Help me. All of sudden I’m not employable!

33 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 25,2025 at 4:04PM UTC

   Are you seriously unemployable or just interested in working in a certain niche profession? I don’t know what your elite skills are or what industry you were previously working in. However, unless your skills are limited to something like brain surgery or movie star I will bet they are highly transferable to other industries. Get creative and get yourself in a situation where you get a steady check and benefits. Starting a new business isn’t smart at this time.

   especially if you have bad credit. You may have to lower your gaze for that check but if you get into the right place you can build a nice steady foundation. Also always prepare to have at least a year of expenses saved since getting laid off these days isn’t rare. Good luck to you!

2. Lisa McCartneyMay 25,2025 at 6:07PM UTC

   Look into the sba (sba.gov) also your library might have info too.

3. AnonymousMay 26,2025 at 4:01AM UTC

   Hope you are at least collecting unemployment and checking into state financial assistance as you search for a job to support yourself and your children.

   Best wishes to you.

4. AnonymousMay 26,2025 at 12:17PM UTC

   the job market has been so soft and there are so many people just like you. It sounds awful what you’re going through and then to be a newly single mom too so stressful.

   I hope you’ve been collecting unemployment

5. Thania AlvarezMay 26,2025 at 12:24PM UTC

   Hi! Sorry to hear that you have been laid off twice in such a short period of time. Regarding your question about grants, yes, there are grants but not sure if you can find any for your business idea. I’m sure there are grants for single moms and for women of color. Maybe you should try looking for those either using Google or favorite AI. Hope this helps!

6. X19May 26,2025 at 1:46PM UTC

   First, I'm so sorry for what you are going through. It is really hard out there right now and you have a lot on your shoulders.

   Now, I think we need more information to be helpful, here.

   I'm in Talent Acquisition and may be able to offer some useful advice but need to understand your market better. What roles have you held in what industries? What regional talent market do you live in, etc.? Before the layoffs how was your tenure in previous positions?

   I don't think it's helpful for us to tell you to just get any job and make whatever money. You're aware of those realities and even that isn't easy right now. Starting a business while not ideal timing-wise could work (PS there's almost never a good time to do something this disruptive) and while
   it could fail it could also go really well!

   Again, we don't know the problem set you're eyeing there and in what industry. Those things matter too.

   Happy to share some thoughts but please reply with more details as long as you are comfortable.

7. Danielle CastilloMay 26,2025 at 3:24PM UTC

   Galaxy.com and HelloSkip.com lists/offers business grants including those for women owned, minority owned, and startup. I would start there.

   As for paying the bills, seek side gig work on sites like upwork, fiverr, iSecretShop.com, and freelancer.com until something better comes. If you have things in your home that are still in good use and that you no longer want or need, consider selling them on OfferUp or doing a yard sale. Hope this helps and good luck.

8. AnonymousMay 26,2025 at 3:53PM UTC

   You’re definitely not unemployable as many people aren’t but we’ve been in a white collar recession for the past 3+ years. I’m sorry that you’ve been laid off twice. It continues to happen to many people especially this year. I’d advise to take something beneath your skill set to stay afloat and alter your resume so they hire you. In the meantime, work on that business cause ultimately that’s going to pay off for you and your family. I encourage ALL women to have something on the side at all times because these jobs out here are not stable anymore and you just never know. I don’t trust employers anymore at this point and strongly believe multiple streams of income are always the way to go. Best of luck to you in your business!

9. Patricia Osborne RandolphMay 26,2025 at 3:56PM UTC

   It is heartbreaking ? to hear your struggles. What is your educational experience, certification, or degree? It read as if your struggling with working for an industry or having your own business, to be your own boss. It may help to figure out what it is you want to pursue moving forward. It sounds like you are resilient if you acquired 2 jobs under 2 years where you unfortunately got laid off. Maybe reinvent how you present yourself when seeking employment and search the internet for free trainings to update or improve your skills. You got this ?

10. C. GarrabrantMay 26,2025 at 4:01PM UTC

    Have you thought of temping or contact work? Contractors can work up to 2 years with a company.

11. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 12:30PM UTC

    In the US you can work for 20 years or more as a contractor. There is no limit unless their is contract stating otherwise. I was hired into a company and had direct reports. One was a contractor and had been there for 15 years.

12. AnonymousMay 26,2025 at 9:05PM UTC

    I would start with your city's Chamber of Commerce and network with your business community. Find out what groups exist as possible resources.

13. AnonymousMay 26,2025 at 10:27PM UTC

    Most cities/states have Small Business organizations funded mainly through the Small Business Administration, with some local and state funding. Go out to the SBA website to see where the local chapter for you is and what it is called. Where I live, it is called the Small Business Development Center, and they have learning programs and classes on how to start a business, as well as financial resources for start-up funding.

    The world is in flux and chaos, so don't think this is your fault or permanent. Take advantage of any social services you can (unemployment, Medicaid, etc.). You have worked for these things and paid taxes so that they would be there if you ever needed them.

