My recent experience

Fair warning: This is all subjective. What I'm sharing comes purely from my own experience. Interpret it your way, apply it to your own life- I just hope it helps someone out there feel seen.

At 28, with two degrees, years of work experience, and a constant drive to learn and grow, I still got laid off just weeks before 2025.

Some call the job market bad, others blame companies for over-investing in AI instead of their human workforce, and some point fingers at the chaotic online application process. Regardless of where you lay the blame, we're here now.

It's been a humbling experience, and I'm choosing to see it as the perfect chance to redefine myself and become an even better me. After six months of navigating the highs and lows of unemployment, I want to share some of my thoughts and insights from this journey so far.

So you just lost your job, now what?

1. Acknowledge your feelings.
   Being unemployed is an emotional rollercoaster. You'll feel all stages of grief: sadness from change, anger towards fake recruiter messages and application black holes, fear about your income, and doubt wondering if you're "good enough." It's okay to let it all out. Remember, no job can gatekeep your life's aspirations.
   
   

2. Set yourself up for success.
   Take a moment to step back and do something unrelated. This is a marathon, so don't burn out right away. Connect with friends and family, and make sure to create a schedule that includes exercise and getting out of the house. As my dad shared with me, the key is rebuilding your confidence.

   
   

3. Filter advice carefully.
   You'll hear tips from people who've never faced your situation, or those long past it. While it might feel disingenuous, there's often a piece of truth buried in their subjective experiences. Listen to everyone, but ultimately, trust your gut on what feels right for you and your self-representation.

   
   

4. Revisit your resume and portfolio.
   Forget the "fancy portfolio" obsession- unless it's truly your main goal. Portfolios can feel like just "one more hoop to jump through," a burden others don't face. But here's the glass-half-full take: they're an extension of your resume that truly showcases your abilities in a way others can't. As for your resume, the same advice applies: don't go overboard on designing it, just make sure it is Application Tracking System (ATS) friendly.

   
   

5. Keep your skills sharp.
   You've got the skills, now find a way to use them! Side gigs are your friend for staying sharp, adding portfolio projects, and paying the rent. Just remember this golden rule: always get half your payment upfront and the rest upon completion. Startups and small businesses can be financially unpredictable, so protect yourself.

   
   

6. Connections > Applications.
   "Networking" doesn't have to be a toxic subject. Think friends of friends, hackathons, local events. You don't need anything from anyone, but you want to explore every option and learn more. So, even when you don't particularly feel like it, show up in to that in-person meet up. Just showing up is more than half the battle.

   
   

Let's not do this ever again

We've covered tips for navigating unemployment; now, how do we prevent a repeat? While no one is ever truly safe, I believe there are clear warning signs that can help us be proactive, not reactive.

🚩 No upward mobility, no growth.
It's scary to be in a role with no clear path forward. Your value can easily be overlooked, leading to stagnant pay, few leadership opportunities, and eventual obsolescence. This is especially true for "jack-of-all-trades" or newly created positions. Have an early conversation to set mutual expectations about the role's future.

🚩 Loosely defined KPI's.
Setting performance indicators can feel excessive or tedious, but they actually bring peace of mind. They ensure you're exceeding expectations, setting clear boundaries, and justifying those raises. Vague KPI's often mean vague value. This makes it tough to justify your worth, avoid layoffs, or build strong relationships with colleagues.

🚩 The leadership revolving door.
It might seem obvious, but if there's a lot of leadership shuffling, it's smart to keep an eye on it- even if it doesn't immediately set off alarms. This constant turnover can quickly trickle down, causing you a lot of angst and signaling deeper instability within the company.

🚩 Budget impact.
If you catch wind of upcoming budget changes or company initiatives, immediately think about how it impacts you. Will there be more or fewer resources for your role? Where are they prioritizing spending?

🚩 Stagnation.
If you aren't learning anything new or being challenged, this can be one of the sneakiest things that hurts you. You risk sinking into comfortability and becoming desensitized to your environment. Keep an eye on what excites you, and take action whether that's within your current company or another.

If you've been in my shoes, or just found yourself there, please reach out. And most importantly, if you know of anyone hiring, please reach out!

-DK