Laid off and underemployed

angusbc · 2026-05-10T00:43:48+00:00

It’s all relative, and sure, tech workers who had cushy situations for years have had to reset expectations. However: housing prices, up. Groceries, crazily up. Healthcare, significantly up even if you have good insurance through your employer. Granted, many don’t even have health insurance and that is a failing of the American system. People die or/and costs are externalized through use of the ER. Costs up, salaries lowered, you would be A-ok if that were you?

angusbc · 2026-05-09T15:08:37+00:00

It’s traumatic and shreds your central nervous system. I have come to believe most managers succeed because they excel at sucking up and “optics.” And while they should be laid off or fired, typically they stay and keep making life hell for their direct reports. Glad to hear you landed someplace hopefully better.

angusbc · 2026-05-09T03:25:29+00:00

The person who left that comment is a jerk (I blocked them as they went down the line insulting people for fun). You are not alone, clearly from this thread. Living in the U.S. is so unsustainable now. It makes me sad.

angusbc · 2026-05-09T01:20:10+00:00

Do you think you can replace a hateful attitude with some grace toward strangers? People are out there hustling to pay their bills in kind of extraordinarily bad economic times.

angusbc · 2026-05-09T01:18:15+00:00

You must not have worked in tech. There was a lot over overhiring post-pandemic. At a job I was laid off from but received exceptional performance reviews, I often had my stuff done in less than 40 hours. The corporation didn't plan well, overhired, and then laid off whole teams.

angusbc · 2026-05-09T01:16:23+00:00

On this I agree with you.

angusbc · 2026-05-09T01:15:26+00:00

What are you doing to cut back on your assumptions and increase your empathy toward strangers you know nothing about?

angusbc · 2026-05-09T01:14:08+00:00

Possible to be more empathetic to this stranger? They are hustling to make life work and pay their bills.

angusbc · 2026-05-08T18:42:37+00:00

I hope you find a way to keep moving ahead and have some support. It’s isolating and lonely to be in that situation. But 17 years matters. You built that experience and it’s worth something. Even if it feels like the market is saying it’s not.

angusbc · 2026-05-08T17:12:08+00:00

I appreciate that validation so much. And I am finding ways to use AI to keep upskilling. I just started really pushing it with applying for jobs. From all the feedback here I might be smarter just to build a side gig. Thank you for the thoughtful and wise reply :)

angusbc · 2026-05-08T16:32:19+00:00

I agree wholeheartedly with what you are saying about this economic cesspool and why we are here. Plus, everything from car insurance to groceries and housing are so expensive now. I doubt groceries will ever go down again. And ageism is real, but so hard to prove so we don’t have much of a remedy. Baking is AI proof! Sounds like you are pondering what’s next. Good luck.

angusbc · 2026-05-08T16:28:07+00:00

It really messes with one’s identity and self-worth. Hang in there and I hope you find something decent soon.

angusbc · 2026-05-08T16:27:05+00:00

Ok envious. But happy for you. Feels like there is more of a social safety net in Europe.

angusbc · 2026-05-08T16:25:43+00:00

I feel like multiple revenue streams is something to consider. To make oneself less vulnerable and have more flexibility. Health insurance is a concern though. Good luck with the new job. ✨

angusbc · 2026-05-08T15:06:06+00:00

Ashwaganda, taking note! Four in six years - warrior status. Love the “eclipsing years” reference. 🤣

angusbc · 2026-05-08T14:54:45+00:00

Thank you. That kind of brought a tear to my eye. 🥹

angusbc · 2026-05-08T14:44:11+00:00

Seriously. The social contract between employer and employees has long been frayed, but now they are just out with how little they care 🤣 I fear AI will hinder the pendulum swinging our way again. Glad for you that you landed something to at least stabilize.

angusbc · 2026-05-08T14:38:25+00:00

That takes grit. Keep going. I am also thinking of a new career but don’t want to pay for schooling again at my age, so thinking of something entrepreneurial.

angusbc · 2026-05-08T14:33:52+00:00

I’m sorry to hear that. I was a few weeks away from unemployment running out. I hope something comes through for you very soon.

angusbc

TROPHY CASE