Track your layoff journey and support others

I was laid off this morning and I'm determined to keep my momentum going. This afternoon, I took the time to create a structured "work schedule" on Notion to maintain a sense of regularity in my days. I'm hopeful that this approach will help me stay focused and productive during my job search. Wishing everyone in this situation the best of luck—it's a tough time for all of us!

I recently found out that a full-time position has opened up at the company where I interned last year. I'm excited about the opportunity, but I'm unsure how to approach writing my cover letter. Since the hiring manager likely remembers my work during my internship, I'm not sure if I should reiterate my experiences or focus on something else. I'm considering reaching out to the hiring manager to see if they can help me bypass the cover letter requirement, as that might increase my chances of getting noticed. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated!

I was let go from my job last week, and while it was tough, I’m already making progress in my job search. I’ve had one phone screen and one interview so far, and I’ve submitted four applications that are currently marked as "under review" or "under consideration." To help stabilize my income during this transition, I also secured a part-time job. I just wanted to share my experience to encourage others who might be in a similar situation—don't give up! It can happen for you too!

I recently left my job in the hospitality industry after a decade of experience, which began when I was just 14. I started out bussing tables and quickly moved up to management roles, even overseeing private events at a family-owned country club by the age of 16. Over the years, I took on more responsibilities, like managing payroll and assisting in property ownership transitions. However, the pandemic hit hard, and after some ups and downs, I decided to leave after the second ownership change. I thought I could find a similar role focusing on private events at a more exclusive club, but after six months, I realized it wasn't the right fit. I was promoted early on but felt overworked without the support I needed, and a clash with my general manager pushed me to resign. After taking some time off and briefly working at Mattress Firm, I found that job unfulfilling and left after a promotion. Now, I'm feeling lost. I have some college credits but dropped out when my career took off. I’m applying for jobs that match my skills but lack the degree to back it up, which is frustrating. I'm considering going back to school or returning to hospitality, but I’m unsure if I want to endure the long hours and stress again. The job market feels daunting, and I'm really disheartened about my options.

I recently completed my sixth interview for a management position at a firm that seems to be creating the role specifically for me. While I'm genuinely interested in the opportunity, I can't help but feel that six interviews is excessive. It's been two months since I started this process, and although I'm not unemployed—since I own a business that can sustain itself without my constant involvement—I'm starting to consider other offers due to the slow pace of this hiring process.

I just received a rejection email after going through five rounds of interviews, each lasting an hour, for a position I was really excited about. I prepared extensively for each round, ensuring I answered all the questions to the best of my ability, even utilizing online resources and AI to refine my responses. With over 15 years of experience, I thought I had a strong chance, but it seems like the job market is tougher than ever. I've been searching for a new role for over five months now, and while I've had several first-round interviews, many times I get ghosted afterward. It's incredibly frustrating, especially since I have a family to support. I feel lost and unsure of what to do next.

I recently experienced my first layoff after joining a labor union 7 months ago. The layoff is expected to last a couple of weeks, and I'm navigating the process of applying for unemployment benefits for the first time. Since Pennsylvania determines eligibility based on last year's earnings, I'm worried because they will look at my previous employer, from which I resigned before joining the union. My main concern is that the company might contest my claim since I voluntarily left. I spoke with an unemployment associate who reassured me that I should be fine since I left on good terms, but I still feel anxious about the whole situation. I've heard that filing for unemployment as a union member is usually straightforward, but right now, I'm feeling uneasy waiting for a decision that depends on my former employer.

I'm currently in Massachusetts and waiting on a decision for my unemployment appeal. The process has been really long, and my funds are running low. I'm considering picking up some temporary or holiday work, maybe just 1 or 2 days a week, to help with my finances. I'm unsure how this might affect my unemployment claim while I'm still waiting for the decision. If anyone has experience with this situation, I would really appreciate your insights or advice.

I just had my interview for an entry-level teller position, and it went really well! The interviewer mentioned that it was the best interview he’s ever had with a candidate and complimented me on being very well spoken. He said he would reach out very soon with an update. I'm feeling hopeful but also trying to manage my expectations. I know that nice words don’t always lead to an offer, so I’m preparing myself for any outcome.

I'm currently feeling stuck in my job and desperately seeking a new career path. I work in operations, earning $92k a year, but I'm not in a role that suits me at all. The admin tasks are overwhelming, especially with my ADHD, which makes emails and multitasking a nightmare. I've been feeling increasingly depressed at work, crying more in the past month than I have in the last two years. I have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy making connections, but I'm paralyzed by the fear of losing my steady income. I'm considering sales since I enjoyed my previous experience in the jewelry industry, but I'm worried about taking a pay cut. I'm looking for advice on potential career options that would align with my strengths and allow me to maintain a stable income.