MyMetric360’s Post

To all of you still struggling to find work out there… I was incarcerated for 35 years, and worked nearly every day of it for .18 - .60 cents an hour. I learned to upholster, shipping and receiving, ran 5 warehouses, learned woodcraft, toy-making, inventory, ran a library, and so much more. I became a published poet and author, sang and played in bands, became an artist, studied (and practiced) law for over 20 years, and was voted in as Chairman of the Men's Advisory Council ; acting as liaison between inmates and prison administrators. I took classes in conflict management, substance abuse, domestic violence, goal setting, cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, etc. I earned my Customer Service Representative credentials, and my Linen and Laundry Management certificate there. I worked loosely with the California Public Safety Committee (Senators Polanco and Vasconcellas) and Steve White, of the Inspector General’s office, graduated Defy Ventures as an Entrepreneur in Training, and developed a network of AMAZING mentors There is not enough space here to go on. I came home in 2018, co-founded a community house for returning citizens, within 6 months, at the same time joining the tech startup community at Checkr, Inc (a background check company, strange enough), until sadly part of a mass layoff 5 years later. In 2019, I won an Explorer in Residence Grant from the California Clean Energy Fund. I have lived with heart disease, suffered a stroke, and spent most of 2023 battling cancer. There is no Resume length that can suffice to list my experiences, competencies, or skills. The reason I share this with you is because, in light of all that is going on in the world today, I still have enormous hope for 2025 and beyond. You are important, valuable, and needed; stay the course. 💕

I got laid off from my job just over 1 month ago now, and my #LayOffs journey has had a boat load of privilege attached to it. I’m in a partnered relationship that is legally recognized (also known as marriage), which affords me a level of legal protection and security. My husband is gainfully employed, and because we are married/a legally recognized couple, I can be claimed as a family member on his medical benefits. So, one less thing to worry about. Speaking of health, I have plenty of it. Neither my body nor my mind require expensive medication in order to function meaningfully. I still have an HSA, which allows me to continue to afford my bi-weekly therapy sessions so I can manage my mental health effectively and process all the tough, I-just-got-laid-off feelings with my amazing counselor. We have enough in our savings account to still afford daycare, so that I can spend the workday searching for full-time jobs and completing projects for Accessible Sexual Health, LLC. I have two master’s degrees. I have a fantastic support system of friends and family. I live in a safe neighborhood, in a safe home, and own a reliable vehicle. Now imagine suddenly losing your job, your sole source of income, and experiencing any of the following: - No affordable health insurance - No affordable or reliable daycare - A disability that requires expensive medication or therapy to meaningfully function - Being the single or sole income earner of your household - Lacking the education or certifications to find gainful employment - Being 1 month away from being evicted - Having no reliable transportation - Being socially isolated This isn’t a brag or flex post. This is simply the truth of the matter. In a culture with little to no social safety net, I am amazingly blessed with an array of resources that many, many, many others simply do not have. So, to my fellow #OpenToWork crowd, if you are experiencing any of these barriers, it is NOT your fault. We simply need more resources to ensure that human beings can safely exist outside the context of a job. And, I believe we need better ways to support job seekers while they are in this transition.

I don't mind if you come into the office at 9 am or not. I don't mind if you work from home or from the garage while your car gets repaired. I hired you because I trust you to get the job done. Just tell me what you need from me to succeed in your role, and I’ll be there for you. Life happens. You don’t need to justify why you need a day off. You don’t need to explain why you’re leaving early because your child is unwell. You don’t need to apologize for having a personal life. Yes, I care about results, but I also care about you. We’re all humans, and we’re all adults. I lead people, not an adult day care center. For anyone hiring, my advice is simple: 1. Choose the right people. 2. Set clear deliverables. 3. Provide the tools and support they need. 4. Then, step out of their way. Do you agree?

Do you talk to your uber/alto drivers? Recently on the way to the airport I asked our driver how he liked his job. (I can’t help it… years of recruiting and years of being mom. I often ask how people like their jobs.) Turns out he has tacked on this second job to make up the shortfall of his pregnant girlfriend’s income. He gets up at 4am, drives for several hours, then goes to his real job, returning home in time for bed. Rinse and repeat. I wanted to tell him how unsustainable this is, how quickly burnout can arise, andhow unlikely it is to improve once the baby arrives. Instead I asked him some more questions and it turns out what he would really like to be doing is food. On this topic his eyes were bright. Hes fully trained and licenced and his benefits come from the real job. So… what if he dropped the driving gig and used that time working for himself growing what he actually wants to do? What if he used a co-working space with a commercial kitchen? What if he found clients in the condo community where he owns? What if he created space in his life to do what he really wants to be doing? How different would the story be- for himself, for his relationship, for his child if he found fulfillment even while executing the grind? Now this young man has a lot going for him - professional, dedicated, enterprising. And hes got a lot of the pieces in place already. And, (this is a big one we rarely talk about) he instinctively knows what he wants to do. …But he wasn’t doing it, didn’t think he could, and wasn’t even considering taking steps to try. So that has me thinking … what would you be doing if you could do what you actually wanted? Do you know what that is? Might you have more puzzle pieces in place that you realize? Is it really the puzzle pieces that are missing or is something else holding you back? #personaldevelopment #mentalhealth #motivation

