As a person who was laid off recently, I would not suggest you do this.

22 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 19,2026 at 3:38PM UTC

   Seems like this missed being added to the original post "Anyone else feel like leaving a job before finding a new one can help you mentally look for one. "

2. AnonymousMarch 20,2026 at 1:15PM UTC

   Yes, it’s great but I think what the OP is saying is that this could cost you a lot because companies simply aren’t hiring as much right now (they don’t even respond to applications in most cases) and you may be out of work for months or even years. So unless you have the financial cushion and want to accept the risk of having a huge gap in your work history, it’s not a great idea right now. If you think you can manage it, you have enough to live on if you are unemployed for a year or more AND you can explain the huge career gap, keeping your job and looking for a new one is a better option. I would only advice this in this economy if you have a huge savings and/or you have some side hustle to keep you busy and your resume up to date.

3. AnonymousMarch 20,2026 at 3:42PM UTC

   OP, if it seems like I missed this, I’m sorry. My point is having an income and being constantly rejected for jobs would have been better for my mental health than NOT having an income while ALSO being constantly rejected for jobs (current situation).

   Hug that job for sustenance and to prevent resume gaps, then focus on your next move.

4. AnonymousMarch 20,2026 at 1:37PM UTC

   All entries here are good advice. Just imagine for a moment waiting for that phone call for months for a job offer that still hasn’t come. Imagine all your bills piling up and your savings has run dry. Hold on and don’t let your emotions take over. And what makes you think it’s different anywhere else? You’ll always have to work with people. Keep searching but keep your job in the meantime. Best of luck!

5. AnonymousMarch 20,2026 at 3:33PM UTC

   You are not identified by your situation. You are identified by what you bring to a potential employer, so always remember that your skills, your experience, your background is what will define you not this temporary period of unemployment.

6. TIEN TRUONGMarch 21,2026 at 1:06PM UTC

   Thank you for sharing this advice!

7. AnonymousMarch 21,2026 at 1:16PM UTC

   This is valuable information for anyone now. I dislike my job, it is way below my skillset. I took it for benefits and it fit my life. But my reality at over age 60 is to have gratitude for any job.

8. AnonymousMarch 21,2026 at 1:42PM UTC

   Right there with you. Am 63 and about 3 years from retirement. Current position works my nerves, consistently. But am thankful beyond measure that I'll get a pension.

9. AnonymousApril 18,2026 at 6:26PM UTC

   I lost my previous job in mid 2020, when I was in my late 50s, and it took me 2 years to find another position. I ended up accepting a position that paid 25 percent less than my last, but has great benefits and I WFH 3 days a week. I'm hoping I'll be able to stay until my planned retirement in 2029, but if not, retirement will be a bit earlier because ageism was such a huge obstacle last time that I can't put myself through that again.

10. amy sarah marshallMarch 21,2026 at 1:45PM UTC

    Yeah, i had the option to stay in a demoted role and just couldn't. The relief i feel from escaping the toxic nightmare is seismic. But i have been lucky to be on my spouse's insurance and found freelance gigs through connections. Otherwise, to your point, i would be screwed... but maybe still more sane.

11. AnonymousMarch 21,2026 at 5:53PM UTC

    I like my job, but I'm exhausted all the time between trying to make all the lean budgets and ever critical projects combined with child/family responsibilities.

12. AnonymousMarch 22,2026 at 1:56PM UTC

    After my last layoff I decided to retire early knowing that I would never have another job in my field. I've been in some horrendous jobs but it's still better than being unemployed. I was laid off in 2008 and it was still worse than this for jobs simply because the remote options are more available. 2026 is becoming a fast contender though. All of it's tough right now, but after going through 6 layoffs, my advise is to hold fast to those jobs.

13. Heidi CsencsitsMarch 22,2026 at 2:35PM UTC

    Do NOT get tricked into one of those classes that people post on LinkedIn where they claim you will find a job in 60-90 days if you follow their program. The one I fell for had a charasmatic "instructor," she promised/guaranteed that the five of us in the class would find jobs, and it cost only $6,000. It was over 6 months before one of us found a job (I still haven't and it's been 1.5 years).

