Not Laying Down: Joe Waltman

What's your plan for finding a new job?

I am actually using the fact that I got laid off (and received a modest severance package) to start a company (peer to peer advertising stuff....www.ablechair.com).  For this reason, I have not proactively looked for a new job nor sent out any resumes.  I did receive a few offers from former colleagues in the Sept-Oct time frame, but have not received any recently. 

Have you had to change your lifestyle at all? If so, any tips for other readers in your position?

I have changed my life style quite a bit while boot-strapping my start-up: brought in a roommate, fired my cleaning lady, replacing my car with a scooter, cooking more and eating out less, etc.  I've actually found the process of cutting costs to be therapeutic; it is liberating to remove all the unnecessary elements from your life and focus only on the critical.  I don't necessarily have any specific advice on what should be cut or how to make the cut, but I think everyone should go through the process at some point. 

Did you see the layoff coming? Could you have? How would you suggest others who might get laid off prepare for it? 

I did see the lay-off coming and somewhat welcomed it because I wanted to focus on turning my idea into reality.  Again, my situation is probably a bit unique. 

Any other general words of wisdom for those who are in or could be in your predicament?

I am not very good with pearls of wisdom....but will repeat something that my father always told me, "if you can get somebody to pay you to do something, you can always make more money doing it for yourself".  I don't entirelty know what it means...but think it has a good ring to it.  :^)