Planning

I was laid off in March from my role as an agency contractor, which made me an easy target during the recent wave of layoffs. Thankfully, I managed to secure a new job that pays better, but it’s still just a one-year contract. It feels like the software engineering field is losing its stability; layoffs are happening everywhere, and companies seem to prefer hiring contractors over full-time employees, only to let them go later. This uncertainty makes it hard to plan for the future—how can we think about buying a house, getting a mortgage, or even getting married? The software industry used to be a reliable and lucrative career path, but now it feels like it's crushing the dreams of countless people around the world. I’m curious to hear what others in the software engineering community think about this situation. It seems like no one is immune to layoffs anymore, and the system feels broken. We used to think that job security was a given, but now it’s just a relic of the past.

I just learned that Amdocs, the company I work for, is planning to lay off 2,000 employees as part of a major reorganization initiated by the new CEO. This news is quite shocking, especially since Amdocs is known for frequently restructuring and reducing its workforce. Although it’s an Israel-based company, I work in the St. Louis office. It seems like layoffs are a common trend in the telecom sector, which makes me concerned about my job security.

I recently learned that my company, Rapyd, a fintech unicorn, is undergoing restructuring which has resulted in layoffs. This shift seems to be driven by a move towards integrating more AI into our operations. It's been a challenging time as we navigate these changes and the uncertainty that comes with them.

I was laid off from my QA role in a tech company nearly two years ago, and since then, I've struggled to find work in my field. I've been forced to take odd jobs just to make ends meet, and I'm currently relying on food stamps and Medicaid. It's disheartening to see the job market for QA shrinking, and I feel like I'm losing hope of ever returning to a position that reflects my skills and experience. I really need to get back into a job that aligns with my career, but the opportunities just aren't there right now.

I was laid off from a larger company after five years of service, with my last day set for June 1. I had been a top performer, ranking 4th in sales out of 27 reps, but after taking a promotion to a new division 1.5 years ago, the company decided to dissolve that entire department. They offered me a new role, but it would have meant a pay cut of over $25k, which I couldn't accept. I've been applying for jobs for over six weeks now, focusing on onsite, hybrid, and remote roles. So far, I've had interviews with five different companies: I made it to the third interview with one, the second interview with three, and I was a finalist for the remaining two. Unfortunately, I was passed over for those finalist positions because the candidates who got hired had direct experience selling the exact product, even though the products were very similar to what I currently sell. Both hiring managers mentioned that I was a great cultural fit, but they opted for someone with that specific experience. It's been really tough trying to break into other industries, and I feel frustrated with the whole job search process. I have severance until August, which gives me some breathing room, but the stress of this situation is immense. Overall, finding a job right now is proving to be quite challenging.

I recently accepted a salaried PhD position at a university two weeks ago, but I’m really struggling to keep applying for other jobs as a backup. The job market feels so unstable right now, and I’ve been on a relentless job search for the past five months, facing countless rejections. My mental state is really taking a toll; I feel completely drained just thinking about job postings. My official start date isn’t until August, and I haven’t even signed the official offer letter yet, though I do have an unofficial confirmation and have set up my HR profile. I know I should keep applying because anything can happen, and I don’t want to be caught off guard if this offer falls through. But after submitting over 100 applications and going through more than 20 interviews, including five final rounds, I just can’t handle the pressure anymore. It’s frustrating to feel like there’s no job security, even with an accepted offer. I remember how stressful it was when I had a job in 2025, constantly worrying about layoffs. It feels like this job market is creating a cycle of generational trauma, where no one feels safe anymore. I’ve considered taking a break from applying, but I’m torn because I know I need to keep my options open. The advice I’ve seen suggests that networking might be more beneficial than just applying for jobs, but I’m still feeling overwhelmed. I just want to find some peace of mind in this chaotic job landscape.

I was laid off for the second time within just six months of joining a new company as an iOS developer. My first layoff happened on August 1, 2025, after I had been working as a lead iOS developer at my previous company. I quickly found another position and started on December 8, 2025, but unfortunately, I was laid off again on May 15, 2026. With nearly 9.8 years of experience in iOS development, I also have skills in Flutter, React Native, and some Python. However, over the past few months, I’ve struggled to receive any interview calls. Financially, I’m in a tough spot with only about two months of backup left, and my EMIs are piling up. I've noticed that the number of iOS developer openings seems significantly lower compared to last year, which adds to my concerns. I’m at a crossroads and wondering if I should switch stacks or continue pursuing iOS while also trying to upskill in other areas. I really appreciate any advice on how to navigate this challenging situation.

About three weeks ago, I was blindsided by a layoff from my role as a graphic designer for a charity in the UK. I had been working fully remote for about nine months, which allowed me to move in with my girlfriend in a peaceful suburban area. We were just starting to build our life together when everything changed. On the same day I was let go, my girlfriend received a Stage 2 Lymphoma diagnosis. We were both devastated, and it was a surreal moment as we cried together, trying to process the news. Since the layoff, I've managed to secure some freelance design work, including a one-day retainer starting in July, which pays about twice my previous monthly salary. My goal is to build a financial buffer to help us through this tough time, especially as my girlfriend begins her chemotherapy. I've had several meetings and calls about potential opportunities, and even if nothing materializes, the retainer will cover our basic expenses. I'm committed to going all-in on freelancing to maintain flexibility and support my girlfriend as best as I can. It's a challenging time, but I'm taking it one day at a time for my own sanity and to stay strong for her.

I recently got laid off from Meta, where I had just started working as a software engineer in April. Unfortunately, I am now facing a tight deadline as my visa is set to expire in a month. This puts me in a precarious position where I need to secure a new job quickly to file for my STEM extension. If I can't find a new employer in the next three weeks, my chances of staying in the US will be nearly zero. I had dreams of bringing my parents to the US for a visit, but those plans now seem impossible. I wanted to share my situation here because it feels like no one is listening, and I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this. I have always worked hard, maintaining top grades and volunteering at homeless shelters, but right now I feel defeated. Cheers to my current struggles, and I hope to find a way to honor my parents' sacrifices for my education.

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.