Alex Bardales’ Post

I've seen so many incredible people I have crossed paths with being impacted by layoffs over the last 2+ years. A lot of folks reach out looking for advice (and please keep reaching out! I empathize, I've been there, however I can help I am here!) In general, the three big things I tell most people is this: 1. Take some time to make a list of all the people you’ve worked with, collaborated with, had coffee meetings with, or who have made an impact on you. Even if it’s someone you haven’t talked to in years—reach out and reconnect. You never know where those connections might lead!   2. Use LinkedIn to connect with and message people at the companies you’re applying to. Sure, some people may just see your message as noise and ignore it, but it only takes one person to respond to make all the difference.   3. Stay organized. Keep a list of where you’ve applied and who you’ve reached out to. And don’t forget to follow up with people! I know it’s not easy out there. Every connection you make and every message you send brings you one step closer to your next opportunity.

To everyone affected by the recent wave of layoffs, my heart goes out to you. In a time when uncertainty seems to be the only certainty, it’s difficult to see so many talented, hardworking individuals being let go through no fault of their own. Each job lost is not just a professional setback—it’s a family, a dream, a livelihood impacted. To the companies making these decisions: while we understand that tough times call for tough choices, let’s not forget the human side of business. People are the heart of every organization, and the way we treat them in their most vulnerable moments speaks volumes about our values. When facing hard decisions, I urge businesses to: • Prioritize transparency and communication. • Explore all alternatives before resorting to layoffs. • Provide adequate support to employees transitioning to their next roles. To those affected, I know it’s easier said than done —this is not the end, but a detour in your journey. Your skills, your resilience, and your value remain intact. Lean on your networks, stay hopeful, and keep pushing forward. Better opportunities are out there waiting for you. Let’s all be a source of support and empathy during this challenging time. 🙏 #layoffs #compassion #support #empathy #futureforward #opportunity #cometogether

Last week I heard about a number of old colleagues and friends who were part of some layoffs.  To those who are struggling, please know that you are amazing and that you will likely look back in a few years and realize that this was a point where you could take risks, make changes, and potentially, find passion for your work again.  For those of you who are questioning yourselves, you do not walk alone. There have been plenty of people who have walked a similar path. Take time to internalize this, but not wallow in it. Feel that pain, but shake it off. Don't let this break the confidence you have in what you've achieved. Take time to enjoy some moments you haven't had time for over the years.  Utilize your connections when you are ready. It is a small world and connections are there. Ask for that recommendation. Take coffee with someone you admire. Don't be afraid of taking chances.  In a few years you will look back and be thrilled with what you've achieved. It might not be exactly what you planned, but it can be something even better.  Drop me a note if you want to talk. 

To those affected by recent layoffs: I understand the whirlwind of emotions—asking why me, why now, and what's next. Definitely, take time to reach out to your network. Lean on your peers, family, friends, and love on those fur babies 🐾! Most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself ❤️. It’s not easy to apply for countless jobs, and not know what’s next. But trust me, embrace rejection as redirection, welcome every "no" as a step closer to your "yes,"✅ and be prepared to step OUT of your comfort zone—because that's where growth happens! You are literally learning NEW skills RIGHT NOW.🌷 If you know anyone seeking a new role, I'm here to help. I know it's tough—but it will be okay! Tough times don’t last, tough people do! Your dream job awaits, and with resilience, you'll get there.✨ #hiring #layoffs #networking 💕

Hi Folks, These layoffs continue and I feel for everyone impacted, and just know that many of us know you are not just disposable tools that can be thrown away when not needed. Don't give up, the right job is out there, but focus on roles that you are excited about and companies you admire. Don't be afraid to message a hiring manager or ask your network for help. It is true that you might not hear back from everyone, but it only takes 1 person to reply that might lead to something great. And lastly, remember, most of us have had help during our careers, someone who made an introduction, or referred us. Answer your LI messages and email messages and try to help those in need. A simple introduction might make the difference for someone who needs to support themselves or their families. We are all stronger together. Please message me if I can help, I'll do the best I can. My best to everyone. Careerguise #peoplematter

December folks facing tough headwinds from layoffs, I'm here for you. There are many of us who have experience navigating this scenario ready to help and provide resources, connections, and importantly, community. If you're in need of an ear or some expertise, feel free to DM me and I'll do anything I can to support your next role. Biggest advice? Lean into time off for doing nothing at all but disconnecting. Then reflect. Then strategize. Use all the time you can. And then when you're ready, buy phyl terry's book "Never Search Alone" and join the free community where you'll learn about personal brand and a systematic approach to job seeking. Skepticism is fine, but you won't find a cheaper and more comprehensive strategy that works when followed. You're going to be just fine. Many of you will be even better. But first, shrug off the burnout and negative emotions. #layoffs #neversearchalone #jobsearch #holidays #jobmarket #nsa #productmanagement #testengineering #community

