Personal timeline

manmythmustache's journey

Milestones, reflections, and progress updates connected as your layoff-to-next-step story unfolds.

  1. 2
    Applied to a Job Feeling Planning Thinking

    I was laid off just over a month ago due to a restructuring by a new private equity-backed ownership group that favors AI replacing roles. Throughout my four years as a director in a specialized industry, I received no negative or neutral feedback, so this sudden change has been quite a shock. Since the layoff, I've struggled to land interviews for comparable jobs, which is frustrating. I'm at a crossroads regarding relocating for a new job versus potentially accepting a career demotion. I own my home and don't need immediate financial relief, but the job market in my area is limited. There are only about a dozen companies within commuting distance that would offer similar roles, with just 1-4 openings per company. I'm worried that I might have to sell my house and move just to find a remotely comparable position. Additionally, I'm concerned about how companies perceive my experience level. I've applied for jobs that require minimal experience, and I fear that my six-plus years in the industry might make me seem overqualified or desperate. For instance, I applied for a role that would offer a $10k raise, but the previous employee was fresh out of college, and I worry that the hiring manager might view my application unfavorably due to the experience gap. It's a tough situation, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to navigate my next steps.

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  2. 1
    Feeling Miscellaneous Planning Thinking

    I was informed this past Friday that I would be laid off in a solo layoff scheduled for October 2nd, under the guise of a restructuring that involves hiring an outside firm. Since receiving this news, I've been sleepless and feeling depressed as I process everything. Earlier this year, I made a formal complaint about a colleague who had been sexually harassing female interns and making racist and transphobic remarks. Despite my complaints, the individual and their associates faced no consequences and remain employed. Shortly after I reported this, I noticed a significant decrease in the projects I was assigned, particularly those related to this colleague and their friends. This summer, the company was acquired by a new ownership group, and my relationship with them quickly soured. My supervisor instructed me to ask for additional compensation for my work while misrepresenting my availability. Soon after, I was removed from key projects that were then handed over to others, resulting in subpar outcomes. I even had the new ownership reach out to me for a project, only for my supervisor to intervene and retract the offer in favor of AI-generated work that was riddled with errors. Despite my consistent performance, I've never received any formal feedback from HR, which is handled by my supervisor since the company lacks dedicated HR staff. I was told that the company does not produce performance reports at all. The outside firm replacing my role does not align with my job responsibilities, yet a close friend of my supervisor, whose job directly relates to the firm's duties, remains unaffected. I suspect my role is being replaced with cheaper part-time positions. I'm being pressured to accept a 4-week severance package within a week, which would waive my rights to any legal action. I’m uncomfortable with this, especially considering the potential for legal action from the women who were harassed, where I could serve as a witness. I'm concerned about how specialized my job is in this market, as opportunities are scarce and often require relocation, which is difficult for me as a homeowner. My parents are helping me for now, but the severance is less than $4,000. My loved ones have advised me to consult a lawyer first thing Monday. I've backed up files to document the situation, but I’m unsure if pursuing legal action is worth the potential entanglements.

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