Getting laid off can be one of the loneliest experiences—I found an unexpected way to cope
"I made a sign, carried it into my local coffee shop and propped it up on my table. It says: 'Got laid off? You're not alone. Let's chat!'" says Kris Kealoha Giron.
TL;DR
- Layoffs are a common experience, with significant numbers announced monthly and annually.
- Being laid off can be a profoundly lonely professional experience.
- The author started 'The Open Chair' experiment in a coffee shop, using a sign to invite laid-off individuals to talk.
- The initiative aims to combat the isolation associated with job loss by fostering connection and shared experiences.
- Through 'The Open Chair', people have found support, shared stories, and received practical help like resume assistance.
- The core lesson is that while no one escapes the loneliness of a layoff, honest conversations can significantly alleviate it.
- The author, Kris Kealoha Giron, has a background in customer experience and founded The Open Chair after his own layoff.