Experiencing job termination significantly shifted my perspective on the professional realm.
Edson Philippe, a 39-year-old software engineer from Atlanta, found himself unexpectedly out of work when American Express terminated his employment in 2015. The early termination left him pondering the financial stability of a company before joining, leading him to become more discerning in his job search and thrifty with his personal finances.
In retrospect, Philippe saw himself set to soar with his first full-time job as a Junior Decisioning Engineer at American Express, a prestigious and financially stable company. However, the unexpected termination challenged his preconceptions about job security, encouraging him to remain cautious and adaptable, knowing that the tech world of big banks was not immune to layoffs.
Fortunately, he received a notice period and an eight-week severance package to search for a new opportunity, which came quickly. Within the allotted time, he secured a software developer position at Home Depot before moving to another tech company in 2022.
While the termination jarred his sense of security, Philippe realized that firings were an inevitable part of the working world and not indicative of personal shortcomings. With longer tenures, he observed frequent layoffs and restructuring in the tech industry, prompting him to focus on growing his side businesses as a safety net in case of unemployment.
Reflecting on the experience, Philippe emphasized the importance of empowering oneself by investing in education and skills. Conscious of the ever-changing tech landscape, he advised making time for regular interviews, even if not actively seeking employment, to keep interview skills sharp.
When considering job offers, Philippe prioritizes evaluating a company’s financial stability by reviewing public financial reports, financial KPIs, company news, employing financial dashboards and forecasting tools, and engaging in research regarding the company's reputation.
Aside from a regular job, Philippe runs a YouTube channel and works as a freelancer to support small businesses with technical issues, serving as an additional financial safety net for when uncertain times may strike again.
- What Edson Philippe was left pondering after American Express terminated his employment in 2015 was the financial stability of companies before joining them.
- To deal with his sudden unemployment, Philippe became more discerning in his job search and started practicing budgeting and debt-management, as well as focusing on saving more.
- Realizing the importance of career development and education amid the ever-changing tech landscape, Philippe advises making time for regular interviews, honing interview skills, and investing in personal-finance and education-and-self-development.
- In addition to finding a regular job, Philippe runs a YouTube channel and works as a freelancer to support small businesses, serving as an additional financial safety net and contribution to his career-development.
