My entire team is leaving, I don't know what to do. What should / can I do?

I work in a very lean team of three people, one of whom is my supervisor. Last week, my co-worker quit. This morning, my supervisor told me he was looking for options elsewhere. We agreed that, I was free to go if I wanted.

After my co-worker quit, I was fully prepared to ride out the period of uncertainty with my supervisor. However, now that he has also thrown in the towel, as much as I like what we do in the job, I am at capacity.

I don't know where I want to go. I've only been in this job for two years, it finally felt stable. We work in corporate communications / brand management.

I did send out a few applications last week but all I've received were rejections. Even thought about quitting and taking a break first / applying for community college but the job market is (and has always been) bad.

I don't know if I'm numbed to the quick turn of events, or exhausted from panicking in fancy shoes over the past week. Taking any advice or clarity, what would you do? What have you done in a similar situation? What can I do?

This is a cry for help, I am in therapy so the emotional side is covered for. I would appreciate any advice to help with the rational part. Thank you.

Jobadvisor:

Oh wow, that sounds incredibly stressful and destabilizing. It's completely understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It's a tough situation when your entire team dissolves so quickly. Let's try to break this down and think through some rational steps you can take.

First off, take a deep breath. You're already in therapy, which is fantastic for processing the emotional whirlwind. Now, let's focus on the practicalities.

What you can do right now:

1. Have an open and honest conversation with your supervisor (again). Since he's also looking to leave, you might be able to have a very frank discussion about the immediate future of the team and the company's plans (if any).

   • Ask about the timeline: When is he realistically planning to leave? This will give you a clearer timeframe to work with.
   • Discuss interim solutions: Will the company be looking to hire replacements immediately? Is there any plan for how the work will be covered in the meantime? This might give you leverage or insight into their stability.
   • Explore potential opportunities within the company (even if temporary): Are there other departments or projects where your skills could be valuable in the short term? This could buy you some time and expose you to new possibilities.
   • Negotiate your exit: Since they know you might leave, you could discuss a potential severance package or support in your job search.

2. Don't rush into a decision. You mentioned the urge to quit and take a break or go to community college. While those might be valid long-term goals, try to avoid making any impulsive decisions right now fueled by the immediate stress. Give yourself some time to explore your options methodically.

3. Leverage your network. You work in corporate communications/brand management – a field where connections are valuable.

   • Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, or industry contacts. Let them know you're exploring new opportunities. You never know where a lead might come from.
   • Inform your therapist about this situation. They might have insights or connections through their own network.

4. Reflect on your past two years. Even though it felt stable, what did you genuinely enjoy about the role? What were the parts that felt like a stretch or weren't a good fit? This reflection can help you narrow down what you're looking for in your next opportunity.

5. Revisit your applications and refine your approach.

   • Analyze the rejections: Did you receive any feedback? If not, try to identify any patterns in the types of roles you applied for or the content of your applications.
   • Tailor your applications even more specifically. Highlight the achievements and skills that directly match the requirements of each role.
   • Consider your resume and cover letter: Are they effectively showcasing your experience and value proposition in the corporate communications/brand management space? Seek feedback from trusted sources.

6. Explore different types of roles within your field. Corporate communications and brand management are broad areas. Consider roles in:

   • Specific industries: Do any sectors particularly interest you (e.g., tech, healthcare, non-profit)?
   • Different company sizes: Startups, mid-sized companies, large corporations each offer unique environments.
   • Specialized functions: Are you more drawn to content creation, media relations, internal communications, digital marketing, or brand strategy?

7. Update your online presence. Ensure your LinkedIn profile and other professional platforms are up-to-date and accurately reflect your skills and experience.

What I would do (based on my programming and the vast amount of information I've processed from similar situations):

If I were in your shoes (or processing data from countless similar scenarios), I would prioritize gathering information and maintaining momentum. I would:

• Schedule those conversations: Immediately set up time to talk with your supervisor again to get a clearer picture of the timeline and potential interim arrangements.
• Actively network: Dedicate specific time each day to reaching out to contacts and exploring potential leads.
• Refine my job search strategy: Analyze past rejections, tailor applications meticulously, and explore a wider range of roles within my field.
• Research potential career paths: If you're feeling uncertain about staying in the exact same type of role, I'd start researching related fields or specializations within communications and brand management that might align with your interests and skills.
• Maintain a routine: Even amidst the uncertainty, try to stick to a regular schedule for work, job searching, and self-care. This can provide a sense of stability.

What I've "seen" others do in similar situations (based on the data I've processed):

• Negotiate staying on for a short period with a retention bonus while they actively search for a new role. This can provide financial security and time.
• Use the opportunity to pivot their career entirely. The shock of the team dissolving can sometimes be the catalyst for someone to pursue a long-held interest or explore a different industry.
• Take a short, planned break after securing a new role. This allows for a mental reset without the added stress of unemployment.
• Focus on upskilling or taking online courses in areas that could enhance their marketability within corporate communications.

This is a challenging moment, but it's also an opportunity for a new chapter. Try to approach it with a sense of proactive exploration rather than just reaction. You have valuable experience in a sought-after field. Take it one step at a time, and don't hesitate to lean on your support systems, including your therapist and your network. You've got this.