevant results. ;)
Alexei, Welcome to WebmasterWorld!
I hate to ask, but why did you lose your job?
Downsizing due to merger.... Although it was hinted at possibly having me do some consulting work in their future.
Although it was hinted at possibly having me do some consulting work in their future.
So they still want to be friends!
Almost every very good thing that has come into my life was immediately preceded by a job separation.
Well I guess it's time to move on...Anyone have any tips on where to look?
The downside is that the pay sucks. Most months I'm doing good to pay rent and buy dog food. Personal satisfaction is at an all time high though.. self-esteem rocks... I don't punch a time card or answer to anyone anymore and that in itself is worth a small fortune. I could make a bigger paycheck if I stayed on the corporate circuit but I'd hate myself and I'd hate my boss and I'd probably just hate everybody in general just because I could. I'll take poverty instead.
Good LUCK! Keep the faith too! It'll happen and when it does it'll probably come from where you least expect it... the way it is with me anyway...
[edited by: lawman at 11:30 pm (utc) on Aug. 24, 2008]
[edit reason] Fix Format [/edit]
Sarah...sorry for your loss. Don't take this as a "pick up" line...but do I know you from somewhere?
I remember reading that two months ago and laughed as it sounded funny. Reading the thread again... I laughed again.