14. AnonymousMay 27,2025 at 1:15AM UTC

    Network. And I mean you make sure that everyone you know is aware that you’re searching. Your gym, your place of worship, your mommy and me groups. You get the idea.

    I speak from experience and constantly post about this. It’s it’s how I’ve gotten my last three jobs., through my connections

    And also check out the job center at your alma mater

15. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 12:22PM UTC

    First, it's NOT in your head. There is definitely something nefarious in the water for candidates of color right now. When you have a political climate that marginalizes all employees of color as "DEI" while simultaneously removing workplace protections, what you're seeing is more overt workplace exclusion. And why not? There are certainly no ramifications anymore for discrimination of any kind including racial. Layer on top of that the white collar recession that this country has been experiencing for several months and people of color are at the very bottom. I'm going through the exact same thing. Hang in there and stay positive but I know that can be easier said than done.

16. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 12:26PM UTC

    Actually, the job market sucks for everyone of every color. Consider working as a temp to keep the money flowing in. Gig work is the future as millions will be laid off thanks to AI.

17. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 6:28PM UTC

    It's tough for everyone but it is exponentially TOUGHER for people of color. By design from the white house.

18. Dr. Linnie S. CarterMay 29,2025 at 2:03PM UTC

    Absolutely!

19. Dr. Linnie S. CarterMay 29,2025 at 2:03PM UTC

    I agree wholeheartedly!

20. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 12:30PM UTC

    I think it is the market. I found myself in this same situation. After Covid it seems that the job market is really difficult. I have found myself competing against former executives for a senior accountant position. I was off work last year for almost 6 months after I took a contract position just to get some work.

21. Tami L CannizzaroMay 28,2025 at 3:11PM UTC

    I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. Starting a business/working for yourself can be great. Remember that it takes time - sometimes years - before the business makes a profit. Most of us started our businesses as side-hustles while working elsewhere to pay the bills. As others have suggested, it may be wise to consider another job while you build your business.

22. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 3:41PM UTC

    Thanks for the reply. What I found is most people are willing to help out. I once called a former colleague who I wasn’t sure even liked me but he was more than happy to help.

23. KathyMay 28,2025 at 4:48PM UTC

    I read an article a couple days ago, I don't have the link but the gist was most job posting are fake (especially on LinkedIn) , companies aren't hiring, just collecting resumes.

    Many companies are waiting to see if the economy tanks due to the tariffs and other political issues.

    Best of luck, I hope things get better for you. In the short term apply for Snap benefits and other types of assistance.

24. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 5:57PM UTC

    While there are certainly shady job postings and some companies posting fake jobs, I haven’t seen any reliable data to show that most postings are fake.

    The market is saturated with middle career talent which is making it hard for folks to get certain jobs as they may be over qualified in a large pool of over qualified applicants.

25. KathyMay 30,2025 at 2:56AM UTC

    This article includes data sources.

    https://gizmodo.com/1-in-5-online-job-postings-are-either-fake-or-never-filled-study-finds-2000549706

26. EmpoweredGirl230367May 28,2025 at 6:00PM UTC

    Check with your local business associations for things like business grants. If you’re a member of a credit union they may have credit repair resources for you as well.

    With your recent layoffs, if you aren’t already, I’d state that explicitly on your resume. Otherwise it may look like instability/job hopping.

    Wishing you luck!!

27. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 8:14PM UTC

    I understand the struggle!

    If you want to start a small business check with your local small business admiration, they can offer guidance. In my area, they have Small Business Development Centers which provides entrepreneurs with professional business consulting at no cost, management training, and information necessary to grow and succeed in a complex and competitive global environment.

    Good luck - you've got this!!

28. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 12:23PM UTC

    Great advice. Everyone needs help now and then. You are a true survivor. Congrats.

29. Mercedes RamosMay 29,2025 at 12:31PM UTC

    This happened to me and few years ago after covid. I took a 6m contract making just enough to pay bills and then got back into the types of roles I really wanted after but that 6m role allowed me to get back in the game.

30. Michele SinclairMay 29,2025 at 12:53PM UTC

    SCORE is part of the Small Business Administration. Start with them. They will help to guide you through the pathway of starting your own business. If you are no longer credit worthy, then seek out free debt relief programs that do not charge you to help. You got this!

31. WandaMay 29,2025 at 2:45PM UTC

    So sorry that this is happening to you. I'm wondering if you would be willing to do contracting (temporary work) assignments while you explore what options there are to become an entrepreneur. The contract position(s) may not pay what you're accustomed to, but it's something that's coming in that can help with the day-to-day financial obligations. Also, as everyone else has said, look at the Small Business Administration in your area for assistance with finding grant opportunities. Also, if you're up to it, be on the lookout for a mentor, someone that has walked the path that you're on and has succeeded. Additionally, this person could be a good resource in terms of finding job opportunities. I wish you nothing but success. Remember, this moment where you are is going to pass, I'm believing it for you!

32. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 12:58AM UTC

    What's the industry you are pivoting in and are finding job security in if you don't mind?

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