Planning

I was laid off in January after spending decades in a corporate role, and now I'm feeling the pressure as my unemployment benefits are set to run out in August. With a mortgage and kids to support, I can't afford to spend two years retraining for a new career. I'm really at a loss for what to do next and looking for advice on finding 'survival jobs.' I've seen some suggestions about temporary work, like summer camps, substitute teaching, or even driving buses. Some folks mentioned getting a CDL for truck driving, which seems like a viable option. Others have shared their experiences, like working in manufacturing or as home health aides, which are quite different from what I used to do. I'm open to any ideas or guidance on where to start looking for these types of jobs.

I was laid off today with three months' notice from my role at the company where I've been for six months. During an unexpected town hall, management announced that over 70 of us would be let go effective September 1st. While I appreciate the advance notice, I'm feeling a mix of emotions about my current work. I'm committed to doing my best, but I won't be pushing myself to come in early or stay late anymore, especially with multiple projects on my plate. I've already updated my resume and started applying for new positions. I'm looking for any advice or motivation to keep myself and my colleagues uplifted during this challenging time.

I was informed today that I am part of the layoffs happening at my job with the State of Colorado. It was a tough conversation, and I'm still processing everything. I'm currently looking for new opportunities and trying to connect with others who might be in a similar situation.

I recently lost my full-time job and applied for unemployment benefits, which are around $280 weekly. I've been told that to have my disqualification purged, I need to earn a total of $1680. I found a part-time job, but it wasn't a good fit, so I had to leave. I have a few days lined up to work at my previous full-time job, but it's not a full week—just three or four days. Additionally, I have a side job that doesn't offer many hours and pays very little. My question is whether I can combine the earnings from these two jobs to meet the $1680 requirement, or do I need to earn it all from one employer?

I just exhausted my unemployment benefits after nearly 6 months of being unemployed, and I’m feeling really scared and anxious about what comes next. I knew the benefits would end, but I was hoping I could reapply or find something before it got to this point. Right now, I’m just trying to land any kind of admin job—I've even applied at places like Costco. It's been tough because I haven’t received any job offers in my field of digital marketing, and I can’t shake the feeling of worthlessness. I really just need some support right now.

I was recently terminated from my job in Maryland without any prior notice, as it’s an at-will state. I've been trying to get my paystubs and timecards from HR, but they’ve been unresponsive. I’ve sent multiple emails requesting documentation, including a record of my pay from when I started, but all I received was a termination letter that states I wasn’t let go for misconduct, just a 'personal reason.' I specifically wanted my paystubs and timecards to prove that I was being underscheduled, as I feel this is important for my job search. However, HR has only provided me with payslip information for a couple of months in 2025 and claimed they can’t send my timecards at all. I’ve followed up asking if there’s a specific rule preventing them from sending this information, but I haven’t heard back. I’m concerned about applying for unemployment without these documents. I wonder what my chances are of being approved with just the termination letter. I’ve read that paystubs aren’t necessary to file for unemployment, but I’m still feeling uncertain about the whole process and how to explain my situation during the eligibility interview. Any advice would be appreciated.

I was laid off from my job a few weeks ago after working for the company for several years. Initially, we were based in New Jersey, but in August 2025, we moved to an office in Connecticut. The company provided severance and advised me to apply for unemployment in Connecticut, which I did and got approved. However, I recently received a "CWC Option Notice" that outlines three options for filing my claim: 1. File a claim against Connecticut only, with a weekly benefit of $645 and a maximum of $16,770 for 26 weeks. 2. File an interstate claim against New Jersey only, with a weekly benefit of $751 and a maximum of $19,526 for 26 weeks. 3. File a combined wage claim against Connecticut, with a weekly benefit of $721 and a maximum of $18,746 for 26 weeks. I'm trying to figure out if there's any reason I shouldn't file against New Jersey since it offers the highest maximum benefit amount. I want to know if there are any trade-offs I might be missing, such as eligibility issues, taxes, or complications in processing. Additionally, I’m curious about how severance impacts the timing of unemployment benefits. I will be receiving a lump sum payment that covers 8 weeks, but I haven't received the money yet. I signed the separation agreement, so I'm wondering if this severance will delay when my benefits start, or if it varies by state and how the severance is structured. Any insights from those who have gone through interstate or combined wage claims would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I had a hearing for my unemployment claim after being wrongfully terminated from my job in Texas. This is my second time filing for unemployment; the first was due to a layoff. I was a dedicated employee, rarely took vacation time, often worked through lunch, and received positive feedback from my colleagues. However, my manager started writing me up for trivial issues and claimed I had poor performance. After I was fired, I filed for unemployment but I'm unsure if I'll qualify since I also worked another job on the weekends. During the hearing, my former employer didn't show up, which leaves me wondering what my next steps should be. Unfortunately, I didn't have much evidence to support my claims of harassment from my manager.

