Alex McArthur’s Post

“God first. God’s plan.” My 19-year-old son often posts those words on his social medial accounts. He runs D1 track/cross-country in college and keeps God at the center of his very challenging schedule. My 21-year-old daughter was re-baptized last year as she reconnected with her faith. These testimonies humble me as a father, and I realize how thankful and blessed I am for raising them accordingly. Then my predicament hits Oct 2023 – laid off for the first time from the same company of 25+ years. After a few weeks of digesting this, struggling with self-doubt, insecurities, wondering what the future now holds for me, I reflected on my children's testimonies and finally faced what I should have seen from the start - trust God. It’s a formula essentially – the more you worry, the less you trust God and vice versa. It’s not easy every day scrolling through countless job descriptions, applications, networking, recruiters, not to mention the rejection emails noting the company is not considering your application. You must surrender each day and trust God is working something for your good. We still must put in our steps while we hang out in God’s waiting room. For those of you with the green banner on your profile or even if you are in a toxic job environment looking for a way out, this is a time to build your spiritual muscle and never give up. It’s a daily process that requires strength and courage putting God first, trusting in his plan. I pray for you every day. As for me, I’m still #openforwork in the #drugsafety #pharmacovigilance #qualitymanagement space. I’m not concerned about titles. I would like a new ‘work’ home where I can collaborate, build relationships, and perform work that matters. If you or someone you know have these opportunities, I would sincerely appreciate the referral. Have a blessed week.

19 years ago, my world crumbled...I thought I couldn't live anymore "I don't want to live", and "I want to die" were my thoughts when my first husband passed away from complications of a (normal) viral fever on this day 19 years ago. 2005 marked the darkest moment of my life and yet, this event also made me "grow up". I learned that I have to be independent and also found out who were true friends, and who weren't. They say that God will never give you anything that you couldn't handle and I believe it's true because this moment made me realise that I am so much stronger than I initially thought I was. Of course, I had family and close friends who got me through these tough times and I am forever grateful. 19 years on, as I embark on a new journey, I am proud to be where I am today because every life and career experience has given me lessons that no formal education will ever give. And, again, I am blessed to have people who are always in my corner (and I will always be in their corner whenever they need me). So, if you ever have to go through dark moments in your life, you will have family and true friends who will help you go through it. And you will realise how strong and resilient you are. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help. PS: It took me a few days to decide if I wanted to be a little vulnerable to share about my life but after thinking that it could help someone, I decided to post this. PPS: if you want to know what this image below means, let's meet up for yum cha. #lifeexperiences #youarestrong #inspiration

What a great graphic to display the realities of our job world today. The Point: 💯 Just because you spent whatever (absolutely ridiculous) money to become the "Professional _____________" you're not entitled to anything. We completely understand your debt and lifestyle demands, but those are personal and NOT the market's problems. (we have systemic problems in our economy, it applies to everyone) Just as it is when it comes to your "Attitude" "Attitude determines Altitude" ⭕ Be a competent professional 🤝 🛠 Technical skills only go so far. Personable skills are what sell your technical abilities. #InterpersonalCommunicationSkills #attitudematters #AIxalConsulting

On the verge of turning 35 next year, my takeaways of calling yourself (super) successful and lucky - - a 3 am friend who you can speak your hearts out - trust me, just one is enough - you don't need an army and hence be a people pleaser in your 20s to have this - and surprisingly, it sometimes can be a person who you knew barely! - have garnered wealth enough to outlast your life in a (small) town (not necessarily in a big city) - this also helps to do your current job rationally, fearlessly and you would be in the job for the love of it - family who is supportive, no matter what you have been and you feel happy going home - partner with which you have multiple fights (small or big), you both forgive each other in a heartbeat, and hasn't almost changed you for what you were or what you loved (professionally and personally). Cherry on the cake - has helped you become a person who you wanted to be! Anything beyond this, is your personal choice and higher than usual threshold of what you want to be - it can be wealth, a big designation in a big MNC, almost no friction with people close to you, etc., however is not necessary and is superfluous!

