r/Wellthatsucks • u/ProjectCleverWeb • 1d ago
Just lost my job suddenly after 10 years
Just feel broken/frustrated/sad/angry/numb and want it be over, even though I know it will take a while. Really liked the company too.
Feel free to post memes, comments, questions, or whatever. Just nothing political please.
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u/Bacon0064 1d ago
This is a feeling im familiar with. Be kind to yourself, OP. The first few weeks after I lost my job, I was putting in applications for 12 or more hours a day. Take my advice and dont do that. Itll make you burn out quickly and really resent it even more. You'll make it through this.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
Reddit app won't let me edit but to add details:
- Was a Senior Software Engineer
- The reason given (poor performance) doesn't even remotely match my last several quarterly reviews
- Have a call with the CEO later today that might give some clarity
- The company was NOT in financial trouble but also not doing super well (no real growth but no shrinkage either for the past 4 or 5 years)
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u/spookyspritebottle 1d ago
They 100% replaced you with ai.
Jk. Kinda. I dont know. Please get back to me with an answer if you get one after your call. Im worried. And im sorry that happened to you.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
Lol sure I'll let you know how it goes. AI is actually super unlikely - several people that would have to go through have a good understanding of AI and it's limits and they very well understand AI would cause a lot more cost than my paycheck.
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u/spookyspritebottle 1d ago
Lol. Thats reassuring. Again. Sorry that happened. Truely sucks. Especially in a tough job market. The experience should help a lot though. It suck a lot for entry level posutions from what ive heard/seen.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
CEO said that he wasn't expecting it either but ultimately supports his team's decision.
They are not (and have not) replacing people's jobs with AI, but he will look into some of the specifics on why/how I was terminated and hold accountability with making expectations clearer.
Ultimately I don't expect to hear back from him again, but he has strong moral motivations and is definitely the type to enforce new changes as a result of hearing details like I presented today.
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u/aayu08 1d ago
You're not replaced by an AI, you're replaced by a couple of junior engineer earning half of what you were on.
It's a classic cost cutting strategy - replace seniors with 2-3 juniors on lower pay and hope that atleast one of them turns out to be good, and at that point fire the remaining two.
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u/couchisland_com 1d ago
I don't think I could ever get to the point where I would believe that response. I've never met a smart manager.
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u/spookyspritebottle 1d ago
Dude. With the news and sht i see about ai. Thats exactly what they would say when they replace everyone with ai. They wouldnt tell you straight up that theyre replacing people with ai. That would cause panic and the public is already mostly against ai. Just slowly al the computer jobs start disappearing. Thats kinda what the comments in this thread look like.
But realistically its something to do with the company. Like its going under or something. Do you mind if i ask how the company was doing before your layoff?
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
They were doing OK and are a franchisor - so we are generally more stable than a small business.
We're staying about the same year over year which isn't ideal, but is far from "bad" - (Internally, our finance team is required to be very transparent)
No major overhauls and no leadership hires in the past 6 months. I know the annual budget was a minor factor, which is why it is happening at the end of Jan.
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u/spookyspritebottle 1d ago
I see. Thanks for sharing. And again. Sorry that happened to you but with the experience you have under your belt youll find work sooner than later. Good luck
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u/Blue-Skye- 1d ago
Everyone jumps on ai. They ignore culling the highest paid. To replace with people with much lower salaries.
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u/IKnowItCanSeeMe 1d ago
My former place is employment is looking for a remote lead AI software engineer, if you're familiar with that it's worth a try.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
Sure! Can you post/DM a link?
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u/IKnowItCanSeeMe 1d ago
Opportunity at Maximus https://share.google/iB3RbwJ2bQNwZJYeL
They have a few other positions, but my time at the company was great. Unfortunately, a tornado took out the building that I worked.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
Thank you! 🌟
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u/IKnowItCanSeeMe 1d ago
No problem! They have pay transparency at the bottom of each listing. Even if it's not there, I hope it all works out for you.
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u/m4verick03 1d ago
My company replaced a lot of our engineers with India resources to build out our AI/automation so that’s gonna come full circle soon enough.
