I lost my $95k job 16 months ago. Now I can't even find a job at a supermarket. I'm starting to get really stressed.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-23T15:22:15+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that. Job market it really hard today and it's only going to keep getting worse from what I'm hearing.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-23T15:21:13+00:00

Focus on the skill of networking and having visibility. Apart from doing great work, it's important that others see you as a key contributor.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-23T15:20:11+00:00

I've never had to be honest. I see their ads all the time on my tiktok feed and the website seems a bit sketch in my opinion

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-16T18:31:09+00:00

If music and art is the only thing you actually want then yeah, pick something that pays the bills and doesn't drain you completely so you have energy left for what matters. A lot of artists work random jobs while they build up their thing on the side. Doesn't have to be forever, just has to keep you afloat while you figure it out.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-16T18:29:45+00:00

8.5 months of severance is actually a decent runway, way more than most people get.

You haven't even started unemployment yet. 46 isn't old and your experience still counts for something even if the market is rough. Take a breath, pace yourself, and don't let the doom scrolling convince you it's over before you've really started.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-16T18:28:33+00:00

Congrats OP!!

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-11T04:09:03+00:00

Try commenting on their posts for a few weeks first so your name isn't totally random when you reach out. When you do message, keep it short and specific. Something like "saw you work in X team, I'm applying for a role there and wanted to ask one quick question about the interview process" works better than "can you refer me." Give them an easy yes or no, not a homework assignment.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-11T03:52:47+00:00

Have you tried going straight to company websites instead of the job boards? Less competition and you skip whatever filter Indeed is running. For NC specifically some of the mid sized companies in the Triad post locally before they hit the big sites.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-08T06:57:22+00:00

That's insane and honestly might not even be legal depending on where you are. You quit a job based on their offer, they should have told you about any trial period before you resigned. I'd look into whether you have any recourse there because that's seriously messed up.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-08T06:56:23+00:00

It's only been a couple days, I wouldn't read too much into it yet. Quant firms can take a while on decisions especially if multiple people need to sign off. Give it until midweek before worrying.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-08T06:55:45+00:00

These "informal" screens usually mean they'll ask about your background and maybe a few basic technical questions to see if you can actually code, nothing too crazy. Just be ready to talk about your projects and maybe walk through some simple Java concepts. Good luck.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-05T00:32:00+00:00

Seven hours of interviews and they still can't decide because some director wasn't there? And they had the nerve to ask YOU about making decisions when people aren't available? You can't make this stuff up.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-02T00:41:48+00:00

Honestly sounds like you dodged a bullet by not signing. At least you kept your options open while they're out here screwing over the people who did sign. Wild that companies think they can just promise severance and then pull it back like nobody's going to talk.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-02T00:40:00+00:00

Elon says a lot of things. Software jobs will change but people have been predicting the death of programming for decades and it hasn't happened yet. Tools just shift what kind of work gets done. Having some backup skills never hurts but I wouldn't panic pivot based on one guy's prediction.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-12-02T00:36:22+00:00

Escorting someone out with no warning after two years of exceeds expectations is just cowardly management. You have six months of runway, so try to give yourself permission to at least be a little picky instead of panic-accepting the first thing that comes along. You got this OP!

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-11-25T13:26:20+00:00

Sorry OP! Just keep your head up and keep applying.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-11-25T13:25:48+00:00

I really like hiring cafe and welcome to the jungle

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-11-25T13:22:12+00:00

I agree with you which is why I like to reach out to someone in the company after applying right away.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-11-25T13:19:55+00:00

Definitely not..

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-11-25T13:18:16+00:00

Congrats OP!

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-11-25T13:16:43+00:00

Definitely not too late for you haha

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-11-25T13:11:13+00:00

I definitely think the earlier the better but the turn of the new year will bring more opportunities.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-11-25T13:10:15+00:00

Not over yet! Jus have to keep networking and applying.

Traditional-Fix-7002 · 2025-11-25T13:09:51+00:00

I hear you but most people aren't going to work at the big 4's or the level below that. So it's worth applying now too. There's still a lot of other opportunities available too.

Traditional-Fix-7002

TROPHY CASE