In this unexpected gap between jobs, I've found a silver lining: the chance to dive into some part-time volunteer work. Since the crisis kicked off on October 7th, it's been amazing to see so many people and organizations step up to support those hit hardest here in Israel. 🌍❤️ I've been spending time with ISRAEL SUPPORT BRIDGE החמל המרכזי —an awesome group that's all about getting crucial supplies to those in need, from families to refugees across the country. The energy here is incredible, and it’s super inspiring to be a part of something this impactful. 💪📦 This whole experience hits home for me, reminding me a lot of my last couple of roles at companies that were all about the good stuff—improving health through tech and making food more sustainable. 👉 In healthcare, it wasn’t just about services—it was about ensuring people without health insurance could still see doctors and get the care they needed. 🏥👨⚕️ 👉 In foodtech, we focused on providing families with babies and toddlers who have allergies access to essential nutrients through natural food options, steering clear of highly processed or expensive alternatives. 🍏👶 Working somewhere that measures success not just in profit, but in real, positive changes in people’s lives? It’s seriously addictive. Metrics that reflect rel improvements in people's lives aren't just numbers; they're signs of a better, kinder world. 📈❤️ Can’t wait to bring this energy into my next gig, wherever that takes me. If it’s about making a difference, I’m all in! ✨🚀 🌟 Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you had a role—paid or volunteer—that made you feel like you were truly making a difference? Drop your stories in the comments. 🌟👇

Resharing this post because I found it very moving. I know a lot of people (many who are older) who are underemployed. The effects of unemployment are tremendous on mental health and self-esteem. If you are struggling, add me to the list of people who will answer your call. And thank you to this author for sharing this moving post about her father. #nationalsuicidepreventionweek #worldsuicidepreventionday

Another tragic outcome for someone whose life was decimated by a layoff that left him hopeless. The result? A daughter lost her father. Her child a grandfather. A community a productive member. We need companies to start engaging openly in a dialogue to address the real root cause issues so we can eliminate the need for constant layoffs. Companies announce layoffs, then walk away with a dismissive mike drop. They refuse to engage in conversation about how it could have been prevented. They refuse to learn. If companies want to tout their commitment to the communities they serve then it’s time they come to the table and take responsibility for their part in destroying the lives of their own employees and the communities in which they live. Folks, we have a suicide epidemic on our hands! And we have a corporate authoritarianism that makes corporate leaders feel they have no accountability for anything other than profits. Despite undeniable evidence to the contrary, we continue to follow practices that result in physical harm. Perhaps because those making the decisions never include themselves in layoffs - without the golden parachute and being stripped of benefits and promised equity. If you’ve ever watched someone spiral down to the point where the only option they see is death, you cannot turn away from this. I’ve been through it 3 times and can tell you it is the most excruciating experience. And in all three cases, they each fought to live but in the end they couldn’t. We all have a responsibility - we are all part of the community. Payouts, privilege and promises do not absolve us. I challenge corporate leaders who engage in frequent layoffs to come face to face for a dialog with those impacted. Not through emails, agreements and HR Reps. But a true solution-oriented conversation around real solutions without all the fluffy corporate speak. Your silence says more than you realize. And the next death could be someone close to you.

Something to think about

This post moved me for many reasons. It reminded me of two people's similar stories during COVID, but it was also resonant because the current job market is tight.  In recent weeks, I have heard from several people about their stress and angst about finding work, finding freelance work, being made redundant and the cost of living. There have been tears.   We need to be kind to ourselves and kind to others. Reach out and let people know you give a d*mn.  If you're a recruiter, think twice before sending the automated "thanks but no thanks" email. Be kind, give valuable and positive feedback to help with future applications, and be gentle. If you know of work or freelance opportunities available, tag, message, or email those you think might be interested. There are people doing it really tough right now. #bekind #suicideprevention #network #share