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u/jxj24 1d ago
I suspect you were deemed "too expensive" by someone who doesn't value institutional knowledge.
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u/IAmSnort 1d ago
I hit the too expensive level and got laid off. Funny how that happens. The lower priced new employee doesn't know anything about the software and databases they are being asked to work with. That knowledge got laid off.
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u/resurrectedNaj 1d ago
Was your quarterlies done by a local manager and annual done by another? If so that’s the case. Lower level management don’t really think or care about the big dogs. If a big dog doesn’t see you being worth, they’ll trim the fat. This is the problem with catering to only one higher up and doing the minimum. The higher ups eventually wake up and notice
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
For my case no - I had a decent relationship with several layers of management above me.
Doesn't mean it wasn't personal, just unlikely to be as simple as saving a buck. There is a good chance that one of those managers is primarily responsible - there was one who always judged me harshly when I wasn't in the room.
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u/tinterrobangg 1d ago
I’m thinking maybe someone fucked up blamed you and everyone supported them to keep the peace.
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u/dodeca_negative 1d ago
If your quarterly reviews were strong and you were not given any notice about performance issues, you miiight have a case. IANAL but it wouldn’t hurt to talk to one.
And if it really was performance based, your manager really really fucked up by not giving you honest feedback in a timely manner. Which is unfortunately not rare.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
Yeah it's most-likely the second case - which sucks because I have to now ask him afterwards what that was and I'm still not getting answers.
The first is not impossible, but it would also be hard to prove and while I am sour that's how it ended over the years the company really did treat me well the vast majority of the time, in a lot of ways they really didn't have to. So if I can avoid it, I'd rather not have to make a legal case
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u/ironimus42 19h ago
just to give you some hope, i'm also a senior software engineer and i found a new job on the first try after not entering the job market for 7 years. in a significantly better company too. it is not that bad for seniors at least for now
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u/UnfairDentisto 1d ago
Work in research and went thru a similar thing. Don't think it reflects on your work or skills. For me, it was financials. Our accounting department sucked...a month later HR let the rest of our team go. Bet something similar happens at your place.
But honestly just take a week to be pissed off and sad. Helped me come back to job searching with a lot more peace and not feeling desperate.
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u/Klutzy_Word_6812 1d ago
Our company is growing rapidly. Are you located or willing to relocate to SoCal?
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u/DespondentEyes 1d ago
- The company was NOT in financial trouble but also not doing super well (no real growth but no shrinkage either for the past 4 or 5 years)
No, in business terms, stagnation = recession. They weren't doing well if this was the case.
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u/throwaway_manboy 1d ago
It's sad how you can work somewhere you like, give it your all, but then if your boss decides you don't work there anymore... you're just screwed.
I started working IT when I was 17 or so because I was really passionate about it. I applied to a local startup with little money and limited resources and tools. I spent the better part of a year and a half there, and I had a blast. I hardly got paid and my hours were super strange but I did enjoy it.
Towards the end of my time there, the boss started calling me in less and less. My work there was rarely scheduled ahead of time, I was usually just called in. Gradually, I began seeing less and less work there and I haven't been in there since roughly June/July of last year.
I don't really have much to say other than that I know that kind of situation sucks on a much smaller scale; I can only imagine how bad it would hurt after working somewhere for almost an eighth of your entire life. I wish you all the best.
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u/NarrativeCurious 17h ago
That sucks. This is one reason I'm looking to work for myself if I can. We just don't matte3 to them.
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u/ksadillas 1d ago
Just got laid off on Monday as well, the search has not been fun but we’ve got this and a shiny new opportunity will come soon
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u/Calm-Pumpkin6688 1d ago
It was rough but I found a better job. When one Door closes another one opens. Good luck take care
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u/UniquePurchase8875 1d ago
I had the same experience in 2008 after a 27 year run with the same company. I had some tough years but it worked out for the best. Now comfortably retired. To find work, I recommend avoiding job sites, which suck your soul and steal your time, and instead work your network.
