Need some advice, feeling very low. I was absolutely going to get let go at my agency (losing a ton of biz), so, wanting a change after five years, I pivoted and took a gamble. Went for a 6-month contract gig at a tech company, with many promises it would be extended. Was just told today it won’t be. I feel stupid and just worn out. I was burnt out before at my agency but now I just feel burnt out and dumb. I’m single, no debt, and I am frugal. What would you do if you were me? (Cont comments)

likehelpful
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First and foremost, you are not a failure. The market is tough right now and not a reflection of your ability in any way. You could’ve been laid off at any time, so whether you left or stayed, both would’ve been a gamble. Things you need to do now, 1) Figure out what your minimum spend is every month. This gives you a realistic sense of how long you have before you need to start worrying. Your emergency fund is pretty substantial, so seems like you’ll have a big cushion before that happens, so take a moment to give yourself grace and reset if you feel comfortable doing so. 2) When you’re ready, make networking and applying your full time job. Reach out to everyone you know, have conversations, post on LinkedIn, keep your book updated. 3) File for unemployment (if your state allows). It won’t be as much as you were making, but it’s not nothing. 4) Do something you actually love with your time off. Work will come and go. Make time for the hobbies, experiments, and fun things you wanted to test out but didn’t have time for because you were working 100 hour weeks, do that now.

You will be ok.

likesmarthelpful

Thank you for taking the time to respond to a stranger in a bit of a rut. This is such good advice.

like

It sounds like you need a break, can you take a trip? Find a tour company with other people your age.

You aren’t stupid, you could have not left your previous agency and be in the same place, but now you have even more experience.

Start networking for a job and for other people to hang out with. You’ve got this!

likeupliftinghelpful

Ok a few thoughts!!

1. If it makes you feel better I too left an agency job (I loved it though) to go to a 6 month contract role at a tech company a few months back and they cut it short due to budget cuts after 3 months (lowk wondering if we were at the same company lol??)

2. $50k in savings is amazing and imo very admirable especially in today’s economy - you should feel proud that you’ve amassed a cushion like that!

3. I spent my whole career being terrified of being laid off and it finally happened a few years ago and I was devastated but the truth of the matter is I believe whatever is meant to happen will happen, and give yourself a beat to feel shitty but also have faith that something WILL work out. I landed at another job after my layoff that I was so much happier at so it really was for the best

4. Agree with others saying take a trip (even if it’s just to visit your friends) and allow yourself a moment to reset and recharge

5. I just moved to LA, if that’s where you are and ever want to grab a coffee 💕

I know it doesn’t feel like it right now but you will get through this!!

like

Thank you so much for this AD. Really. I screenshot it because I need the advice close at hand. I’m in SF, otherwise I’d love to meet for coffee 💙

like

Please talk to a counselor or therapist. You are not a failure but you are in a tough spot right now and feeling alone can make it worse. You took a risk - and it didn’t work out. Ok. We’ve all done that. (Or at least those of us who have been around 20 years like me!) Please know your career will be long and mostly happy but rough spots happen. You have to have grit and resilience to get through, and a therapist can help you find ways to work through this.

It will get better. You will succeed. You will not always feel alone. I’m praying for you, and I wish you nothing but the best. Hang in there!

likesmart

Lots of great advice on this thread so I’m just going to send you a virtual hug instead ❤️

like

I have about 50K in my emergency fund. And when I say I’m single, I am also just kind of … alone. My two closest friends got married and moved out of CA. I just feel like a failure.

like

I second ACD 1 ❤️

like

Keep going! Take your next greatest step forward

like

Hey! Just to say that you are not alone. It’s SO easy to be unlucky in this market.

It feels like we all live with this constant fear of (real) job insecurity. It does take a toll. But good to remember how it often leads to better things, as people in this thread have said. I’ve been in a similar situation- at the time it felt the sky was falling, but it ended up helping me reset my relationship with work.

Anyway, I am in SF so happy to meet for coffee! You’ll be ok.

like

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