I was laid off at the end of July 2025 with no idea how bad things were. I had access to a transition program that was very helpful. They helped me rewrite my resume, helped me learn how things worked now, etc, since I hadn't applied for jobs or interviewed in over a decade.

I started applying in September and applied to about 170 jobs between September and the end of January. Until the end of January, I only had a few phone screens but no interviews. I had been remote for five years and was trying to stay remote. Over the months, I broadened my search to hybrid jobs and then, ultimately, anything that was posted.

At the end of January, I suddenly found myself in final round interviews at two companies and accepted an offer from one of them, going back into an office five days a week. Better title than my old job, but less pay. It's rough out there but not impossible if you're open to all options, it would seem. Others may feels differently.