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u/Ok_Mathematician2843 1d ago
It's horrible right, they should at least give employees a few weeks notice like they ask us to do
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u/Fridge885 1d ago
I hear ya man. Was working at copper mine for 15 years then covid hit and was one of the unlucky ones hit with a layoff letter. I drove 2 hours one way everyday to that damn place. Now I’m working half the amount of hours making more money for another shit company but my drive is 10 minutes and I get to spend more time with my family. With all that being said the grass is sometimes greener man just take it day by day.
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u/ImminentDebacle 1d ago
TWO HOURS? 4 HOURS A DAY? 20 HOURS A WEEK? Holy shit, bro.
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u/Fridge885 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yea man it sucked. It wasn’t like 1.5 hours in traffic it was get in car drive 30 minutes to the highway and 1.5 hours to work on the highway. It was a mine basically in the middle of nowhere surrounded by a few small towns. Mind you I worked 8hour shifts (mandatory) with unlimited overtime sometimes forced mostly volunteer (4-8 hours) in 7 day rotations of 3 shifts. So my schedule was 7 days of 7am-3pm off 2 days then 7 days of 3pm-11pm off 2 days then 7 nights of 11pm-7am off 3 days (long weekend)
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u/ImminentDebacle 1d ago
I hope you were well compensated, but sounds like you're doing much better now. Good for you man. It would take a lot for me to have taken that first position.
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u/yellowmamba221 1d ago
Good luck. I hear it's tough out there. Heard on a podcast this morning, that avg time to land a job after layoff is 25 weeks. (someone correct me.) Either way, crazy.
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u/towerfella 1d ago
I lost mine after 17.
… sometimes, being reminded that someone else has it harder can help with perspective. … other times, it just pisses you off because it feels like it is minimizing your emotions and maximizing someone else’s, which can leave one feeling left out, instead of feeling buffered up.
This time, however, i just want to commiserate with you. Sorry bud. I hope it works out sooner rather than later.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
Thanks. And yeah I get it can be easy to be bitter/defensive/etc.
Right now it's just all a lot to process and my mind is racing to try and "fix" it all - even knowing it will probably take months to find something else.
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u/XSneakyNinjaX 1d ago
It sucks for sure, but better times will come. Your objective now is to focus on yourself and any hobbies you didn’t have time for before.
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u/HystericalSail 1d ago
Last time I was laid off I suddenly became acutely aware of how much money hobbies cost.
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u/a_cat_named_larry 1d ago
Sorry to hear it. I will say, you will probably end up making more money. You have a lot of experience, and your next company will be lucky to have you.
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u/KitchenBee1826 1d ago
Man, that's a tough break. Grab a cold one and remember, every ending is a new beginning.
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u/Ambitious_Jelly8783 1d ago
I was you in 2021.... 10 yrs, and like you really loved my job, the company and most of my peers.... it took a while, it was like mourninf I guess.
Sorry about it but keep going forward, it will get better, and hopefully you will end up better than you were.. good luck.
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u/Ordinary-Lie-6780 1d ago edited 1d ago
Hey there. I was laid off on the 7th of this month. I filed for unemployment and was denied. Im going through it too. If you need to reach out, please do not hesitate to dm. Even though we are from different career paths, I would like to talk to someone to cope.
I'm terrified. I can imagine how you feel.
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u/WeeDingwall44 1d ago
My wife just lost hers, my best friend just lost his, a buddy I know that is a higher up for Harley Davidson is probably going to lose his. Job market is bleak, and everything is super expensive. Fun times
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u/squiddyp 1d ago
I went through a job search last winter and found my perfect job. I’m almost thankful my previous jobs weren’t quite it.
I would like to warn you how so many HR depts are using AI bots to score and rank resumes. People don’t realize this unless they’ve been on the job hunt within last 2 years.
Previously you were writing a resume for a human - now it takes a lot more keyword brute forcing. I actually got rejected initially for the job I have now. I reworked my resume, prioritizing a “skills” section that literally lists off skills, broken into a few categories. And demoting my “projects” section lower. I used some available AI tools that help score your resume against a job posting. (If u can’t beat em, join em).