    I did get a nice LI profile, and my resume is much better, but that does not really help you get a job.

    The net of this program was to network. You can do that on your own.

14. AnonymousMarch 23,2026 at 10:54AM UTC

    Nice LI profile and better resume are pluses — they do help you get a job, although they are not always sufficient, as your experience shows.

    I hope you received more guidance and support for your $6,000.

15. AnonymousMarch 23,2026 at 12:36PM UTC

    I believe I know who is being referenced here. There are tons of scams and people preying on those out of work and desperately seeking a life line.

16. AnonymousMarch 23,2026 at 12:34PM UTC

    Totally agree with you ion your comments. A friend of mine has not worked since the pandemic started. The job market is brutal and unforgiving.

17. Lena NegronMarch 23,2026 at 12:49PM UTC

    i'm on my 3rd lay off in 2 years; each time has gotten significantly worse and the advice i used a mere 9 months ago doesn't even apply now.. it truly takes a lot of grit and compassion for yourself to get through it.

18. AnonymousMarch 24,2026 at 9:22PM UTC

    My company downsized 9/2025 it took me until this week to find a full-time job close to the salary I had previously (1400 applications later). I don't mean I was turning down lesser paying jobs; I wasn't getting any offers. One organization told me we won't hire you because you won't stay-they were offering 1/2 of what I was previously making per annum but wanted a master's degree and 5+ years' experience. I have also recently accepted a consulting position decent pay but no benefits-- I hope to never be unemployed again, Close to retirement age and I have to say this last year has been brutal-I have never had such a difficult time finding a job let alone a job I wanted. I have no sage advice. ad

19. AnonymousMarch 25,2026 at 7:18PM UTC

    I have 25 years of experience and was laid off a year ago. Like many others, I've applied everywhere, have never declined an interview, and am networking more than ever. It's just not working out for me, which is frightening as I continue to deplete my retirement savings.

    I was fortunate enough to receive 12 weeks of unemployment benefits, but the $275 a week didn't go far in this economy and was the same weekly amount I received when I was laid off in 2003.

    My only advice to those who are still employed: health insurance is not guaranteed in the US, so hold onto your job with benefits until you find another.

20. Elizabeth j jacksonMarch 25,2026 at 8:43PM UTC

    Ive experienced all of this, but I also have been fortunate to get a lot of interviews mostly from recruiters that have found me in their search for a candidate. I do think it is taking longer to land a job due to AI and a lot more people in the market, but the right position is out there for you, with your name on it, so keep that in mind to help you not give up! I apply to several jobs a week, an average of 4 a day I would say, and I believe because of that, I have landed quite a bit of interviews. Yes, most ghost, dont return to me, reject my applications, but I read somewhere on this site that, rejections are just redirections! Im keeping this in mind, it helps me. You have to keep going, keep an encouraging thought in mind, and with each interview, consider it practice that will eventually get you to perfection for the interview and job meant just for you only!

21. AnonymousMarch 26,2026 at 12:35PM UTC

    It took me 4 months to get an offer!

22. AnonymousMarch 28,2026 at 1:20AM UTC

    After two years of searching I wound up going back to the company I left five years ago. I left after finally bowing under year of work place related depression and thoughts of suicide. Then a miracle, in the name of reducing staff, the company started offering payouts for people to leave. That money allowed me to sit out COVID, pre-vaccine.

    An old boss of mine was enticed to return the company and thought enough of me to ask me to come back as well. It's technically a promotion and a pay drop at the same time compared to where I was 5 year ago. As far as seniority goes, I'm starting over at zero. I'm over fifty and the job market sucks out there. It's an new role for me with a much better commute than the last time I worked for them and I really need the money.

    I'm hoping the conditions will be different enough that history doesn't repeat itself.