Business
Losing a job can feel like a personal defeat, but in reality, it may just be the universe nudging you towards something better. In a recent episode of their podcast, Gab and Gelo explore the emotional and practical challenges that come with being laid off. Gab sets the tone by discussing how being let go doesn’t always signal the end of the road, but rather, it can serve as a redirection to new opportunities. With industries like SEO constantly evolving and the rise of AI tools disrupting traditional roles, many professionals find themselves out of work or worried about their future. As they share in this episode, the key to overcoming such setbacks is all about mindset—transforming feelings of loss into a chance for growth.
Throughout their conversation, Gelo and Gab share personal experiences and offer advice on job searching, networking, and upskilling. They provide actionable insights on how to manage finances and use downtime effectively, whether it's by learning new skills or tapping into existing ones. From leveraging professional connections to adapting to changing industry trends, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you rebuild and move forward after a layoff. If you’re looking for guidance on how to navigate uncertain times and turn challenges into opportunities, this conversation is for you.
Transcript Summary
00:00 - 00:35
Gab: Introduces the episode, setting the tone by discussing the common experience of being laid off. Despite the negative connotation of losing a job, Gab emphasizes that it should not always be viewed negatively, and that such events could lead to new opportunities.
00:45 - 01:24
Gelo: Asks Gab if he has ever been laid off. Gab shares that he has never experienced a layoff but mentions that in his experience, he’s been the one to leave companies before they close. He reflects on the challenges of managing clients, particularly when a company’s sales are declining.
02:15 - 02:55
Gab: Acknowledges that in SEO, companies can fall out of the limelight quickly, especially after Google updates. He references the impact of changes in strategies within industries, noting that the SEO landscape is constantly evolving, and many businesses that relied on older SEO techniques (like PBNs or Black Hat tactics) are disappearing. Gelo adds that with the rise of AI tools like GPT, layoffs in the industry are becoming more probable.
03:00 - 03:27
Gelo: Discusses the specific impact of AI on content creation jobs, noting that AI is increasingly used in content generation, which has led to a reduction in demand for content writers. Gab agrees, explaining that AI can now produce content at scale for a fraction of the cost, contributing to job insecurity for those in the content creation field.
04:17 - 05:02
Gelo: Opens up about his personal experience of being laid off from his job in the casino industry during the pandemic. He shares the emotional turmoil he went through, especially as he had been the primary breadwinner for his family. The experience made him question his worth, as he had worked at the company for 10 years. Despite the challenges, Gelo describes how he pivoted to a new industry.
05:03 - 05:25
Gelo: Asks Gab what the first thing someone should do after being laid off. Gab, who has not been laid off himself, responds with advice based on his experience managing clients and tracking analytics. He suggests that after a layoff, it's important to shift your mindset to find the next opportunity, accept what has happened, and update your resume or freelance profiles.
07:03 - 08:40
Gab: Talks about the importance of upskilling and growing one's expertise after a layoff. He reflects on his journey from being a virtual assistant (VA) to transitioning into SEO and managing his own agency. He advises that upskilling, particularly in SEO, can open doors to new opportunities and career paths. Gelo agrees and highlights how valuable upskilling has been in his own career growth.
09:30 - 10:59
Gelo: Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing one's feelings after a layoff. He also discusses how he managed his finances by building an emergency fund before being laid off. Having financial security helped him avoid panic and focus on finding the next opportunity. He also mentions that some companies offer severance packages, which can be useful in the transition period.
11:33 - 11:56
Gelo: Talks about how he used his time during the pandemic to upskill, watching YouTube videos and taking online courses on platforms like Udemy. He advises that, especially for people changing industries, gaining new knowledge is key to shifting careers successfully. Gab adds that financial management is crucial for freelancers, as income can be unpredictable, and having savings can help cushion periods of transition.
12:21 - 12:22
Gab: Gives advice on managing finances as a freelancer, stressing the importance of saving money during periods of high income so you have a financial cushion for unexpected events, like losing a client or job. He reinforces the idea that freelancers must be prepared for the unpredictability of their work.