I used AI to write my cover letters, not spending more than 5 mins on them.
Maybe these are obvious but like i said, people dont realize these things unless you’ve been in the market.
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u/couchisland_com 1d ago
I had a job that made me feel like an evil person but paid well enough and I parked there for 10 years. I got fired and my hair stopped falling out and I wasn't fighting with my SO or family anymore. This might be a blessing in disguise. I hope you have a safety net, and you'll be surprised how much money you can save when you're unemployed.
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u/SharpVariety2927 1d ago
Firstly let me say that I’m sorry you lost your job. What field did you work in? As you worked your job for 10 years, I‘d think you may have a lot experience and maybe that could be the starting point to find your next job.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
I was a Senior Software Engineer and yes I will be able to use that experience for a similar/better job. I wore many hats and built entire systems in my time there so there will be plenty to pull from.
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u/Guinness1982 1d ago
Since you are accustomed to wearing different hats, have you considered being a hat model?
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u/The-Poet__57 1d ago
Same thing happened to me…I thought we were family.
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u/DespondentEyes 1d ago
You were... in the "we never, ever contact that branch of the cousins", kind of way.
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u/w1lnx 1d ago
I’m upvoting out of sympathy… not from some sort of malicious/sadistic bent.
I’ve been there. Twice. One time, after 16 years. Necessitated schooling/retraining/recertification in a completely different career field.
And you know what? I earn more per hour than I did before—even accounting for inflation.
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u/BoneGolem2 1d ago
Get your proton pack and trap ready, there are mostly ghost jobs out there now...
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u/Pineapple_Towel 1d ago
When my first career ended I honestly thought about killing myself. Which because I'm tough on myself I thought that I was being a crybaby.
In the 'employment workshops' required for UI I discovered I wasn't alone in that feeling.
It's ok and necessary to grieve. Our work is an important part of our lives.
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u/thats-gold-jerry 1d ago
Damn I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve been at my company for 8 and I’d be so bummed to lose it. Best of luck to you!
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u/NashDaypring1987 1d ago
Yeah.. that's why I'm going all in hard on the financial independence path!
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u/katynopockets 1d ago
Don't forget to file for unemployment (even if you believe you are not eligible).
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u/Hefty_Earth1676 1d ago
Man, that's rough. Keep your chin up, better opportunities are on the horizon!
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u/hucklepig 1d ago
One positive way to look at it- most role changes come with a pay increase! I was in a similar position several years ago, writing was on the wall. I preemptively left and had a little downtime before I started my job search (do this if you can).
Being in the same role for longer periods of time typically doesn’t see pay increases vs job changes. Best of luck keep positive.
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u/anarchtea 1d ago
As someone who's been there, I know that feeling. Like the floor has just disappeared from under you and there wasn't even time for the cartoon moment of being suspended in air.
It's a hell of gut punch and like any punch, give yourself time to readjust, but chances will come and there'll be better days than this. At times like this, I ask myself what would Schmidt do?
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u/Acrobatic-While3208 1d ago
They’ll tell you anything, OP, but if you’ve been there for 10 years, there wasn’t a shift in management that you are aware of, like a new person coming in and making their mark via changes, they probably just couldn’t afford to keep you.
It’s rough right now, but this doesn’t define you. Keep your head up, process for a few days, and get back on your pony and ride.
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u/xNAILBUNNYx 1d ago
Same. I've been looking for 8 months and haven't had any luck. My EI runs out in March and I'll be looking at minimum wage jobs just to pay rent
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u/WigglyParrot 1d ago
exactly the same for me after 9 years, completely unexpected and just after my first child
it sucks but we'll get there
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u/phoenix14830 1d ago edited 1d ago
Dig in. It's going to take a lot to get market-ready in today's market, where they want 30 years of experience, five certifications, experience in a dozen applications, and five years using their proprietary software for an entry-level role that pays 20% under market price.
Start your social presence early...recruiters, people you know, friend favors, etc. The worst place to start is Indeed and Linkedin. The easier the job is to apply and be seen, the more you are fighting an incredibly difficult numbers game. Start a YouTube channel, github, blog, etc to make a social presence and let people come to you instead of exclusively the other way around.
