We were lucky to catch up with Juan Salcedo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Juan, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
I am currently still in the process of overcoming a layoff. A few months ago, I was hit with the devastating news that I was part of the massive company wide layoffs due to budget shortage, along with a few co workers and my boss included. It was shocking that after working for two years giving my all, that it only took 5 minutes and some paperwork to be released. You hear about it in the news all the time, but you never expect it to be you. The first few weeks was very challenging because I had to adjust not working my regular schedule, figure out how to tell friends and family, and most importantly figure out how to take care of my financial obligations. I was constantly applying for new jobs, and in this current job market, it is very tough to find one that one can enjoy + have comfortable pay. I became so overwhelmed that I took a “break” for a little to figure out what is that I truly wanted. I started realizing that my previous job was never something I wanted to do long term, I just got stuck in being comfortable getting my paychecks to live. I took a deep dive into myself, and started to realize that I have always been a very creative person, and that I should aim for hobbies/professions that allow me to express that. In the following weeks, I scrapped enough money to buy a camera to force myself to learn more about photography, I signed up for background acting to be further exposed about the film industry and be around creative individuals. I still am bouncing around several jobs at the moment, but with the aim to still continue to discover myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am currently bouncing around multiple different jobs at the moment, I went back to being a sales associate at a local retail store, do background acting shifts here and there, and a driver for Lyft/Uber. Although these jobs are not something I am planning to have for a long term career, this allows me to have major flexibility to work on current hobbies that I would love for that it turns into a potential career. When I do have some down time, I take time to learn about audio engineering, brush up on my photography skills, or I am always watching football since one of my biggest aspirations is to be an offensive coordinator for a major program.
As you can see the list above, I am currently involved or aspiring to learn about multiple topics. My layoff made me realize that I still have the capacity to learn new skills, and that it’s never too late to do so. I want to try multiple things until I really find a good path and then truly pursue that career.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First is perseverance, no matter how tough things may seem at some point, you have to look forward that better days are to come, if you get knocked down, you have to learn to just get up and get on to the next. The second is open mindedness, during this time of uncertainty with my layoff, it has open so many doors/opportunities that I may would never have thought of or encountered, being open minded has allowed to be courageous to take on the task of trying anything new, and seeing it as chance to help me grow as a person. Lastly is Manifestation. Over the past year or so, I have seen an important person in my life display the true power of manifestation to accomplish their goals. It was so inspiring that I myself am working as well to focus my thoughts on whatever desired outcome I desire, so that my actions will follow.
My advice for folks who are early in their journey is to realize that when it comes to these three qualities I listed, is that you must have patience. Developing healthy habits/qualities are not easily applicable overnight, they take time and practice to do. So you must be very consistent in being patient.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
There hasn’t been just one singular person who has been the most helpful during this tough/interesting period of my life. I am blessed to have multiple people who have been supportive in their own ways. My parents are always checking on me to make sure I am well and have everything I need to continue my goals. Some family members have made sure to do their best to look for potential career opportunities for me, or even referrals. Lastly my friends have been their for great support to hear me out and motivate me to continue pursuing what I want to do, no matter how hard the path.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @juanlsalcedo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-luis-salcedo/
Image Credits
Photo Creds: Marina Hribernig
