A mid-career professional posted on Reddit about the anxiety and uncertainty he’s feeling after being laid off, following decades of steady work. His post said, “I got fired. I’m 45 and terrified.”
Struggling With Job Loss and Financial Pressure
“I was making very good money for many years, but I guess I got caught in the latest round of layoffs. I’m completely paralyzed by anxiety and self-doubt. To be clear, I would never harm myself; I have people I love too much and could never cause them that kind of pain. But I do have thoughts that I’m worth more dead than alive. These are intrusive thoughts, of course, and not what I want,” he wrote.
He also shared the financial and emotional strain of being out of work while supporting a family: “When I find a new job, if I can just find something with a salary that allows us not to lose our house, I’ll be fine. But it’s truly terrifying to have kids heading to college while you’re unemployed. I haven’t had to look for a job in 25 years because they either came to me or I was promoted. I spent 20 years building my name and a very specialized expertise in my field. Now I feel lost. And the problem is I already have a tendency toward depression, so the timing is just terrible.”
Seeking Advice and Support Online
The Reddit user asked for practical advice, saying, “Has anyone been through this before? I’m not looking for sympathy, clichés, or general encouragement. All I want to know is how people got out of the hole I’m in right now.”
He followed the advice of the community and started reaching out to potential employers and updating his application materials. “Many of you advised me in the comments to start focusing on competing companies, make a list of them, and that they would be the ones who would appreciate my efforts the most. You were right!!”
He also credited friends and online resources for helping him regain confidence: “A friend of mine recommended r/ChatGPT and r/interviewhammer; he told me they will help you fix the CV and also pass the interview. I tried to break out of my shell of fear and anxiety, and now I feel optimistic and see the importance of having people to support us.”