I recently got laid off and found a great community in the Bay Area for people in similar situations. This Monday, August 31, I’m joining a hiking group at the Stanford Dish loop, which is a 3.7-mile hike with a 534 ft elevation gain. It’s a chance to clear my head and connect with others who are navigating their job searches. The group splits into smaller ones based on pace, which is nice since it keeps the trail less crowded. I appreciate that they host these hikes on Mondays when trail traffic is low. It’s not just about hiking; the community, known as (un)PTO, also engages in co-working, job search help, and social events like coffee hangs and bike rides. I’m looking forward to meeting others who understand what I’m going through. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this job transition journey.