I've been working at a STEM company for four years, but with 26 years in the industry, I can sense that the final quarter is bringing some serious changes. The executives are ramping up their activities, with an unusual number of closed-door meetings and Board discussions. Rumors are swirling about program cuts, and it's clear that layoffs are on the horizon. The morale among my colleagues is at an all-time low; everyone seems to be just going through the motions to hit their annual goals, which feels pointless at this stage. I've only been laid off twice before, both times in the fall, and I remember how long it took to find new opportunities—usually having to wait until spring or summer since hiring tends to slow down after the new year. Given the current climate, I'm anxious about how long I might be unemployed this time around. I'm in a very high cost of living area, and as an individual contributor, I feel the pressure even more. On top of that, I'm divorced and have a kid in college, so I'm really just trying to hold on and make it through this uncertain period.