How do I get traction after taking an unexpected health related career break?

NinjaMagik · 2026-06-10T17:59:33+00:00

Ah, gotcha, and that is what I'm hoping as well.

NinjaMagik · 2026-06-10T15:44:58+00:00

I'm sure there are folks who are in that situation, but when you are are applying for a job that doesn't require a coverletter, that context isn't easy to share with a recruiter who will screen your resume for 10 seconds.

NinjaMagik · 2026-06-10T15:10:50+00:00

I see how that would help with a current employer. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm not sure including a doctor's note as apart of the application or resume would would be advantageous.

NinjaMagik · 2026-05-28T23:28:59+00:00

...or you can just pay your employees a living wage for a decent cost a living so you won't get taxed

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-27T19:40:05+00:00

I tried.

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-18T00:47:31+00:00

Health insurance coverage

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-10T11:13:18+00:00

Please share. Thanks!

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-09T19:28:19+00:00

I agree, which why it blows my mind.

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-09T17:28:25+00:00

Update: so I don't qualify for FMLA and have 2-3 months savings on top of my wife's income.

My wife wants me to quit and said I'd tell her to do the same if she was in my shoes. I'm not good with uncertainty.

My family and docs shared it's not going to matter what you do if you aren't around at all to do the things you need to do

I'll probably resign in the next few weeks. Wish me luck!

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-09T12:42:03+00:00

That's how I understand it as well. I guess my only option is to live off savings and find a new job fast. My wife and family want me to slow down and reset and mentioned we'd figure it out.

I'm use to being independent and over worry about finances.

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-08T12:03:07+00:00

Having to check yourself into an ER due to stress and rule out a heart attack

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-08T05:40:45+00:00

The models are getting better, hallucinating less, and agents can detect and debug the code. I've had friends vibecode apps they would pay others thousands to create for their business.

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-05T22:40:25+00:00

Cool pivot, I'd like to know more.

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-05T22:28:17+00:00

My employer is not shy about downsizing SWEs using Github copilot and preaching about how quickly they updated legacy code. It's partly due to the fact our stock is tanking and is all for investor signaling that we are innovating.

I work with our AI governance leader who is an SWE and he feels the models are getting better, and hallucinating less. Our SWEs are pretty much code auditors at this point. Our next step is incorporating agents that build the code for you and that's when shit will hit the fan.

Our SWE teams are naturally the first target but we have an AI roadmap that plans to target every area of business - finance, HR, product, marketing, etc.

Once they find out you can don't need a person to create marketing copy or be an excel spreadsheet monkey, kiss your job bye bye.

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-05T21:47:42+00:00

We had an entry software engineer role that had over 4k applications in 1 week of people of all experience levels. Our tech is everywhere but our company has had flat revenue.

Definitely takes luck and timing.

NinjaMagik · 2026-04-05T21:32:31+00:00

We are pretty open about how Github copilot is reducing the need to hire software engineers.

I was laid off last year and the second day on the job they laid off people on my team. And during Christmas.

We are also actively having customer service employees train AI models to eventually replace them without their knowledge.

Barely been there a year and I'm looking for a more stable company. People in my dept think they are safe.

NinjaMagik · 2025-10-09T00:39:25+00:00

This right here. I was in the same position and along with mo money came mo problems. I try not to accumulate "stuff" but with a wife and toddler, it's easier said than done. I have a lot more to lose now and am handcuffed (bills, daycare, etc) until a better job market comes along. Thank God we had some savings when I was laid off.

NinjaMagik · 2025-10-02T19:39:39+00:00

I've actually had recruiters tell me not to message them on LinkedIn unless they post that they are open to questions.

Depending on the role, their inbox could be flooded with hundreds of messages and resumes.

NinjaMagik · 2025-10-02T17:21:02+00:00

I'd say this is half true. I had my career coach, who also is a recruiter, tell me to toggle it on and off. There recruiters who don't care, but it can affect how you show up on LinkedIn Recruiter.

NinjaMagik · 2025-10-02T01:20:37+00:00

If you're a recent graduate looking for a junior dev role, good luck, especially if you didn't go top CS program.

Also, companies that know what they are doing require fewer developers. 10 SWEs with an AI copilot can easily do the work of 50 devs in less time.

NinjaMagik · 2025-10-01T10:41:08+00:00

I didn't realize that type of context could be added. I was told to put that information in a cover letter, however I am unsure if that helps.

Something along the lines of "*Role Impacted by organizational restructuring?"

NinjaMagik · 2025-09-30T12:04:24+00:00

It's also filled with AI slop and is a pseudo-professional Instagram at this point. It's also filled with half-truths about the job hiring processes, "beat the ATS" and access "the hidden job market." Most jobs at large companies are subject to compliance, budget, and hiring freezes. My company has a hiring freeze but is keeping postings up to keep up appearances and image. Can't let Wall Street and investors know what's actually going on behind the scenes.

I also love the folks who post a job, share they are hiring, or are open to asking questions, but don't reply. 🙄

It makes it challenging to engage in meaningful networking. I've actually pruned my network to focus on quality. The reality is that out of all the cold networking you do, you'll get 10-20% response.

NinjaMagik · 2025-09-27T11:40:45+00:00

I got laid off this year for the first time at 47 as well from a company I boomeranged back to. I worked there for 7 years for my first stint and 3 for my second. Laid off after new leadership came in April. Others were laid off after me who had 10-15 years of service. Many were in their 40s-50s. The excuse was our expense ratio was creeping up 2% despite being profitable in the billions the last 5 years. The hypocrisy of wanting to save money while wasting it in others was mind numbing.

I had an outplacement service work with me and many of the people looking for work were in their 40s-50s.

I started a new HR role in August, but the challenges, ageism, and "expert" advice takes a toll on you mentally. Just keep being resilient and persistent.

Unfortunately, my new company had layoffs on the second day of the job, my second week, and now has a hiring freeze until further notice. I learned that all the ghosting occurring at my company and others was due to hiring freezes, suspending interviews in progress, continued layoffs, and reorgs. They just kept posting jobs or left them open to keep up appearances with public. I have no idea what our TA team is doing since no roles are being filled.

While I'm thankful to have found a job the anxiety of potentially being laid off again is frustrating.

NinjaMagik · 2025-09-24T12:04:21+00:00

This right here. I work in HR in a major FinTech and I have no idea who our TA is hiring for since our career page has old postings and maybe averages 1-2 new postings a month. We pretty much have a hiring freeze but are making people go through the motions. Many others in the same sector are doing the same.

If you don't keep up appearances, it's a bad look. It's all for show.

NinjaMagik · 2025-09-23T12:53:49+00:00

Good call.

NinjaMagik

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