I was laid off from my job in the healthcare sector last week, and it was my first experience with a layoff. I had only been with the company for a few months after leaving a position I held for seven years, so this was a complete shock to me. The severance package they offered was minimal, and despite my attempts to negotiate for better terms, they refused to budge. I consulted with an employment attorney who confirmed that everything seemed to be handled correctly, which was disappointing. What really infuriates me is their claim that two weeks of pay is "meaningful support for your transition." It feels absurd to say that with sincerity. As an hourly employee, I had little leverage, and since I live in a state that doesn’t require paid time off to be compensated, I feel even more vulnerable. Right now, my plan is to take some time to recover from the burnout I experienced in my previous job and reassess my next steps. I genuinely wish both companies the worst and hope their executives face some serious consequences.