Navigating Career Transitions: Lessons from Joe Picini's Layoff Experience

In a recent episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sat down with Joe Picini, Director of Recruitment Marketing at New Jersey Institute of Technology, to discuss an experience many professionals fear: being laid off. With over a decade of experience in higher education marketing and enrollment strategy, Joe's journey through this challenging time offers valuable insights and inspiration for those navigating similar circumstances.

‍

The Shock of a Layoff: Embracing Uncertainty

Joe’s layoff story begins like many others—with an unexpected and unsettling conversation. After being hinted at in February, Joe’s position was officially eliminated in March, leaving him in what he described as “shock mode.” However, Joe’s proactive approach began even before the official word came down. Anticipating the worst, he immediately started applying for jobs, sending out between 60 and 100 applications.

Despite the volume, Joe found that cold applications weren’t yielding results. Instead, his network became his most valuable asset. This experience underlined a critical lesson: in times of professional upheaval, your network can often be the lifeline that bridges you to your next opportunity.

‍

The Power of Reflection and a Broad Search

One of the most significant aspects of Joe’s story is how he used this time of uncertainty as an opportunity for deep self-reflection. Rather than immediately jumping into the first available role, Joe took a step back to evaluate what he truly wanted from his career. He asked himself key questions about the content of the work, the processes involved, the growth opportunities, and the environments he preferred.

Joe didn’t limit his job search to higher education. He explored opportunities in healthcare, internal communications, student success, and even K-12 education. This wide net allowed him to consider where his skills could be most valued and where he might find the most satisfaction.

Ultimately, Joe’s introspection led him to a new role similar to his previous work, but in a new environment that excited him—at a public institution where he could engage with a student population he deeply believes in. This shift, while staying within his expertise, reflected his desire to align more closely with his values and long-term goals.

‍

Leveraging Your Network: A Key to Success

Joe’s journey highlights the importance of an active and engaged network. Surprisingly, none of the roles he applied for through traditional job boards resulted in interviews. Instead, all six of the interviews he landed came directly through connections in his network. Joe reached out to former colleagues, clients from his time at a digital marketing agency, and even people he’d only interacted with briefly.

One particularly notable example was how Joe identified a job posting at NJIT, discovered a mutual connection between the hiring manager and a former supervisor, and used that connection to get a foot in the door. This approach emphasizes a vital career lesson: building and maintaining relationships can be as important as the work you do.

‍

Maintaining Mental Health During a Layoff

Layoffs can be a significant emotional and psychological blow. Joe candidly shared the emotional rollercoaster he experienced—ranging from shame and fear to anger. To manage these feelings, Joe created a structure for his days, setting aside specific times for job searching and allowing himself a weekly “no job search day” to focus on activities that brought him joy and helped him recharge.

He also emphasized the importance of having a life outside of work. Joe reflected on how pouring himself entirely into his job had made the layoff even harder to process. Balancing personal passions and relationships can provide a crucial support system when professional life takes an unexpected turn.

‍

Key Takeaways:

• Your network is invaluable: Building and maintaining relationships can be the key to finding new opportunities, especially in times of career uncertainty.
• Self-reflection is crucial: Use transitional periods to assess what you truly want from your career, considering not just the job itself but the broader impact on your life and values.
• Mental health matters: Creating structure, setting aside time for self-care, and maintaining a life outside of work are essential in managing the emotional impact of a layoff.
• Stay proactive: Even if you’re facing uncertainty, taking small, proactive steps—like reaching out to your network—can make a significant difference in your job search.

‍

Joe’s story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability that many in higher education and marketing possess. By embracing change, leveraging networks, and maintaining a balanced perspective, professionals can navigate even the most challenging career transitions successfully.

For a deeper dive into Joe's experience and more insights on managing career transitions, tune into the full episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO on the Enrollify Podcast Network.