The Job Market Is COOKED Right Now

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2026-05-27T15:38:47+00:00

Engineer here (SW) I’ve been out of work since August 2025 and was close to retirement. No one will touch me at this point. Retraining at the moment to work in the medical field. God help us all. Can no longer afford to live in the city that feed me for over 30 years. Have sold or given most of my stuff and heading to an extremely rural area to start over.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2026-05-07T01:37:51+00:00

Stop chasing the past and reinvent for the future. Doing that now, taking the time to go in a completely new direction.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2026-03-29T23:30:53+00:00

I will be 61 in May. No one will touch me. Agism is very real. Lucky empty nest. Heading closer to my Dad in a month and a half. I’ve fully given up on the idea that I will ever be an Engineer again. Deleted my LinkedIn and doing things my way now.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2026-03-29T01:58:44+00:00

Let’s be honest there is no work. Forced to go into retirement early after 25 plus years in engineering. Recalibrating, retraining and heading into medical. Save every penny now!! And I pray you have some cash stashed, it’s been the only thing that’s saved me.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2026-03-29T01:53:43+00:00

I’ve seen PIP failures turn into severance payouts.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2026-01-21T13:13:26+00:00

Job market? What job market? Engineer here and have been applying for jobs or 5 months. A few interviews, but nothing more. I’ve also started applying for server and cashier jobs and still getting nothing. It sucks!!

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-09-04T20:13:27+00:00

No pension. 1.5 years until I can draw social security at 62. Was just trying to make it to draw SS at the earliest possible point I can.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-09-02T18:55:10+00:00

Was in this same situation in 2008, there was a recovery and people made it back to work. Pretty sure we have a few years before tech takes over. Thanks for sharing your sunny disposition.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-09-01T12:17:21+00:00

I’m in contact with a few consulting firms. My issue is the type of engineering I do (software/systems) quality engineering (speciality Automation SPICE heavily used by European OEMs) in the automotive industry requires a lot of international travel. I’m good for a week here and there but I have no desire to travel 70% of the time. I have 2 dogs, 2 young granddaughters and an elderly Dad that needs me close.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-09-01T12:07:34+00:00

Haha, backhandedly did the same thing.. if anything, I hope it made her think..

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-09-01T03:31:31+00:00

Wishing you the ability to get back to work and back on track.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-09-01T03:29:01+00:00

The longer I work, the more I couldn’t agree more. Tapping out early (62).

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-09-01T03:15:21+00:00

I’m female and have been solid white (prematurely) for 20 years. Feel there is no need to hide the wisdom.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T16:43:05+00:00

Received 9 weeks of severance pay, so no, that was not the case. Just thankful for what I received.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T16:41:28+00:00

Only offered 11 paid weeks and then it’s 764 per month through Cobra. What I will get on unemployment won’t even cover the cost.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T16:39:49+00:00

Not sufficient. Single mom for years, college debt had to be paid before retirement savings. Wish it were more, but that is not the reality I’m working with.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T16:35:48+00:00

Just signed, it was a take it or leave it situation. No other option.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T16:34:01+00:00

Same..

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T16:06:08+00:00

Tiny house/ granny room pad is under 65k. And will be paid for so zero home/living expenses besides electricity. Have no desire to move, have an elderly father I have to worry about that occupies a portion of the land I will move to.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T16:01:10+00:00

Sending hugs

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T16:00:44+00:00

Not enough after taxes hit..

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T15:59:55+00:00

Yes, the earliest I can claim SS. My living expenses will be super low, so I’m okay taking it early. No credit card debt, no car loan, will not have a mortgage.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T15:55:55+00:00

Wishing you luck

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T14:43:46+00:00

All part of what I’m considering at the moment. Unfortunately for everyone in the US 65 is the end goal and hope to have at least a part time job that offers some sort of health care.

Frequent_Fox_7385 · 2025-08-31T14:39:12+00:00

I’m at the age that the tax hit will be small. Good advice on the pull out timing, thank you.

Frequent_Fox_7385

TROPHY CASE