#anxiety

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I’ve been unemployed for 11 months, and watching people I know announce new jobs or promotions makes me feel smaller every time... I want to feel happy for them, but instead I’m left with envy, frustration, and a quiet sadness that doesn’t really go away.

I’m in my mid-30s with no job, no partner, no kids, and it makes me feel stuck, behind... honestly undesirable. The job market is broken. I’ve done the applications... the final-round interviews, the books, the videos, the advice threads --- and none of it has paid off. i’ve come close more times than I can count... and only to see someone else eventually land the role. I can’t ignore the thought that not being white may be part of it.

If you were stuck here this long and still made it out, what actually helped?

I haven’t given up but i am sooo tired

People are apparently still being notified. This is nerve-racking. Good luck to us all.

Stock is in free fall

How low can it go before OT gets taken over for ten bucks a share

I haven't heard about any, does that mean we're done?

Morale is extremely low across the multiple teams I work with.

Feels horrible waiting around for the next big wave which is 100% coming before the next earnings due in February.

Anyone heard any rumors of when this is happening?

It seems we always have bigger layoffs right around earnings time and I’m getting nervous. There is an absence of transparency where there was in the past, speaking for myself only. Earnings call on Feb 4

My manager pulled me into a last minute meeting with zero context and kept a straight face the whole time. It turned out to be small talk, but my nerves were shot for hours after. Do they not realize how on edge all of us are?

And with such a bad outlook, who can guarantee the rest of us are "safe" until the second half of February? I’m so sorry for the people affected last week, and I expect many of us will soon join that army of the unemployed. This has been really tough on all of us, and there’s no end in sight. These days, coming into work just feels like sitting in a waiting room for your own layoff.

Prosper Insights Finds Consumer Job Anxiety Up, Price Pressure Down

Prosper Insights & Analytics data reveals rising U.S. consumer job security concerns. This increase occurred over the past twelve months. Meanwhile, inflation-related spending pressure has eased. Their January 2026 survey shows 42% expect more layoffs. This is a significant rise from 32% reported last January.

https://www.tallahassee.com/press-release/story/19772/prosper-insights-analytics-data-shows-rising-job-concerns-over-past-year-as-inflation-pressures-ease/

It’s really hard to work and focus without looking over our shoulders now and waiting for what’s next. I’m in the Katz org and allegedly this is “our” week but when? Gates are down today as of now in B1 but I can’t keep working with this anxiety. They need to get this over with.

How worried should we be about more layoffs?

I know it's just a week left, but I don't trust them anymore so it wouldn't surprise me if they sprung something else on us.

That's it. That's all I wanted to say.

Is there any possibility we get through the next week without bad news? I'm just hoping for a single, normal week without any stressful announcements or layoffs.

this is my first job fresh from college, i wont be making much but enough to support myself, but seeing the rep is scaring me and now im like should i be looking for somewhere else even while im working there? was there any warnings about lay offs? did yall at least enjoy working there? I guess to be specific anyone has any thought and experience withr roundrock?

## Recent Layoffs by Division at Optum

This week, layoffs occurred within various divisions of Optum, significantly impacting several business units. Here’s a summary of the divisions affected:

### Additional Observations

• Widespread Uncertainty: Across the board, employees in multiple divisions are feeling the stress of potential layoffs, illustrated by posts from individuals anxious about their job security.
• Management Secrecy: Communication from leadership about layoffs has been minimal, causing speculation about the overall scope of cuts.
• Upcoming Notices: Notifications about further layoffs are expected in February and March, but specific details about which teams will be included remain unclear.

The atmosphere within the company feels tense, with employees looking for more clarity on how these layoffs will continue to affect their divisions.

Recent layoffs at Optum have impacted various divisions, including 17% reductions in Behavioral Health and ongoing uncertainties in Care Management, Optum Insight, and Optum Tech. Employees in these areas are experiencing heightened anxiety due to minimal communication from management regarding specific numbers and future cuts. The WellMed and Client Transition Teams also reported layoffs, but exact details are still pending. As employees await further notifications expected in February and March, the atmosphere remains tense with a general sense of insecurity about job stability.

## Analysis of Layoff Fears at Optum

Recent posts and historical discussions on The Layoff regarding Optum indicate that fears of future layoffs are indeed warranted.

### Key Insights from Historical Posts

• Increased Anxiety: A notable sentiment throughout the discussions is heightened anxiety related to job security. Many employees express feelings of impending doom, sharing that the culture of layoffs has created an environment of constant unease.
• Frequent Layoffs: Historical posts show a pattern of recurring layoffs, often referred to as RIFs (reductions in force). Employees reported significant cuts in various divisions, including behavioral health and care management, leading to the belief that additional layoffs are likely.
• Economic Context: Many employees point to broader economic challenges and past management decisions that foreshadow continued restructuring. Concerns around financial losses within departments have also arisen, intensifying fears that cuts will be necessary to stabilize operations.
• Management Secrecy: A recurring theme in discussions is the lack of transparency from leadership regarding layoffs. This secrecy fuels speculation and fear, as employees await notifications about their status or any impending organizational changes.

### Community Response

• Support and Solidarity: Despite the fear, there is a strong sense of camaraderie among employees, with many calling for mutual support as they navigate this crisis. However, this is juxtaposed with frustration over management's handling of communication regarding job security.
• Reluctance to Leave: Some employees remain hesitant to seek new opportunities due to the uncertainty of their current roles, creating a psychological trap where individuals feel stuck despite their fears.

