Just got the unfortunate news. I am on H1B and have the next couple of months to hunt for a new job. Feeling stressed of course due to the time crunch and I am sure there are others like me who are in the same boat and would like to find another job and continue to live in the US. I have 3 questions : 01. While we have a few months to find the next job that sponsors, what are some of things we can do to increase the odds of finding a job? I have already started to reach out to recruiters, search openings from companies that I am aware of, etc. 02. For some, who have the option to change their status to H4, is it possible/easy to go back to H1b after say 6-9 months of unemployment? If there is anyone who has been through this experience or knows about it, it would be very helpful if you can share your story. 03. Beyond the urgent need to find a new job, are there any other hidden implications of getting let go? I could think of one - employee sponsored 401k may need to be transferred? Appreciate any inputs.
Re 401k: you don't need to transfer anything. You can let it sit in its own account / won't have to touch it. Maybe after you get a new job, you can roll it over to the same account if you really want to (for convenience) but it shouldn't be a worry for now. Good luck!
DM me for a few pointers
1. Reach out to your network and independent recruiters. Also try hired. When is your last day ? Your 60 day grace period will start from that day. 2. Yes I know a few folks who have done this. It’s easy and a competent lawyer can handle it well. 3. Your focus should be fining a job. Everything else would be just fine. Sorry to hear this! Have faith and stay strong... this shall pass. Unfortunately people fail to understand H1B is a modern form of slavery.
First of all, you are brave to think so clearly while undergoing the stress of having to leave everything behind, power to you. In this situation each day counts, I have seen multiple cases where people have gotten a job or extension approval close to the last valid day. Few things you can do. This is my list and not the only way to approach. 1) reach out to your network and try to get an interview. Linked in, Blind, personal contacts and company internal job boards would be helpful. This is the hardest part IMO. People react faster than filters in this case 2) you may even consider interviewing back home as a backup and some practice 3) see if you are fine relocating and call that out. Consulting companies are always looking for someone already in US. 4) NEVER offer to pay cash to anyone promising a job, there are scams that take advantage of our situation.
Yes, I would recommend starting on your H4 and H4 EAD ASAP while you look for your next role. They are taking 6-8 months to process those. You can always go back to H1B easily. Honestly, if I were you I would actually just stick to H4 EAD, they have so much more flexibility on the kind and number of jobs they can do.
^ This. Start a H4 application asap. If you find a new job before H1B grace period ends and get new H1 in premium, you could withdraw H4 application. If not, H4 will allow you to at least stay on your spouse's status. Consult an immigration attorney. H4 EAD has uncertain future, so can't be long term solution.
Ctheta already answered most of your questions. Reach out to your former colleagues, recruiters, post on LinkedIn, post on Blind as well. People will refer or help you get referrals. Get a job first and then think of stability, TC etc because of the H1 situation. 401k can be left in the account as-is. You can rollover when you get a new job. Downside might be a small monthly fee for maintenance. But it should be minimal like $10 per month or something. Good luck!
#1 in my opinion the biggest help you can do to yourself is by staying calm and not rushing. Being fired has an emotional impact on people. Their confidence gets gutted. The feeling of 'i wasn't good enough' is hard to avoid. Your job will be to overcome that feeling or not at all let it creep in. If you rush interviews, with this feeling and lack of prep, you will fail them. Each failure will act as a positive reinforcement to the claim in your head that you are not good enough. It will also make the next interview tougher. And if you flunk them you get blocked for 6 months. So prep fastbut prep first. Then apply. Yes time is not your friend here, but haste isn't either. Good luck.
Been there, faced it but it wasn't a layoff, the compant went down. I slept for maybe 16 hours daily during next 7 days. Depression is a bit*h Short story, did prep fast. Failed fast but gained experience. Shortlisted startups because they process your documents the fast. Joined the first offer. Now after a good stint will move to FAANG
God is great. He provides this great opportunity to return to the homeland.
We can kill GOD.
Gotta go to Israel for that, I don’t think anyone else has killed a god yet.
Based out of east coast ? You were restructured from VMware ?