I am currently on FMLA leave in Pennsylvania due to severe anxiety and chronic depression. My situation has become increasingly difficult as my job site was changed without my consent, resulting in my commute increasing from 3 miles to 20 miles, and now to 30 miles after another transfer. I've been at my original location for nearly four years, and the sudden changes have triggered anxiety attacks, including one severe enough that I had to go to the emergency room. I applied for FMLA leave to focus on my mental health, and I have an appointment with a mental health counselor tomorrow to get the necessary paperwork completed. Despite being on leave, I have decided that I need to resign due to both my mental health struggles and recent transportation issues, as I can no longer afford to fix my car. My main concern now is whether I would be eligible for partial unemployment if I resign during my FMLA leave, especially if I find a new job that offers fewer hours and less pay than my current position. I've been advised that resigning while on FMLA might complicate my situation, and I want to ensure I make the right decision moving forward.

After spending 20 years building tech brands at companies like Apple and NCR, I've come to understand the harsh realities of corporate loyalty. I’ve seen many people here feeling defeated after layoffs, thinking they aren't good enough. I want to share my experience from the upper echelons of the tech world. In my 30s, I never faced a layoff; I watched others get let go and thought I was better than them. But then, in my early 40s, I experienced the reality of ageism in tech. Layoffs became a pattern for me—despite coming in, fixing issues, and exceeding goals, I was let go time and again. When you get laid off, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’ve failed. But the truth is, a layoff is just a business decision driven by numbers. Those spreadsheets don’t care about your contributions or your performance. They don’t take away your talent when they deactivate your badge. After my last layoff, I decided to leave the corporate world for good. I refused to let ageism and corporate politics break me. Now, I’m building my own business on my own terms. The first few days after a layoff are tough; it feels like a grieving process. It’s important to allow yourself to feel that loss, but also to find ways to heal—exercise, get sunlight, and practice gratitude. Remember, you’ve survived tough times before, and this too shall pass. You will find your footing again.

I was laid off from Mattel, the well-known toy company, after I reported a sexual harassment complaint that was never addressed. It was a relief to be separated from the company, as I had been unhappy for a while. Initially, they offered me severance and other perks, but I ended up rejecting their offer. A coworker had informed me that my manager made a sexually harassing comment, which was reported to a higher-up and supposedly to our HR representative. However, I never saw any follow-up on that report. After I emailed HR to discuss my concerns, I was laid off about a month later. I suspect there might be a connection, but I can't be certain. I took action by reporting the HR representative to our Ethics Line and the California Civil Rights Department, and I initiated an internal investigation. While many of my claims were dismissed as uncorroborated, it was confirmed that HR had failed to address my complaint before my layoff. I had everything documented, which was a relief. I consulted a lawyer about my severance, but they didn't think I could negotiate a better deal. Surprisingly, I managed to get Mattel to double my severance offer, but I still found it too low and rejected it. They then quadrupled the amount, but I rejected that as well because they only gave me two business days to sign the agreement, which was against California law that requires a minimum of five business days. The agreement also contained clauses that would have forced me to deny ever reporting sexual harassment, which I found unacceptable. I learned that other employees who were laid off after me faced similar issues with their agreements, which seemed designed to cover up any claims against Mattel. I hope this isn't a widespread practice in other companies.

I was recently laid off from my position at a tech company, and I find myself in a unique situation. My severance package is quite generous, covering my salary and benefits until 2027. I had been anticipating this layoff for over a year, so I prepared myself financially with an emergency fund and PTO payout, giving me a comfortable cushion for the next few years. Since the layoff, I've applied to three positions and received four interview requests, which is encouraging. However, one of the requests is for a newly opened role at the very company that laid me off. While I believe I have a decent chance of landing that position, accepting it would mean forfeiting my severance package. I'm torn between re-entering the job market and risking my severance or playing it safe and staying put. The job market seems tough right now, and I’m aware that all four opportunities might not pan out. I’m leaning towards continuing my job search while weighing my options carefully.

It's been a challenging four months since I lost my high-profile job of eight years. This happened just five months after my 50th birthday and only eight months after my spouse and I divorced after 20 years of marriage, which was a tough blow, especially since I lost more than half of everything in that process. To add to the stress, both of my parents, who live across the country, were diagnosed with dementia around the same time. There have been moments where I felt completely lost, unsure of how to move forward. However, I've managed to keep going through a combination of therapy, support from friends, and my own stubbornness. One of the first things I did was adopt a dog named Francis. He has given me a reason to get out of bed each day and has been a source of comfort that I can't fully articulate. As for the job hunt, I’ve taken a slow approach. I find LinkedIn to be overwhelming and often toxic, so my strategy is to apply to just a handful of jobs each week that genuinely match my skills and experience. Protecting my energy has been crucial during this time. I've also made it a point to reach out to one person each day who matters to me, which helps me step outside my own thoughts, even if just for a moment. I try to read or listen to something inspiring and practice gratitude daily, even if it's just acknowledging that I have a roof over my head and my sweet dog. Daily meditation and going for walks have also been beneficial. Whenever I feel my mind spiraling, I force myself to move, and it really helps. I believe we’re going to be okay, and I remind myself to be patient and kind to myself. In the end, it’s about forcing yourself to keep going, no matter how hard it gets. That's how I've managed to navigate this difficult period.