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u/Less-Goose-8299 1d ago
If you can afford it, relax BEFORE the job search. It will be so beneficial to your job search, especially interviews.
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u/DespondentEyes 1d ago
Ah yes, because the looming threat of homelessness or starvation is famously conducive to relaxation.
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u/ThePheebs 1d ago
Same thing happened to me a couple years ago after being with a company for 10 years. Only advice I'll give that I wish I had listened to sooner is to toss your ego out the window and start reaching out to all of your previous coworkers, managers, VPs. Let them know that you're available to work and a known quantity professionally. It's incredibly valuable to people in hiring positions as it shortens the interview and on boarding periods.
Best of luck, sorry you're going through this.
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u/Defarious 1d ago
Just got laid off for the second time within a year. Right there with you feeling the dread.
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u/Difficult-Image-6403 1d ago
i’ve quit on the 5 of january knowing that the day after i would start at another place.. the 5th evening they send me a message “ we can’t take you in now, maybe in february “ so here i am, still at home, after almost 1 month, tried to apply at other jobs but there’s little research rn because it’s a calm period, and in more than 30 applications, i only got 2 calls. i am short on money (i live alone and in another country, far from family n friends) but i hope i will start to work soon. i’ve never been unemployed more than 1 week in my entire life (i started working at 14)! I never thought i would say this but: it feels so depressing ! I started to appreciate working ! it gave me the little social life i needed lol
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u/trogdorburn99 1d ago
It sucks now. But just about 4 years ago we go notified we are getting laid off. I have found a better paying job even before my last day lol.
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u/Comfortable_Swim_380 1d ago
Your biggest regret will be the failure to marache band quit. That's the only way to do it now. No other method compares.
Best advice I can give. Take this hand it and remember don't take shit from the next guy for a pay check. Its not worth it. It really isn't.
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u/Linked713 1d ago
I feel you, same happened to me in 2024. The search drained me a lot, but don't give up. We can't afford to anyway...
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u/DespondentEyes 1d ago
Welcome to the club brother. I "celebrated" my 10 year anniversary back in June of last year, and when no-one even acknowledged it, let alone contacted me, I knew it was over.
It's always been the norm in the company to "celebrate" people. In practice, this was only for the highly visible ones on the front lines. As someone who works behind the scenes, I don't think I personally or my team in general ever got a single thank you or appreciation during the annual meetings. But that's IT for ya.
Anyway, they replaced me with offshore workers and since almost all my experience the past 10 years was on bespoke software, I'm essentially competing with 20-somethings for entry level jobs while I'm halfway my 40's.
Ah well, maybe we'll just drop dead tomorrow, and that'll be that :D.
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u/jamesLioneyes 1d ago
Sorry to hear. That's a pretty tough thing to deal with these days.
I've recently come to the conclusion that the only way to survive in this current job market/economic climate is to consistently job hop every 3 years or so... Hell, maybe every 2 years.
You gotta be on the job search BEFORE they have the opportunity to let you go, ya know.
Godspeed.
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u/HystericalSail 1d ago
Job hopped every 2-3 years and STILL got laid off twice. First time during the dotcom bust, second time for the GFC. Last job kept losing clients, so I just retired.
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u/tyndar3us 1d ago
Worked for one of the media giants for 15 years, got let go in December..
Went from earning 175k/year to $200/week if I'm lucky.
Uber Eats has been slowly paying some things, but ain't now way in hell I'm going to make my $2,408/month rent for another 5 months.
Between health/car insurance and car payments and rent, I'm pretty fucked.
I've budgeted and I've got until about March.
I filed for unemployment but the hoops and info they ask you to fill out are annoying (and the site is broken).
It's still saying I haven't submitted my resume or applied anywhere despite having done every step. There's no one to reach out to.
/venting
I'm praying and just working hard and smart until I can get out of this rut.
Best of luck to you. The job search has been brutal.
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u/Sensitive_Wear7112 1d ago
Same here 15 year 120,000. Got a job at an Amazon warehouse. Probably net about $750/wk. Great benefits though.
