Camille has been laid off more than once. The first time, she gave herself space to figure out what she actually wanted. The second time, she ran from unemployment and straight into the wrong job.

Those two experiences taught her an important lesson:

Know what you're running toward, not just what you're running away from.

In this episode of Pink Slip Pavilion, host Ashley Waddington sits down with Camille Romero to talk about layoffs, fear, networking, career transitions, finding the right fit, and remembering that your value exists independently of your job title.

During Camille's first layoff, the world was entering COVID and hiring had largely stopped.

She was forced to slow down.

Instead of racing toward another job, Camille spent time exploring her strengths, what she wanted to do next, and the kind of people she wanted to work with.

She kept networking.

Eventually, one of those conversations turned into an opportunity so naturally that she didn't even realize she was interviewing when the process began.

Her second layoff was different.

This time, Camille panicked.

"I ran away from unemployment rather than running to my next job."

She prioritized finding another role quickly instead of finding the right fit and ended up in a culture that wasn't right for her. Eventually, she negotiated her exit and later started her own business.

In this episode, we cover:

• Getting laid off more than once

• Rushing into the wrong job after a layoff

• Making career decisions from fear

• Finding the right cultural fit

• Networking during a job search

• Why you shouldn't wait until you need something to network

• Building relationships instead of transactional connections

• Asking your network for help • Remembering your value outside of your job title

• Using post-employment support when it's offered

• Reframing fear and nervousness • Changing career paths after a layoff

• Starting a business after leaving corporate

• Keeping your vision in front of you when nothing seems to be working

Camille's experience also changed how she thinks about networking.

Instead of asking, "Is there anyone you think I should meet?" she recommends asking:

"Is there anyone you think should meet me?"

That small shift puts you back in the driver's seat at a time when losing your job can make you feel powerless.

Today, Camille also makes a point of maintaining relationships before she needs them. Every quarter, she looks through her contacts and reconnects with people she hasn't spoken with recently.

Her biggest reminder for anyone navigating a layoff:

Your value is not tied to your position or your role. You have value all on your own.

CONNECT WITH CAMILLE:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-romero-9228091/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hows.it.working/

Email: camille@howsitworking.net

Pink Slip Pavilion shares real stories about layoffs, job loss, career transitions, career reinvention, entrepreneurship, and what comes next.

New episodes every Wednesday.