I was laid off a few months ago unexpectedly, and it really caught me off guard. After the fact, I found out that upper management had been planning these layoffs for at least six months. They had already determined how many people to let go from each department; they just needed to finalize the names. What baffled me was how some of my colleagues seemed completely unfazed during this process. I was putting in over 60 hours a week, while others were coasting along, doing the bare minimum, and still managed to keep their jobs. It just doesn't add up to me. I’ve moved on and am actively searching for new roles, but I still can’t wrap my head around why some people were seemingly immune to the layoffs. I wonder if they had connections that I didn’t know about, but it seems unlikely that every single person who was just cruising had that advantage. This experience has really opened my eyes to the dynamics of corporate culture and how it often rewards those who play the game rather than those who work hard.

It's been a few months since I was laid off from my job, and I can't shake this wave of depression that hits me every night. I initially thought I'd take the first month to relax, but it turned out to be anything but chill. By the second month, I promised myself I'd come back stronger, but now, in the third month, I find myself feeling completely non-functional during the late hours. I've been grappling with these dark thoughts since losing my job, and I realize I've tied my self-worth to my previous role. Without that, I feel almost worthless. I've been actively searching for a new job for the past few weeks, but I've had no luck with interviews so far. Is it normal to feel this level of sadness and helplessness? This is my first experience with unemployment since graduating three years ago, and I feel like a shell of my former self. I know deep down that things will get better, but I can't help but wonder if they really will. It just really sucks right now.

I recently experienced a layoff from Webflow, and it was quite the ordeal. The way it happened felt almost absurd, like something out of a bad movie. It got me thinking about the broader implications of layoffs in our current job market. The comments I’ve seen echo a lot of frustration—people are fed up with how employees are treated, not just by big corporations but across various sectors, including government and non-profits. There’s a lot of talk about potential solutions, like unions or even boycotts, to address what many see as a broken system. Some voices are suggesting that a nationwide strike could send a strong message to those in power. I can’t help but feel that the current landscape is risky, especially for those of us on H1B visas. The sentiment seems to be that if you’re not actively pushing back, you might be getting pushed around. It’s a tough situation, and I’m left wondering what the next steps should be for all of us affected.

I just learned that Lightricks is preparing for new layoffs due to changes in company structure driven by AI advancements. It's concerning to see how rapidly things are evolving in the tech space, and I'm anxious about what this means for my role and the team. I'm trying to stay informed and prepare for any potential impacts on my job.

I was recently laid off from my role as a support engineer, initially with a retention period of 12 months. I spent nearly a year in a state of anxious uncertainty, job hunting and preparing for interviews while dealing with the stress of my situation. During this time, I had three interviews but none progressed far. I even made the tough decision to break up with my ex and move back home, as my lease ended at the same time as my retention period. I faced countless sleepless nights, especially working night shifts and having to wake up early for interviews. Just two months before my planned transition, I was informed that I could stay if I wanted, as the company was now hiring to increase headcount. Their initial plan to automate my role had backfired, and they were now scrambling for night coverage. While I'm relieved to have a job again and appreciate the retention bonus, I can't shake the anger and frustration. It feels irresponsible on their part, as they seem to have jumped on the layoff trend without considering the long-term implications. Half of my team was let go last year, and now I’ll have to train new hires while struggling with a lean workload. They present this situation as if they are my saviors, but the reality is that I still can't take sick days or PTO without extensive planning. It's all just a mess.

I recently heard rumors about layoffs at Webflow, and it seems there might be some truth to it. A LinkedIn post indicated that some employees are being locked out of their accounts, which is a pretty alarming sign. I had an interview for a security engineer position a couple of weeks ago, and I found the Sr Director who interviewed me to be quite unprofessional. Interestingly, the technical recruiter who initially screened me was laid off shortly after my interview. I did some digging and found that Webflow has a valuation of around $4 billion but only generates about $200 million in revenue, which raises some red flags for me. With nearly 1000 staff members, that equates to about $200,000 in revenue per employee, which seems unsustainable. I've been a fan of Webflow for a long time, but I recently downgraded my account and deleted a third of my old sites. The direction the company is heading in, especially with the rise of AI and other tech giants, makes me skeptical about the future of website building as a profitable business. The comments I've seen about Webflow's leadership and the layoffs have been pretty harsh, and I can't help but think their employer brand will take a hit, making it harder for them to attract talent in the future.

I was recently laid off from my position as a Technical SEO specialist at a US-based marketing agency where I had worked for three years. Just a month ago, during a Zoom call, our CEO reassured us that the company was thriving and that we shouldn't worry about our jobs. However, yesterday, everything changed when they announced the closure of the SEO department. I'm feeling really down about the situation and uncertain about how to find another job. I haven't even considered pursuing freelance work yet since the layoff.