I was laid off in the middle of July and have been applying for jobs.

11 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 9,2025 at 10:15PM UTC

   I actually knew what I wanted and it was less about the work and more about freedom. Freedom to work when and where I wanted so I ended up carving a niche for myself in legal support in a specific area of licensing. Exciting? No. But I'm in my late 60s and no longer chased titles and corporate momentum. I wanted the money but not the ageism and office culture. So 6 years ago I began my plan never knowing if it would work.

   It worked and then some so I plan to continue working until 70 and then retiring. I am training my niece now to take over the business. She is a single mom that needs the freedom and money and has a great work ethic and business degree (with school loans).

   In this current market, it's more layoff proof and recession proof than anything I have seen.

   My current 2 clients are former employers of mine so I was a known quantity and it's a win-win for both sides.

2. AnonymousOctober 9,2025 at 10:57PM UTC

   Making the best of it, nailing the interview, then influencing the job where and when you can.

   Just because it's a title or a job description that doesn't sound like it's your ideal, doesn't mean you can't make something out of it, or form incredible relationships or deliver exceptional work, or feel an immense satisfaction at the end of your day.

   It's all about perspective.

3. Me!October 10,2025 at 1:42PM UTC

   I completely understand, you are not alone. The job market is hard right now. It may not be about the job you want but, having a job at all. I struggle with your last sentence daily. I’m in what I like to consider a bridge job, one that allows me to pay the bills. I work hard and deliver until the day comes when a new opportunity I will enjoy arrives. I am looking to find joy elsewhere in my life which, I perhaps I should have been doing this whole time. Maybe work is not where we are fulfilled. As far as interviews go don’t beat yourself up. Often one you think went bad was good, either way it may or may not lead to an offer. As an applicant it is impossible to know all the variables at play.

4. Barbara M.October 10,2025 at 4:58PM UTC

   I stay focused on what I can control, career development, learning, improving, practicing behavioral interview answers (“Tell me about a time when…”

   “Give me an example of…”

   “Describe a situation where…”

   “How did you handle…” ). I still haven't mastered the STAR method. Not even close. UGH!

5. GirlBossanova934974October 11,2025 at 1:37PM UTC

   In all candor, finding a new job is like being an outbound sales development representative (SDR). Your job is to keep "the pipeline" stuffed and calls and emails coming back. If you are doing it right, you will have some calls and requests for jobs coming from recruiters who saw you on Linkedin and calls and emails coming in from jobs you applied for.

   THE KEY is avoid becoming dependent on one lead or a small handful of leads to keep you going or moving forward. You can mess up an interview when you have another three scheduled for the next few days.

   My strategy is to avoid applying to any job on LinkedIn and keep those applications going through Glassdoor and Indeed. Lots of recruiters are calling.

   We have a broken job market right now. A lot of perverse incentives are being utilized by many NOT to hire anyone aka keep advertising for jobs that will never get filled. We have out of control AI where very few can string together a few English sentences. Hiring managers with grandiose titles who are masquerading as subject matter experts who in fact have the barest of credentials. We have something called "cultural fit" which is being used to subvert the entire hiring process.

   One has to rise about all that nonsense.

6. BarbaraOctober 11,2025 at 6:35PM UTC

   Exactly right!

7. BarbaraOctober 11,2025 at 6:33PM UTC

   Well the job search is full of hills and valleys that’s for sure. Let go of the idea of nailing it. So much can change from the end of a super interview to things arising at the company that change their priorities and trajectory. You will never know. When I was looking for work I approached it like dating. If he wants you he will move heaven and earth to get you. In an interview I’ve learned to spend more time finding out who they are then pushing on them who I am. It’s interesting because it changes the dynamic and everyone in the room figures out pretty quickly if it’s a fit or not. Your job right now is to get in front of as many companies as you can, network , use old contacts to find work. Have fun with it and use your sense of humor. Don’t listen to all the doom and gloom in the job market, DO learn about all the scams going on. Educate yourself about the market you want to work in and do your best to calm your inevitable freak outs. It’s a weird time, but then anytime you’re dealing with this type of uncertainty is going to feel weird. Even if you land that job all companies are fraught with fear uncertainty and doubt right now. So get creative, keep your sense of humor and try and enjoy yourself.

8. AnonymousOctober 12,2025 at 6:35AM UTC

   I was laid off mid March and have yet to land a new job. It's yerrible out there. Praying for opportunities!

   Keep yourself busy. I've been attending educational webinars and taking community exercise classes to stay current and productive as I apply for as many jobs as I can.

9. KarrieOctober 13,2025 at 2:17PM UTC

   I feel for you and all the others out there in your same position. It can be demoralizing. I was in the same boat a few years ago, and this might help:

   Apply to jobs, even if they are not perfect. If you get an interview, look at it as practice (so you can "nail" future interviews). If you don't really "want" the job, the pressure's off. Look at part-time work. Open your job search to include a "slump buster" job. Sometimes it takes a little momentum to get going. I started working from 4am-8am at a part time gig, and then everything opened up. I got 2 more part-time jobs and finally landed a full-time position with one of the part-time companies.

   Gamify the whole process. Make a spreadsheet to track your job applications. Set a goal for yourself each day by identifying the places you want to apply to—put them on your spreadsheet FIRST and then just get it done. No emotional attachment—that makes the process so long and stressful.

   Look at this "time off" as a gift. (I know that sounds stupid), but being grateful and enjoying time to reflect, practice self-care, and dream about your future goals can instill clarity and motivation in the craziest ways. There are so many things you can do that don't cost money (think visiting your favorite store to browse, walking in a nearby park, etc.) and these things are necessary, not luxuries.

   All my best on your job search. I've been there, and I support your process, whatever that might be.

10. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdOctober 14,2025 at 1:13PM UTC

    HOLY WOW. I feel this one. I'm so sorry you were laid off.

    I'm fortunate to have a full time job and a career spanning over 3 decades. And yet... it's never been what I've truly wanted to do.

    I've always wanted to teach. I was 40 when I got my Bachelor's in Education, and I just completed my Master's last year at 57.

    During my career, I've had opportunities to teach. And I've tried time and time again to make it my full time career, only to be ghosted, or told I lacked experience. No kidding on the latter, no one will hire me! But I keep trying because I do believe God has called me to the profession and one day I will land where I need.

    Please remind yourself that though you're not finding work IT. IS. NOT. YOU. "Reports" [I put this word in quotes because I can't find a decent report that supports what some people are saying] claim employment opps are at an all-time high. Perhaps they are, but it doesn't seem to be in nearly any sector that I see.

    I know it's easy for me to say - but don't feel low. Hold your head high and recognize all of the amazing knowledge and talent you bring!

11. Mary Lea McTurnanOctober 22,2025 at 5:31AM UTC

    Must you be passionate? That’s a high bar. And perhaps your vibe is one of disinterest when you interview for positions of no pssskon