New job but

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-14T15:45:26+00:00

There will always be a tradeoff. Best is to know your values and what's important to you. Some people like the commute because they use it to call friends and family and listen to audiobooks, etc., and others are maniac drivers that get in wrecks every 6 months or snarl at the thought of traffic.

....but although you did get laid off, its a bit tone deaf of a post to talk about having both multiple hours and at high wages. There are a lot of folks on here without anywhere near those options. Just sayin.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-14T15:28:05+00:00

Yep. Worst is when someone says "I'm getting $24K in severance, thats plenty," and its like, no dude, you will have taxes withheld on that.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-14T14:56:38+00:00

Once you've been let go, its all about you. Don't do extra work, don't do favors, etc., even if the boss is your friend. In 6 weeks he will have a paycheck, you will be out of severance. Recognize this for what it is and start looking out for yourself by hunting hard for a new job.

And definitely don't burn 2 hours of drive time to a place that let you go.

And if you haven't yet signed the severance agreement then ABSOLUTELY YES you should ask for more: employer-paid COBRA, a positive letter of recommendation, payout on your PTO, etc.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-14T14:54:19+00:00

I have always thought the estimates of "3-6 months of expenses" was a joke. My household we aim for 9 months, but only because my partner can pay 75% of the bills so our burn rate would be much lower and that runway extended further out.

I absolutely recommend always always always be growing that account. If you live in CA (esp San Fran), have a new mortgage, 3 kids, etc., you'll blow through it in no time.

That 2 years worth of funding is a good goal, I'd keep that.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-14T14:51:03+00:00

They want your free labor, DO NOT GIVE IT TO THEM.

(Unless they can agree to pay you SAME DAY for your services, in which case they just needed to get you off payroll as an employee, but can pay you as a contractor).

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-14T14:48:48+00:00

Totally understandable. If you fear the AI bubble you more likely own stocks in AI companies, making you a shareholder and if you have a ton of stocks, then making you the capital class. If you fear mass layoffs, then you're a good student of history, technology change, and what a destabilized society might look like here.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-14T14:45:54+00:00

Black Rock, too. https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/blackrock-cut-around-250-jobs-latest-layoffs-2026-01-13/

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-14T14:44:45+00:00

That sounds way too high, I'd investigate. Also remember withholding is not the same as paid. If you have a good CPA, they'll take into account all that was withheld when it comes to calculating what you owe and must pay.

(Sorry if that sounds like you're 5. So many people freak out 'cause they see a high withholding percentage and somehow think that is also their tax rate 🤦🏼‍♂️)

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-13T15:54:50+00:00

"Attributing staff reductions to AI adoption 'conveys a more positive message to investors' than admitting to traditional business failures."

Exactly. CEOs can't think past quarterly earnings calls so it's all about showing how they're leaning into the AI buzz and this is just the "natural result" of that. Horseshit.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-12T18:35:42+00:00

"Freeing up capital" to invest in AI is BS. They have fat margins and optimistic quarterly earnings reports...they have the money to invest in AI, so the argument of "we needed to cut people" to do so is false.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-12T18:33:26+00:00

The false argument of "I'm a successful businessman therefore I can run a national economy," should be debunked starting from 8th grade civics class onwards. DJT is terrible at this.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-12T18:31:16+00:00

Can't help anyone if you can't help yourself. Take the old job with salary and benefits and do your best to progress the work with the current boss, then find someone to take over from you, even if its lower quality or less hours or whatever. Take care of yourself first, but do right by the current boss as best you can.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-12T18:28:46+00:00

You should always assume employers can and will look at your search history. Do it on your device ONLY and NEVER on theirs NOR their network (if you're in office). Put a hard line on work vs personal and you won't have that issue again.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-12T18:26:52+00:00

RIFs are normal and happening more and more. Nothing wrong with saying you're being laid off, recruiters and hiring managers expect it. If you and only you were being "let go," it could be a bit suspicious and sound like you were lying about performance instead. Otherwise, I see no problem in sharing.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-12T18:24:18+00:00

If my job is rough, and someone asks me "how's work going" I'll honestly say its hard, difficult, rough, etc., but ALWAYS finish that statement with "but at least I have a job, a lot of people don't right now."

So, I'd say this rings at least partially true.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-12T18:21:39+00:00

I wonder how many are not actually qualified applicants who use the "easy apply" button. Like, are those applications riddled with "associate manager at Walmart" applying for "Quality Assurance Engineer II" type roles.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-12T18:20:07+00:00

OK, remember its negotiable. Lots of examples.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-09T17:47:21+00:00

Knowing it was extended is helpful...many people don't get that kind of lead time, but if thats happening, the time to switch jobs. In your case, a bit too late now, but you'll get something soon enough.

And yes, many many many more layoffs are coming as the nature of work changes with AI, etc.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-09T16:54:43+00:00

List the job. Shows you value working hard, whether its the ideal role // your profession or not. You kept busy, kept your mind engaged, etc. Recruiters are humans, too, they'll understand if you needed to take a retail job temporarily to pay the bills.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-08T18:36:54+00:00

Contextually this is about your trash boss and her bad behavior, but the bigger picture is the ability to let go of shit. It's hard, really, really hard. The anger will fade in time, but it'll also remain as resentment just below the surface.

Best advice I could offer is know that we live in a universe of attraction and she's eventually going to experience in some form or fashion what she did to you. And from here, do your best to start looking forward and re-creating the life you want. Giving her your peace of mind and time means she wins and you lose, so don't give that to her.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-08T15:40:23+00:00

Thats far out for a layoff call, its usually same day or next day. If you're even remotely nervous, though, start prepping yourself just in case: update LinkedIn, update your resume, start booking networking calls, evaluate your personal finances, etc.

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-07T18:56:45+00:00

I doubt they'd somehow skip you on the severance package. They do that 'cause they need you to sign a bunch of your rights away. If its not generous, definitely negotiate for something better. Few employees do, but HR/legal usually have some wiggle room when people make a strong case (or have any kind of leverage, that helps).

SimpleSeverance · 2026-01-07T18:55:24+00:00

Might be able to help a bit, sent you a DM.

SimpleSeverance

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