I was laid off again this past Monday, marking my second layoff in 2023. The first time was particularly tough, happening just six weeks after I gave birth. I worked hard to find a new job and managed to secure one within six weeks, but now I'm back in the job market. My role was in HR, which I’ve learned is not considered a core business function, making me more vulnerable to layoffs. I'm applying for jobs in my field, but the market feels so different from what it was a few years ago. It's discouraging and frustrating, especially with financial worries looming over me. I also applied for unemployment benefits for the first time since my last experience on EDD, which adds another layer of stress to the situation.