When I told people I was quitting my HR job after over 14 years, you can imagine the reactions I got. Leaving a stable job, a decent paycheck, respectable position for the uncertainty of a new unconventional path seemed risky. I understand that people have doubts and concerns. I had them too. But I knew in my heart that I had to take that leap into the unknown. The thing about human potential is that we build mental prisons around what we're capable of based on societal expectations and self-imposed limitations. It’s funny how people can play a role in either building up or tearing down your dreams, often claiming to know what's best for you, or maybe just for themselves ;). That’s why I always ask myself, “Why should I let someone’s limited perception of my potential construct a cage around my dreams or ability to try new things?” So whenever I hear "you can't," that's often my cue to DO IT ANYWAY. I think that's just the rebel in me :) These past few years I have seen an entirely new profession of content creators that have entered almost every stream of industry. I really admire the courage of these creators whose passion sees no age bar - from 10-11 yrs to 60-70 yrs - they are doing what they want. These creators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries didn't renegotiate their ambition or ask for permission - they just did it, not deterred by those who say "you can't." You might find supportive companions along your journey, or you might walk alone, trusting that the end will be worthwhile. That’s what I see myself doing today. Don’t let anyone tell you what your limitations are. So, what mental self prison have you confined yourself too? How do you push yourself to do the tasks that people say ‘you can’t do it’. #MakeYourOwnWay #JustDoIt #CreateYourPath

When Caring for Your Parents Comes at a Cost to Your Career An estimated 29 million workers, from senior managers to retail clerks, work while also caring for an adult family member. The stresses are taking a toll on their careers. How many of you are experiencing this issue with your parents? There are other options for elder care these days. https://lnkd.in/ePgrvMUA #Eldercare #Seniorcare #AssistedLiving

I don't care if you come to the office at eight in the morning. I don't care if you choose to work from home or not I don't care if you work out of the garage while they're fixing your car. I hired you to perform a task and I trust you to accomplish it. Just tell me what you need from my side to be successful in your role. And I'll be there for you. You don't need to justify to me why you need a day off. You don't need to explain how sick your child is to get out early. You do not need to apologize for having a personal life. Yes I care about results but I care about you too. We're all human. I drive people. I don't run a care center. My advice to anyone hiring: Choose the right people Agree on the required tasks (be absolutely clear) Provide the right tools and support Get out of their way.

We've hit the second half of the year, which means I have been unemployed for half of 2024 after being laid off last year. However, that does NOT mean I haven't been busy learning and planting seeds to further my professional growth! I have learned so much during a total of 9 months and counting, and I cannot wait to see where this knowledge takes me! #laidoff #healthcaretechnology #healthcareproducts #digitalhealth #professionaldevelopment

#ThoughtfulThursday When someone is laid off, or you see a post of someone who is struggling, do you scroll by or try and offer some encouragement? I remember when I was unemployed, if I had a dollar for everyone who said: “”Someone will scoop you up in no time, or you are too talented not to find something soon.” While yes, this may make someone feel good, here are some other ways to be kind and show empathy. Instead of saying, “I know what it feels like,” try saying, “I can’t fully grasp how difficult this must be, but I want to support you however I can, what can I do? Instead of saying, “You’re strong, you’ll get through this,” try saying, “It’s okay to feel weak right now. You don’t have to go through this alone, and strength is also knowing when to ask for help.” Instead of saying, “How are you? Try this…”I’ve been thinking about you. How’s today treating you so far?” “Up for a chat, I’m here for you!” Instead of saying, “you will find something soon” try saying, “Take things at your own pace. There’s no right way to go through this.” And don’t wait for someone to ask you for help—do something—anything! Instead of saying, “Everything happens for a reason,” try saying, “This must be incredibly unfair and hard to understand, what can I do to help you? And when there aren’t words that fit, just offer your presence and let silence hold space for what they’re feeling. Sometimes, simply being there is the best way to show you care. And if someone is unresponsive or unusually quiet. 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 Pick up the phone Sometimes human connection is all someone needs!

Just trust me you’ll be fine ✨🫶🏼 Nora is 7 months old today which….blows me away! She is learning and growing everyday! And with each new milestone I’m growing as well. Being laid off at 5 weeks postpartum with no severance or insurance continuation was a huge shock…but it turned out ✨just fine✨ In the moment I wasn’t sure how we would survive and truthfully it’s been a huge adjustment but I’m so thankful for our families & friends who have supported us on this journey. Here are some things I’ve learned in the last 7 months: 1️⃣ People will actually relate to you better if your honest about the difficulties in life. Everyone has them. 2️⃣ Being a new parent isn’t all that expensive. The money you save on going out covers your cost of formula & diapers. 3️⃣ Let them. Toxic employers, will stay toxic. Let them talk. Be true to yourself and rise above it. 4️⃣ Advocate for yourself. As an HR leader I was constantly advocating for the betterment of others but often struggled to advocate for myself. But NOBODY has your back like you do. 5️⃣ Accept Help. It’s hard to do but your people want to show up for you…so let them help. 6️⃣ Boundaries aren’t lazy. Actually it’s extremely time consuming and takes effort to set boundaries but they’re important. And finally… 7️⃣ Everything can change in an instant. No job is secure. No plans are in stone. You can be the most prepared, type A, spreadsheet planner and life can throw you for a loop. #layoff #laidoff #peopleandculture #hrhiring