What You Should Know The layoffs started. I had two choices: find another job or build something for myself. I chose the latter. That one decision changed my career path forever.  I went all in. Learned sales, marketing, and content creation. Found my niche in recruiting. Figured out how to map the market. Learned cold calling, email automation, and business development. It was a crash course, but I loved it.  Then, I realized something. 87% of the market is contract staffing. When the market dips, companies still need to hire—but they want contract workers, even for key projects. If you’re just a direct-hire agency, you’re missing out. You need contract staffing to meet the demand.  Companies also stress compliance and payroll funding. But there’s a solution. I know a YC-backed company that handles it all. Payroll across states. Compliance. Even funding your invoices.  The key? Stick with it. Focus more. Dial more. Email more. Network more. Ask for more referrals. It’s hard, but if you do the work, the rewards will follow.

This is one of the hardest, most vulnerable messages I’ve ever written. I’m hoping this will help someone who is facing similar challenges. I know thousands of people out there who have been affected by company layoffs. I've been laid off twice in 2 years, not due to performance, but to company reduction/restructuring. I initially was consulting for my BIL but decided to pursue something full-time with benefits. Our family home which we built over the past 7 years is on the market. As much as it kills us to sell, there aren't many options. We are still hoping and praying something will happen that will allow us to stay here. Since February, I’ve applied for hundreds of positions, and have received 2 replies. I’ve been ghosted on multiple interviews, personal LI messages, etc. It's hard not to take this personality, but I’m confident in myself and my ability to keep moving forward. I’ve read dozens of messages from others who are experiencing the same thing. While it's somewhat relieving to hear those stories, it's sad that this is the world we live in today. Going through multiple layoffs caused my wife and I to hit rock bottom. Once you get to the bottom, there is only one way up. True grit and determination. We started going to church and asking for directions. I won't go off on a spiritual rant here, but our life seems much more meaningful and worth fighting for. We see a light that we’ve never seen before.  I’ve also gone back to my roots of physical labor. I’m not too proud to admit that. It's quite exhilarating. I’ve started a Pressure Washing Business (duo pressure washing on IG if you want to follow). What does DUO stand for? Do Unto Others!!! It's the one rule I have always lived by!! Right now I’m doing driveways, sidewalks, and stone work around my neighborhood in hopes that it grows into something much bigger. We’ve always dreamed of creating something we can hand down to our kids, and this may just be it. Only time will tell. I’m already booked up through next week so things are looking positive. For those who know me, it's more tools to add to the collection. 🙂 I’m continuing to look for future opportunities, but this keeps my mental health in a good place. If anyone knows of a great company that could use someone with my work history and talent, please let me know. I would love to stay in SaaS as the majority of my work history is in this field. While I love leading people, and helping them grow, I’m not against an IC role. Job stability is most important this time around.  Also, if anyone else is struggling and could use someone to talk to, I’m an open door. Sometimes just having an ear can make all the difference. If anyone is interested in a DUO hat, please let me know. I’m happy to send over pics! Price varies depending on material/style etc. This message, Do Unto Others could change the world, one person at a time. Website/Social media to come! Thank you all, and have a blessed evening! Jason

It is a New Year with new beginnings! But remember the market won’t be suddenly magically changing overnight. Layoffs are still happening next week. Unfortunatley. I have heard from two companies this week doing layoffs next week. And many potential clients that they are getting laid off in the coming weeks. So make sure you set realistic expectations for your search. So you don’t set yourself up for disappointment or frustration. There are jobs. For my clients hiring already started picking up last quarter. And I expect the same in this coming quarter. But regardless you can’t focus on the negative. You focus on what you can do and do the extra to stand out. And just keep moving forward each day. Don’t set your goal to find a job. Set a goal of how many people you will network with each week. How many invitations you will send out weekly. Set a goal to come up with a target list of companies. A list of 25-50 companies. You get the idea. Focus on the actions you will take. Actions lead to results. What small goals are you setting in your job search? What new things are you trying in your job search? Run a niched and focused search. It will make all the difference in securing a job sooner than later. I promise.

If you are affected by layoffs, your first thought might be to refresh your resume and start applying for jobs. While this is important and you will need to do it eventually, it is not the most crucial first step. After being laid off, there will be a lot going on in your mind. You might be worried about what will happen next and how long it will take to find another job. These thoughts can lead to many questions and significant anxiety. If you immediately start applying for new jobs and don't hear back from recruiters, your self-confidence can take a nosedive. Therefore, the most important thing before diving into job applications is to find a way to manage the risks, fears, and anxiety. The best method I use involves these three steps: 1. List all the bad things that you think might happen. 2. Come up with simple ideas on how you can prevent them from happening. 3. Plan what you will do if they do happen. I explain this process in more detail here: https://lnkd.in/ggWPb9JS There are difficult times ahead, but focusing on what you can control is the best way to stay calm and positive.