12:30 - 12:43
Gelo: Starts this section by highlighting the difficulty of losing a job, especially if you don’t have children to support. He humorously mentions that parents often end up being an emergency fund in such situations.
Gab: Agrees, noting that financial struggles could lead to accumulating debts, but suggests that if you don't have an emergency fund, a good credit score and access to credit cards could serve as temporary solutions.
13:22 - 13:57
Gelo: Asks Gab for advice on managing finances while searching for a new job after being laid off. Gab, from a freelancing perspective, recommends focusing on essential expenses first. He suggests that individuals should prioritize things like internet and electricity bills, and avoid spending on non-essentials. He emphasizes the importance of having an emergency fund, which should ideally cover six months of living expenses.
15:08 - 16:07
Gelo: Discusses how to manage finances further by potentially selling assets or downsizing. He talks about how during the pandemic, he considered downgrading his phone or selling items like fruits and nuts to generate additional income. Gab concurs, suggesting that if one owns a car, it could be sold or downgraded to ease financial burdens. He also shares how, as a freelancer, he avoids the need for a car since it's not a necessity for his work, offering an example of how to prioritize spending.
17:56 - 18:25
Gelo: Asks how someone can leverage their network while searching for a new job. Gab highlights the importance of online networks, especially for freelancers who might be isolated at home. He advises posting on platforms like LinkedIn, where you can indicate you're “open to work,” and participating in groups where others may offer job opportunities or connections. Gelo agrees, pointing out the value of sharing job availability within smaller, closely-knit professional groups, especially in industries like SEO.
20:06 - 21:09
Gelo: Reflects on how to build a trustworthy network that will be valuable when job searching. He stresses the importance of rapport-building with colleagues and mentors, noting that having strong relationships makes it easier to ask for referrals or recommendations. Gab adds that asking for LinkedIn recommendations from colleagues can also be crucial for boosting your profile and credibility. He also emphasizes the power of networking through shared connections, as some people may share your posts on their wider networks.
21:09 - 22:06
Gelo: Turns the conversation to how individuals can use their downtime during job searches to upskill and learn new skills. Gab highlights how valuable it is to use free time effectively to improve one's skill set, especially in freelancing. Whether it’s taking online courses or gaining more knowledge in a particular field, downtime offers a great opportunity for self-improvement, making individuals more attractive to potential employers or clients. Gelo encourages viewers to focus on developing skills that can lead to new career opportunities.
22:21 - 23:34
Gab: Emphasizes the importance of assessing one’s current skills and how they align with future demands. He mentions that, for him, automation and data analytics—especially the combination of AI and automation—are areas he’s focusing on, as they are expected to play a crucial role in business optimization in the future. He notes that SEO will continue to evolve, and although the nature of search engine optimization may change, the fundamentals will still apply. He also predicts that local SEO will evolve, with new features like Google’s street view and maps enhancing visibility.
23:35 - 24:47
Gab: Advises that it’s important to focus on skills that are directly related to one's current work or career goals. He explains that it can be harder and take longer to master something completely unrelated to what you’re already doing. He suggests that those who are already familiar with SEO should build on that foundation by learning about automation and data analytics, as these fields are set to be in high demand.
Gelo: Concurs, noting that although learning new things is valuable, it’s better to build on existing knowledge.
25:15 - 26:37
Gelo: Reflects on how downtime can be a chance for self-improvement, but admits that he struggles to focus sometimes, especially with distractions like social media and household responsibilities. He encourages listeners to set aside a specific time for learning, free from distractions like Facebook or Shopee. He emphasizes that it’s important to create an environment conducive to studying or upskilling, particularly when you have more free time due to a job loss.
26:37 - 27:56
Gelo: Elaborates on the importance of focusing on skills that are directly relevant to one’s career transition. He talks about how, for example, someone laid off from a digital marketing agency should focus on specialized skills like AI, automation, and GPT engineering. Gelo mentions a new development in the AI field—a "GPT operator" that automates tasks like booking restaurants—which he views as a sign of the direction things are heading. Gab agrees that AI and automation are key areas to explore and stay updated on, as they will be increasingly relevant in various industries.
