Podcast Summary: How to Money – Episode #980: Creating a Post-Layoff Action Plan with Marlo Lyons
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Introduction
In episode #980 of "How to Money," hosts Joel and Matt delve into the challenging topic of navigating career transitions post-layoff with the expertise of career coach Marlo Lyons. Focused on providing actionable advice and insights, this episode equips listeners with strategies to effectively manage layoffs, reframe their career paths, and secure fulfilling employment in a fluctuating job market.
Guest Introduction: Marlo Lyons
Joel and Matt welcome Marlo Lyons, an experienced career coach with over two decades in the field. Marlo brings a wealth of knowledge from her diverse career journey, including her roles as a TV news reporter, entertainment attorney, and HR professional. Her candid discussion about being fired and leveraging that experience to pivot careers serves as a foundational element of the episode.
Personal Experience with Layoffs
Marlo shares her personal story of being fired at age 26, detailing how this setback became a pivotal moment for self-reflection and career redirection.
Marlo Lyons [03:00]: "I don't blame that boss at all. I thank that boss to this day... he made me reflect on who I was and who I wanted to be."
Marlo emphasizes the importance of viewing layoffs not as failures but as opportunities to reassess and realign one’s career goals.
Job Hunting Strategies
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on effective job hunting strategies post-layoff. Marlo outlines actionable steps for listeners to enhance their job search without becoming overwhelmed.
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Resume Optimization: Marlo advises creating a forward-looking resume that highlights relevant skills and accomplishments tailored to desired roles.
Marlo Lyons [39:03]: "It's not about what you've done, it's about what you've done that's relevant."
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Networking: Emphasizing the timeless value of networking, Marlo encourages listeners to actively engage with professionals both online and offline to uncover job opportunities.
Marlo Lyons [28:35]: "You can never, ever underestimate your network and the people that you've built relationships with..."
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Leveraging LinkedIn: Regularly posting and engaging on LinkedIn is crucial for increasing visibility and portraying oneself as a thought leader in their field.
Marlo Lyons [31:21]: "You need to be posting on LinkedIn... The more you post, the more visible you're going to be."
Financial Concerns Post-Layoff
The discussion shifts to the financial anxieties that often accompany job loss. Marlo addresses common concerns and provides guidance on managing finances during unemployment.
Marlo Lyons [18:04]: "People are just kind of wondering, do I have to sell my 401k? Do I have to sell other things?"
Marlo highlights the importance of having a financial runway and cautions against making hasty financial decisions without adequate planning.
Mental and Emotional Health
Marlo underscores the necessity of taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being during the transition period.
Marlo Lyons [33:37]: "You have to take care of yourself. Do the thing that gives you energy and makes you feel good."
She advocates for activities that replenish energy and prevent the descent into a depressive spiral, which can hinder the job search process.
Making Career Decisions: What You Want vs. What You Can Do
A core theme of the episode is the distinction between pursuing what you can do versus what you want to do. Marlo encourages listeners to identify their true passions and values to find fulfilling work.
Marlo Lyons [21:58]: "It's about the value you can bring to that company... It's not the can, it's the want."
This approach helps in crafting a career narrative that aligns with personal fulfillment rather than merely leveraging existing skills.
Impact of AI on Job Hunting
Marlo discusses the dual-edged impact of artificial intelligence on the job search landscape. While AI can aid in optimizing resumes by extracting relevant keywords from job descriptions, it also poses challenges such as the potential for AI-generated resumes to be filtered out by automated systems.
Marlo Lyons [54:04]: "They are filtering your resume through an AI program that is looking for the best match."
She advises using AI as a tool for enhancing specific aspects of the resume rather than relying on it to create entire documents.
Advice for Internships
For younger listeners and those entering the job market, Marlo emphasizes the critical role of internships in gaining experience and clarifying career aspirations.
Marlo Lyons [50:55]: "Internships are critical... you need to get that experience on your resume."
She encourages proactive efforts in securing internships early in academic careers to build relevant skills and professional networks.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
Joel and Matt, alongside Marlo, conclude the episode with several actionable takeaways for listeners:
- Define What You Want: Focus on identifying personal passions and values to guide career decisions rather than just leveraging existing skills.
- Optimize Your Resume: Tailor resumes to highlight relevant accomplishments and incorporate necessary keywords to pass AI screening tools.
- Active Networking: Engage with professionals both online and in-person to expand job opportunities.
- Self-Care: Maintain mental and emotional well-being through activities that energize and fulfill.
- Strategic Job Hunting: Set manageable daily and weekly goals to structure the job search without becoming overwhelmed.
Joel [59:04]: "Think about what you want to do versus what you can do."
These strategies collectively form a comprehensive post-layoff action plan aimed at helping individuals navigate the complexities of career transitions with resilience and purpose.
Final Thoughts
"Creating a Post-Layoff Action Plan with Marlo Lyons" serves as a valuable resource for anyone facing the uncertainty of job loss. Through Marlo’s expert advice and personal insights, listeners gain a roadmap for turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and fulfillment in their professional lives.