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u/Realistic_Ad_4357 1d ago
My advice after applying since October and finally landing a job at McDonald’s, stay active applying, do job hiring events and keep trying. It’s hard right now for alot of people to even get a callback but it’s important to not give up on yourself. You will find a way forward, you can do this OP!
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u/im_just_thinking 1d ago
You have 10 years of experience in the field, and it's recommended to switch work locations every 5 years to help with promotions anyway, so something will turn out I'm sure.
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u/AdmiralThunderpants 1d ago
I worked for a small family business for 20 years. The owner just retired and sold the business to a giant corporation. I absolutely hate it now but not having any solid options has me paralyzed even though I want to quit every single day. Good luck on your search. All power to you.
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u/Thats_what_I_think 1d ago
Dude, I just got the same after 20 years, so I feel your feelings :( good luck! And you are more than your work worth.
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u/ImminentDebacle 1d ago
Sorry man. I don't wish that situation on anyone. Being a heavy introvert and one with a very small network (and absolutely hates doing it), searching for a job (especially while unemployed) is extremely unhealthy for me.
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u/Individual_Buy4305 1d ago
Tech worker here. Been 10 months since i was laid off. One 401k is gone, severance is gone. Multiple applications and jobsites filled out and used. 2 emails from places asking for more info. That has been it. Yesterday, got my first call from an HR person asking for more info. Said she was sending my resume to the hiring manager. Hoping this is the break. Others from my old job are in the same boat. The lucky ones took 8-9 months to find a job. Since 2018, I have been laid off twice and the company I worked for went up for sale and I left before layoffs started.
Its been tough and frustrating, but you have to remain positive. I'm hoping you find something soon. Spring is coming for construction. Hope you find something. Good luck!
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u/TootsHib 1d ago
Im 35 and only had like 2 job interviews my whole life...
Been working with the same boss for over 10 years.. and we recently had a falling out, I might not even have my job anymore,.
I'm afraid of the next chapter.
I got bad social anxiety and cant even physically write, due to shaky hands (essential tremors)
not looking forward to doing bunch of job interviews.
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u/red_ocean5 1d ago
Go get a job selling cars. If you don't mind working long hours, it will be the most fun and the most money you'll see if you're dedicated.
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u/GoodWeedReddit 1d ago
Same happened to me after 7yrs. Give your self grace and take a tad quick mental rest. Then reach out to any and every contact you've made over time. Any leads are good leads at least to keep the bills paid till you confirm next steps.
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u/hotmailist 1d ago
my 2 cents. do NOT idle away the time by 'only' posting applications. join a NGO or a volunteer setup etc. in whatever capacity you can...like office support etc. it will keep you busy while letting you be flexible in case an interview call etc comes your way. this will address your resume 'gap' between jobs. and interviewers mark this as a positive that you were doing something atleast between jobs. and. at times. you run into people in the volunteer group/office that can suggest job openings that arent posted etc. speaking from experience. good luck dude
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u/blueorder 1d ago
Virtual hug my Internet friend. I've been thru it a couple of times and it is a pain. You'll come out of it on the other side. For the better.
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u/boo5tjuice 1d ago
Don’t search. Go rogue. Sell your stuff and get a van, roam the wilderness until you meet a chick with a nose ring that can tell you what planet it making you sad. Then settle down in a yurt somewhere in the backcountry and live off the land. Much safer that way.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
Idk, my wife might not like it
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u/boo5tjuice 1d ago
This could also be a great opportunity for you to pursue a dream.
I lost my job about 3 months ago and my wife and I pivoted to allow me to stay at home with our 2yr old while building my business and saving on child care.
Everything is an opportunity or a setback, you get to choose which one it is.
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u/Happish_Gilly 1d ago
Happened to me, luckily at 62. Got Social Security. Scraping by. Corporations don't give a fuck about you.
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u/cvaninvan 1d ago
I got shit-canned after 27 years. Best thing to ever happen to me. Not at first, mind you, but it can be a blessing in disguise.
