In progress

• Starting the job search

• Managing money

• Building your brand

• Learning new skills

• Adventures in unemployment

• How this affects health and overall wellness

I lost my job on February 3, 2026 after more than 10 years with my employer. I expected the layoff, as many of my coworkers had already been displaced. But I was surprised at how hard the job market is right now, especially for those with more than 20 years of experience. It’s been more than 10 years since I looked for a role outside of my former employer, and I was having trouble navigating the new, AI-driven application process. I haven’t been unemployed in about 20 years, and I found that next role in less than 30 days through established business connections. After 10 years, my business connections are primarily with my former employer. I realized that I don’t really have local connections anymore. They are in Minneapolis, Charlotte, New York, and San Francisco.

After talking to former coworkers who have been displaced, we were all struggling with the new job search environment and I was surprised to hear how many were uncomfortable networking in-person. Many had never been unemployed before.

It occurred to me that I could help. I’m a natural networker, and I’m a writer - and some of my innate qualities are honesty, transparency, and finding the positivity in a negative situation. But most importantly: I know what it’s like to have nothing. To be starting from scratch. To ask for help.

I don’t see much of a job seeker community but I hope I can help build one. We’re all going to be okay; we just have to stay together. And maybe we can find some ways to have fun in the process.