28:24 - 29:50
Gab: Shares his approach to job hunting, acknowledging that sometimes he makes the mistake of rushing into applications. He advises against sending out mass applications to job postings that aren’t a good fit, as it lowers the chances of success. Instead, he suggests applying to fewer, more relevant positions to increase the likelihood of getting noticed. He also mentions platforms like Upwork, OnlineJobs.ph, and Indeed for job hunting, but warns against applying to outdated job posts that haven’t been processed in months.
29:51 - 31:37
Gab: Talks about the importance of showcasing your work even if you're not actively applying for jobs. He suggests posting case studies or reels on social media to create an impression and stay visible to potential employers or clients. This is especially effective for people in SEO or other digital marketing roles, as your friends and connections may recognize the value of your skills and reach out when opportunities arise. Gelo adds that even casual gatherings, like reunions, can become networking opportunities if your work is known within your social circles.
32:20 - 32:47
Gab: Highlights the usefulness of job alerts on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Jobstreet. He explains that these alerts can help job seekers stay on top of relevant openings based on their location, job title, and experience. He also advises job seekers to pay attention to the job descriptions to understand which tools and skills employers are seeking. By setting up job alerts, you can receive daily or weekly emails with relevant opportunities, making the job search process more efficient.
32:47 - 34:55
Gelo: Shares his experience with using job alerts and recommends leveraging your professional network when looking for job opportunities. He suggests reaching out to past clients who may have let go of your services due to budget constraints but might be in a position to work with you again.
Gab: Agrees, reflecting on how he successfully contacted former clients when he launched his agency, and how this led to new opportunities. Both speakers emphasize the value of maintaining relationships and staying connected on platforms like LinkedIn to keep the door open for future collaborations.
35:03 - 36:03
Gelo: Advises that if you're nervous about job interviews, it’s okay to fail. The key is to learn from each interview and refine your approach for the next one. He encourages listeners to practice by watching interview preparation videos and understanding what to expect. He also highlights that job seekers should be prepared to handle rejection, and that each interview can help them better understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Gab: Adds that a positive attitude and experience are essential when it comes to interviews.
36:11 - 37:50
Gab: Offers encouraging advice to those experiencing a layoff, reminding them that it’s not the end of the world. He suggests viewing a layoff as an opportunity for redirection towards better opportunities, growth, and income. Gab encourages people not to give up after a few months of job hunting; instead, they should consider creating their own agency, as long as they have the experience and are willing to put in the effort. He reflects on how he started his own agency after the pandemic, outsourcing work and seeking clients.
Gelo: Agrees, emphasizing the importance of thinking creatively and being proactive.
38:00 - 39:40
Gelo: Speaks about the emotional struggles that come with being laid off, advising not to stay in a victim mentality. Instead, he encourages listeners to be proactive, upskill, and make use of resources like free courses available online. He also emphasizes the importance of prayer in tough times, suggesting that while you need to work hard, faith can offer guidance and strength.
Gab: Adds that even during difficult moments, praying for direction and support can help you feel less alone in the journey.
39:40 - 41:05
Gelo: Shares how reading The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday helped him navigate obstacles in life, reinforcing the Stoic principle of focusing on what you can control. He advises that when facing a setback like a layoff, it’s crucial to control your emotions and think about how to rebuild and rise from rock bottom.
Gab: Concurs, reflecting on how life’s difficulties often bring valuable lessons and insights.
41:06 - 42:14
In the closing moments..
Gab and Gelo: Reflect on their conversation and encourage listeners to keep pushing forward in their careers. Gab mentions that their courses—such as SEO Sprint, Technical SEO, and Local SEO Mastery—are available for those looking to upskill. He also notes that SEO is not going anywhere, and staying updated with new strategies, especially those incorporating AI, is key to long-term success.
Gelo: Adds that they, too, continue to upskill, showing that even experts need to stay on top of their game. They conclude by encouraging listeners to stay proactive, keep learning, and not to give up.
Don't forget to join our communities:
SEO Workout: https://seoworkout.com/
Local SEO Masterclass: https://theseodad.org/