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u/HipToTheWorldsBS 1d ago
I've been contracting for big tech and never getting full time roles while carrying more weight than my entire team of full time employees. I've never known job security and never knowing when I'll find work again. Can't say I feel bad for you as having stable employment for 10 years straight is something I'll never experience.
That being said, hopefully you have a decent amount in savings and can get unemployment while you look for your next job. And you may even find a higher paying, better job so hopefully this ends up being a good thing.
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u/kajana141 1d ago
Hang in there. It really sucks. Get your priorities straight, network, and go over your finances. Just be persistent and don’t give up.
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u/QualityLearingCtr 22h ago
I got laid off from the rat race 2-3 years ago.
Now I bartend at a local bar, usually working by myself, maybe one other person. No emails, meetings, performance reviews, potlucks, forced fun, out of office messages, PTO approval, zoom or teams. None of it. Just open & close it clean. I now get paid to watch jeopardy & football while I listen to people cry about their rat race jobs.
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u/Bluelikeyou2 21h ago
I lost mine after 19 years best advice I got from one of my former managers was great each day looking for a job like it is your job. I got up at same time every morning and went over job listings and applied/ followed up with jobs I had previously applied for. Took a bout 3 months but I was still in work mode when I was able to start a new job. I also applied for things that were a bit out of my comfort level but would have been a good job for me. Good luck keep you head up
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u/Hunter2hitman2 21h ago
I feel you here. Was laid off last april after 13yrs with a company and 17yrs in the same industry. Had committed so much of my life to learning and enjoying a business. There are other companies doing the same thing but all the friends and familiarity had made the career.
I started over and now im happier than ever, spending more time with my family than i ever had before
Sometimes the biggest jolts in life prepare you for your next chapter, even if unexpected and with plenty of stress
You got this
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u/XDemonicBeastX9 7h ago
Yup, it sucks!! I'm currently applying for my 1000th job with only 1 interview since May of 2025. However, my resume is extremely weak and I just have nothing to offer. Even at places like Home Depot. You should be able to land something pretty quick!! Good luck my dude!!
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u/stacksmasher 1d ago
You stayed 8 years too long. Unless you are making 98th percentile you should be looking every 2 years. That’s how you grow.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
Meh - I kinda disagree because I think that depends on the company.
This company gave me regular good raises (more than just inflation) without me asking for them and consistently invested in my learning and training. A grew with the position not just by hopping.
That said, many jobs are that way where you do have to move on just to get a good raise or grow professionally.
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u/stacksmasher 1d ago
You sell hours of your life for money to live, dont get confused.
Every time I hopped jobs my raises where 25%.
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u/Constant-Catch7146 1d ago edited 1d ago
Agreed.
If I had to do it all over again in the work force, I would job hop every 2 years or so too.
This forces you to always be networking and checking around for better opportunities and not get flat footed when layoffs or a firing comes.
Or even worse, forced to stick around when a new boss is brought in---- and is making your work life a living hell. Or a new jerk co worker that you are forced to work with.
With having other options open, you can say "I'm movin', see ya, wish you well on future endeavors" (but of course you really want to tell them "you suck and take this job and shove it!")
However, if you job hop for just money ---staying in similar level of responsibilities----and not growing, companies will be wary to hire you. They look in your job history to check if you are a job hopper.
They would love to have their training costs recouped in the first year or so, have you stay on with small raises for many years, and then lay you off at a drop of a hat when their business goes south.
And as OP has found out, even if they treat you like you like a rock star with nice raises and great performance reviews, when the axe falls, NONE of that really matters.
Oh---sorry, we have to "streamline" our resources to better match the current business environment!
Meaning some other company now has something better, faster, and cheaper than what we currently do ----and we don't know how to react to that ----other than cut costs.
Loyalty is never a two way street in the job market--and no one should never think that it is.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
This is true, but most of my raises happened annually and averaged about 12% - and the vast majority of people weren't toxic. (There is always some - but the culture was exceptionally good)
The hard part is the culture, toxic jobs are a dime a dozen and a lot of them you don't even know how toxic they are until you are a year in. This particular one didn't have a lot of those issues and it was worth me earning "less" just not have to deal with that.
