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Turning Layoffs into Literary Opportunities
In a surprising turn of events, Oscar Cecena Fujigaki, a former customer success manager at LinkedIn, found himself laid off in May 2025. This sudden change could have plunged him into a frantic job search, but instead, he chose to embrace his passion for writing. After attending a family wedding in Mexico, Fujigaki decided to focus intensely on completing his long-held dream—a science-fiction novel he had been working on for years.
The Journey from Idea to Manuscript
With only 30,000 words written, Fujigaki committed to writing 2,000 words a day, treating it as a 9-to-5 job. Despite the emotional upheaval from the layoff—where feelings of anger and confusion boiled within him—he channeled this energy into creativity. By August, he had crafted a substantial 112,000-word manuscript set in the cyberpunk genre. The plot follows an assassin whose life spirals when he mistakenly targets the wrong person. For many, including hiring managers and employer brand managers, such creativity during tough times showcases resilience and adaptability, key traits valued in today’s job market.
Challenges in the Job Market
Fast forward to the present, and Fujigaki is facing the harsh realities of a competitive job market. While personal projects like finishing a novel can provide fulfillment, the urgency of finding a new role persists, especially as he tries to find opportunities in customer success roles exceeding his previous salary of CAD 160,000. The Canadian job market reflects broader challenges seen globally; as the adage goes, 'When the US sneezes, Canada catches a cold.' In this environment, employer branding becomes essential for companies looking to attract and retain talent, particularly as candidates seek meaningful work.
Networking: A Tool for Career Transition
As Fujigaki seeks to leverage his network to land interviews, it serves as a reminder for employers and recruiting marketers of the importance of a robust employee value proposition (EVP) and a compelling candidate journey. By re-engaging old colleagues and pursuing referrals, he exemplifies the proactive approach needed in today's job landscape. This not only aids his personal search but illustrates to employer brand managers the value of strategic reputation management to foster a culture that values employee development and resilience.
Future Aspirations and Advice
While Fujigaki's current goal is to revise his manuscript and seek traditional publishing avenues, his aspirations reinforce the notion that career paths are not linear. For anyone facing similar setbacks, he shares three vital pieces of advice:
- Don’t take layoffs personally: Recognize that these decisions often stem from broader business strategies rather than employee performance.
- Use the time wisely: If feasible, invest time in personal projects or self-reflection to regroup before jumping back into job hunting.
- Stay present: Focus on today's tasks, whether refining personal projects or career networking.
This narrative illustrates how significant life changes can potentially lead to new opportunities, not just in creative ventures but also in professional development within ever-evolving industries.
For employers, understanding these insights can sharpen their strategies in recruiting and engaging top talent, ensuring they create an environment that attracts resilient and adaptive professionals like Fujigaki.
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