How I Survived Layoff #4...

Party time... oh its party time (day after layoff #4) Guess who just survived their fourth layoff… me!!! Yes, you read correctly, I’ve been laid off four times, and twice within a year. Let me tell you, it gets easier when you are prepared mentally and financially. This time around the stakes were extremely high for me since I’d just become a new homeowner and I'd be living alone. Having being a contractor prior, I know the contracting game pretty well. Contracts can ad will come and go just as soon as they started, this lay-off literally came out of the blue. There was no inclination that things were going askew. When I received the news, I was actually at home to prepping for a potluck with my co-workers, which was scheduled for the next day and never happened. Although it may have appeared that I was living the life on Instagram, every day wasn’t great. I honestly have NEVER experienced a lay-off like this before. Let’s just say my previous company was TRASH. However, I had a few tips and tricks under my sleeve. Here are a few things that I did i(n-between random outburst of tears) to get me back in the job market. 1.    Network Effectively- While this may come as no surprise… I always say that every opportunity you have is a networking opportunity. If you are in a contracting or consultant role you should be networking without a doubt. Having access to someone else’s network is extremely helpful if you’re looking to obtain a new position or gain additional knowledge in general. One of the first steps I took was reaching out to previous colleagues to see which projects they were working on or looking forward to. Luckily, networking comes pretty easy for me. My previous role required me to have relationships with several stakeholders within the organization and I was able to build solid relationships. Believe it or not during my lay-off a few of the stakeholders I worked with tried reaching out to me regarding upcoming roles within their department. If you happen to network within your organization, it is imperative that you are doing quality work, providing excellent customer service and trying to exceed expectations. Trust and believe, even when you think people aren’t watching and taking note on your professionalism, they are. Volunteered with a non-profit organization 2.     Utilize LinkedIn Effectlively- I have probably created a profile on every job site there is. I’ve also seen firsthand how companies utilize employment sites and when it comes to engagement, LinkedIn is definitely the way to go. While networking over brunch a friend suggested that I utilize the free LinkedIn trial which gives you access to the paid features. I took that advice and was able to message HR professionals at companies I was interested in. I would strongly recommend you update your LinkedIn profile prior to the free trial or utilizing the paid service. Celebratory drink for getting the job offer 3.    Create A Routine- Even if you’re not a routine person, going to work is usually a routine of some sort. When you are unemployed that particular routine is out of the window. Creating a routine gives you something to look forward to. The quote that says ‘Repetition Breeds Success’ stands true when it comes to obtaining a position. During one of my layoffs I woke up and ate breakfast, applied for jobs and had phone interviews until around 1PM, then I went daily to grab a bubble tea (#Extra), and ended my day relaxing by the pool. During this layoff, I made cooking breakfast a daily habit, caught up on Netflix shows, and I went to the gym. This layoff was a bit different for me because I knew I had the position (unofficially) when I applied (prior to the actual lay-off); it was just a waiting game. Took my sister to NYC  4.    Have Fun- Although this is a trying moment in life, remember bad times don’t last forever. After you’ve created a routine of networking in person and applying to open positions, it’s time to live a little. I semi thought of this as an unpaid vacation. I knew I had to hustle to gain income but I also knew that I wouldn't have this amount of free time to just come and go as I pleased.  Stepped out for a play Black Love event 2019

Something In The Water

I am still riding the wave from the historical Something In The Water Festival which took place this past weekend. I will admit that I'm not really a music festival type of girl, I LOVE music, just not crowds and I prefer a smaller venue. However, in comparison to Coachella this festival actually fit me.

Unfortunately day one was a bust, the weather let us know who was really in charge and all of the musical acts were canceled. I was BLOWN!!! I was really excited to hear Lil Uzi Vert, Janelle Monae and Migos. However, Pharrell totally redeemed himself. He updated us every step of the way and offered us a 33% refund. Honestly, the the cancellation was really in our best interest regarding safety. Although the events were cancelled, my friend and I enjoyed the day drinking. We started out with a Virginia Beach favorite, the orange crush and cheered to the weekend.

Saturday started out with a bang. We arrived to the park and ride location and was bussed off to the festival. Now this part was a bit nostalgic because  we were bussed it was in actual school busses. Albeit funny, I really have to commend Pharrell and his team. From that moment you could tell that they developed a very strong relationship with the city of Virginia Beach. It seemed like the entire city stepped up and helped support this festival. Aside from the relationship with the city, there were other brands big brands on site that showed their support such as: Sony, Akoo, Adidas, Timberland, Uber Eats, Walmart, and American Express, to name a few. There was also something for everyone, music, conversation, and activities. Like I wish that I could have been in more than one place at a time to take advantage of it all. I wanted to see the art walk, attend trap karaoke and see the dance show down. However, I was able to take advantage of the Adidas Creator park. Initially, they were allowing festival goers the opportunity to customize Adidas slides and make a custom Adidas tote. I made the tote but arrived a little too late for the sides and you know ya girl LOVE slides. Saturday was the main festival day for us and we totally enjoyed Travis Scott but when Pharrell and his friends came out we lost it!!! The biggest surprise of the night way Jay Z. It was rumored all week that Jay and Beyoncé were in town but you know how the rumor mill is, but when he came out everyone was up and singing along. Even the people in the adjacent hotels were out on their balcony partying along. Saturday was literally an all day event that ended on a musical high which called for Waffle House. Northern Virginia literally has one Waffle House so whenever I get the chance to get a Waffle I take it.

Sunday started out promising, we thought, I repeat, thought... that we'd get up early and head down to the pop up church. See, there was literally something for everyone... When we arrived to the beach it was beautiful. I was able to fully see the huge balloon that was set up providing that Coachella-like vibe. The line for the pop up church was sooo long and Alisha and I may or may not have cut lol, but we needed a lil Jesus. Pop up church was packed, there were people of all ages, all ethnicities and possibly denominations worshipping together. As much as I wanted to enjoy the pop up church, I couldn't it was hot as ever (I ended up with a sunburn right in the middle of my forehead lol) and the headliners seemed to be coming on later. I had no idea that the service was going to 8PM, after hear at least 3 groups give an a and b selection and listening to one full sermon it was time to go. Unfortunately, weren't able to enjoy any more of the music festival because someone got a new job that started the next day. That literally meant that I missed Chris Brown and I LOVE Chris Brown. Because we were unable to finish the festival we decided that we'd end out road trip by visiting out FAV restaurant in Williamsburg.

If  I had to choose one word to describe the festival, it would be AMAZING!!! I'm not sure if Pharrell had any experience planning a festival, logistics and overall entertainment but he did a hell of a job for his first time I am look forward to supporting him gain next year and please believe, I will be on point to see EVERY SINGLE act that I'm interested in, and I'd like to participate in the festival in some capacity other than an attendee (putting it in the atmosphere).

You have to check out Amber Ox if you're in Williamsburg, VA.

And because I'm still on a high... I'll leave you all with a cute lil Something In The Water playlist.

Black History Month...

Aside from June, February is one of my FAV months. I love that this month is the month dedicated to my people and my culture. This month I plan to ask in everything that is blackness and melanated. Early on I was taught about greats throughout history that fought for my rights as well as positively impacted society. Instead of just being lit... I plan on being a light all Black History Month and doing so with my ancestors in mind.