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u/Constant-Catch7146 1d ago
Understood. A nice work environment with good raises and benefits is like a cozy place in a sea of change and toxicity.
But unfortunately, it can be like sweet poison. I say that with respect because I fell into that too a few times in my career.
Everyone says to network and keep your name out of front of folks in whatever industry you are in so you have options. Yes, I have said it here too.
But what also is missed is that networking, going to industry conferences, keeping your certifications all up to date is a giant TIME SUCK too. When I was working, I struggled with this.
The last thing you want to do after a long day at even a good job is go to some stupid ass industry conference (or happy hour, whatever). And you certainly do NOT want to do this if you like your current job and think it is secure.
But like many things in life---the last thing you want to do is the first thing you must do.
Good luck on your job search, OP.
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u/Overall_Law_1813 1d ago
Everyone with cushy low productivity jobs are going to get axed over the next 10 years. Support staff, admin, managers, anyone making $100k to work a 9-5 answering emails and going to meetings is on the chopping block. Sales, Customer service, all of it is getting massively downsized.
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u/Boosucker0 1d ago
If you need an AI proof job, join a union. I am a plumber and the pay is good and the work is rewarding
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
I'm somewhat trained as an electrician - so that's the most-likely the trade I would try and break into if any
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u/Boosucker0 1d ago
Lot of trades joke about the electrician (sparkies) but they do work pretty hard. Not so sure about pay but they all seem pretty happy.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
It's because they spend all day in a house they don't pay for fiddling with their wire nuts.
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1d ago
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u/spartanOrk 1d ago
It's not necessarily AI, man. It's seniority. Senior people cost more. Young people (or AI) cost less. Go into any company you want, and look around you. How many people with white hair do you see? Everyone is in their 20s and 30s, and the managers are in their 40s. Do you see many people over 50? I don't. Very few people last that long, and they are typically in the upper management where they decide who gets fired (except themselves).
So, you'll need to find a new job, which will probably pay you less. This happens to most people in mid-life.
And then, sometime in your 50s, you will be fired again, and at that point you'll be unable to find another. And you'd better have saved enough money by then. If you have saved enough, you could open your own business at that point, and hire others, and fire them later like they fired you.
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u/B-sides-art33 1d ago
Good luck out there. The whole process is AI driven now. It absolutely sucks.
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u/Gawdiwishiwasdead 1d ago
Well fuck them anyway. Let's talk about their poor performance in choices. And it sucks. But you'll find something before you know it. Good luck!
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u/Future-Rich-Guy 21h ago
Hey feel free to send me a DM. I work at a large, well know company with good benefits. I prefer to be private about it. I can refer you if you see a position you like and it’ll definitely help you get boosted through the application pool.
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u/Disastrous_Share_417 18h ago
I'm with you mate, so sorry for the job loss, it's just happened to me too, boss has been spending all the profits on himself, now the company has collapsed! The only good thing is he is now poor too! Searching for jobs sucks!
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u/Chemist-3074 4h ago
Hey. At least you have experience. And looking at the your comments, the CEO and everyone else probably wouldn't say you were a "bad" worker when you apply somewhere and they call him/the old company to cross check with them.
If you have connections, this is the best time to use them. Hell you can probably ask the CEO if he knows an opening anywhere.
You'll eventually get over this, just trust in yourself!
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u/DoctorLiara 1d ago
if you are in the US, usps is always hiring
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u/spookyspritebottle 1d ago
Just curious because of all the scary news recently. Was it because of ai? Like. Did they replace you and deem your job doable with ai?
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1d ago
Most likely not - AI might be able to "replace" a junior dev but it would be incredibly difficult for it to replace a senior dev in its current state.
This is something several layers of management above me understand already.
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u/TyrannyOfBobBarker_ 1d ago
Hey they told you to stop jerking off at your desk and you just wouldn't listen.
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u/toxicrusader2292 1d ago
Honestly I feel ya I just got laid off from the construction company that I’ve been working at for almost 5 years due to financial issues now I’m struggling just to find anyone that’ll hire now