The Unseasoned Weekly: February 18
Five first steps for navigating a layoff, practice a grounding exercise, apply for a role as a marketing writer.
- Words from the other side of outdoor seasonal work-
The Check In
When it comes to the outdoors: The government, private sector, and non-profit sector each work as an important side of the triangle that serves the public and our planet. When one side of the triangle shakes, we all feel it. When nearly 5,000 federal outdoor workers are illegally terminated, on top of an already diminished workforce, on top of non-profit funding freezes, on top of a sluggish economy… we feel it.
With the exception of one summer I thought trail work might be my passion (it was not! It is the hardest job I’ve ever had!) I never learned the tricks of USAJobs nor worked my way up the GS scales.
What I have experienced, however, is being unfairly and unexpectedly let go from a workplace (thanks, chaotic non-profit sector).
Here’s how I dealt with my aftermath. Each experience is unique and this may not relate to you. As always, take what is helpful, leave the rest. Know first and foremost that we’re rooting for you, we're taking action, and we’re on your team.
First, you may feel a surge of fight / flight / freeze / fawn (or maybe all four in a cycle). This is understandable. Especially in the US, they are taking away not only your work but also often your housing and your health insurance. This is an important time to lean on community, therapists, personal rituals, and trusted confidants. Take as long as you need and take extra good care of your nervous system.
Note: As possible, document everything you can in writing. Timestamps are ideal (ex: an email sent to yourself) but even a brief narrative of what happened saved on a personal device is helpful. This might eventually be useful in a lawsuit. It will definitely be useful to return to when you have more space to process what happened.
Then, make a one-month game plan. How can you take care of your basic needs for the next thirty days? Do the admin, figure out health insurance, understand if you are eligible for unemployment or any type of severance. Remember to lean on community or family and remember no one is judging you for whatever type of work you need to secure right now.
Begin to investigate your grief and your anger. Usually, we are more comfortable leading with one or the other. Which one surfaces first for you? It is okay to be sad. It is okay to be angry. The only thing I’d advise against is long-term numbing or pretending these feelings don’t exist. Again, a trusted therapist or friend can be a key resource for this moment.
Fuel your fire. What does resistance look like to you? How can you build alongside others and create a strong foundation for your year ahead? Unfortunately, we don’t always have immediate recourse for our own individual situations. But these are the moments that shape us as individuals and motivate us as communities. Sometimes by playing the long game, a time to make things right will arise.
Stay connected. Remember that all sides of that triangle are with you right now. As people who enjoy the outdoors, we have more in common than we have differences. Let’s step forward, together.
What did I miss and what has been working for you? What do you want us to know about this experience?
My replies and DMs are always open and no-cost resume and CV templates are here in the Free Resource Library.
I am also offering my friends/family discount on career support services to anyone affected by recent layoffs. This includes helping translate government resumes to the non-profit and private sector. Reply to this email and I’ll put you on my calendar.
Rooting for you,
-Emerald
- Questions for Your Next Journal or Hike -
On Reflection
New: Career Support for Outdoorsy Professionals
Are you ready to level up your resume, cover letter, or interview skills? I’m excited to now offer career support services tailored for professionals leaving outdoor seasonal work for 9-5 and year round opportunities.
Let’s refine your resume, edit your cover letter, practice interviewing, and craft a compelling application that showcases your unique experience. Reply to this email or schedule a free 15-minute consultation to get started. And if you know someone who could benefit, referrals are always welcome!
- Dispatches from the Unseasoned Community -
Heard on Social
Corny? Sure. But I love this trend as a reflection on how far you’ve already come. Your twenty-one-year-old self would be so proud of you.
Join us this week to learn with our community of over 4,000!
For Paid Subscribers: The monthly challenge is onto Week 3 and will be winging to your inboxes Thursday! February is all about translating your outdoor seasonal clothing into a both functional and aesthetic wardrobe for your year round life.
In four weeks we’ll go from closet full of company logo button-downs, nothing to wear :( → feeling myself :) All without buying a thing.
Week 3: Closet Audit. A system for assessing and reimagining the wardrobe you already own.
This challenge is available only to paid subscribers. $5/month gives you full access, with the opportunity to cancel or pull back to a free subscription at any time.
- Tips for your next application -
How I’d Apply
Reminder: There are science and technical writing opportunities outside of the outdoor and conservation industries too.
SEL is hiring a Marketing Writer in Pullman, Washington.
Unique Value Proposition (UVP):
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