In conclusion, the historical context and ongoing discussions strongly suggest that fear of future layoffs at Optum is justified, reflecting a pattern of instability and lack of clear communication from corporate leadership.

Just saying...

• Report Shows Rising Employee Layoff Fears

A new INTOO/Harris Poll report reveals increased layoff anxiety among US employees. Over 61% of workers are concerned about job loss, a nearly 30% rise since 2019. Economic uncertainty, automation, and leadership skepticism fuel these growing fears. Many employees believe most recent layoffs could have been avoided with better management. INTOO suggests employers need greater transparency and support to address this anxiety.

https://www.knoxnews.com/press-release/story/134260/new-intoo-harris-poll-report-finds-nearly-30-increase-in-u-s-employees-experiencing-layoff-anxiety-compared-to-2019/

I’m still waiting to hear my fate. Anyone else in the same position? Do you think they will hit the January 31 deadline for notifying everyone? Or will this continue to drag into February?

Being let go didn't personally affect me at all. I've gotten used to losing jobs. It's happened several times over my career, and by now I don't see it as anything reflecting on me. But I've never been more worried about finding another job. It doesn't look good out there, and my husband's job is in peril too. I can't recall when things have felt this bad from every direction. Wish us luck and the optimism to keep us afloat.

Is the PluralSight training and assessment tool going to be used to fire people? I have a technical category that may have fit my job description when I got out of college but doesn't really reflect what I spend the majority of my day on. Now I spend my days in meetings or navigating the labyrinth of policies, procedures and tools FIS requires. I've always had good reviews but now I have a feeling, I will be substandard. Is anyone else paranoid?

Are we ever going to get to a point where we won't have to think about the next round before the current one is even properly over?

The pressure and job insecurity are literally making me unwell. I'm dealing with anxiety and health issues because of it. I hate that I need to stay here despite how awful it is.

Anyone else up waiting for the impending doom?

I wouldn’t mind being on that list tomorrow.
I don’t like anything about this company. I’ve
seen my team(s) slowly fire onshore only
and slowly hire offshore only. Probably
speaking from a place of privilege, but not
having any more sleepless nights filled with
anxiety would be nice. At least until the next
j*b, that is.

A word of support for anyone navigating the uncertainty right now.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or constantly on edge, please know this reaction is human. Living with ongoing uncertainty—wondering whether layoffs will happen tomorrow, next month, or not at all—can take a real physical and emotional toll. The tight chest, the heavy feeling in your gut, the emotional rollercoaster… none of that means you’re weak. It means you’re under sustained stress.

One thing that may help is gently shifting how you respond to this uncertainty. While we can’t control decisions that may come from above, we can control how we prepare and protect ourselves. This moment may call for acceptance of a difficult reality—and a thoughtful action plan.

It might be worth asking yourself:
• Is the severance or outcome worth the level of stress I’m carrying right now?
• Am I able to function physically and emotionally under these conditions?
• What boundaries do I need to set to preserve my mental health?
• Where can I redirect my energy toward things I do control?

Focus on what’s within your reach: updating your resume, strengthening your finances, networking, refreshing LinkedIn, and keeping your options open. Preparation isn’t pessimism—it’s self-respect.

Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up over a situation that is inherently unfair, poorly timed, and driven by forces outside your control. This isn’t a reflection of your worth, your work ethic, or your value as a professional.

Take care of yourself. Support each other. And remember—you’re allowed to prioritize your well-being while still being professional.

we'll all go nuts before it's over. That's months of sustained anxiety on top of the regular stress and bloated workload. I'm already exhausted. Within a month, I'll probably be wishing they'd lay me off, job and bills be damned, just so I'm no longer dealing with all this. Sometimes I wonder how we all manage to survive and stay relatively healthy.

I'm on edge. Everybody around me too. We have no indication at all about how this will go down.

My boss scheduled a last minute meeting for tomorrow with no context. I have no idea what it's about and I'm pretty nervous. This rarely leads to good news.

I wish it was already Friday and this was over. Even if I'm on the list. I don't think I'll be able to get any sleep tonight.

They never give us a heads up about stuff like layoffs. It just happens. How are we supposed to plan our lives? Keeping us clueless just makes everyone angry and scared.

I'm pretty sure I'm done here.

Now that the frontier acquisition is complete, will Dan still need Hans as special advisor?

I enjoy his run with Hans

I dont know what is wrong with me. I feel like I will go crazy because of anxiety. I dont have family and I can only rely on myself. I am so worried I wont be able to find another job. And staying home all day is driving me crazy. I dont know what to do. I apply everyday but no interview so far.

But it doesn't matter. Rolling layoffs have become our life. There's no room to breathe easy even for a second.

Because I just witnessed the r@pe of a market/area. I'm good but damn T-Mobile you scary.

I'm newer to OI... how do they typically let people know that they have been laid off? Is it a last minute meeting? Do you get an meeting invite at the beginning of the day? Are you told individually or is it in groups? Is it your manager sharing the news or is it typically HR? Like all of us- I am nervous!

Success and failure come from the top down. Abby has to be free falling because the company is getting worse by the day. Just grow a pair and fix the management crisis.

It’s pathetic that anxiety leave is a regular reason for people to be out of work. Life really isn’t that serious and if someone is below grade 5, really why are they stuck with incompetent management that su-ks the soul out of them? This is the company culture at this point.

I work in a CEC and I just got an email for a meeting with my director tomorrow. A big group of us got that email to be exact, should I worry this is a layoff convo??!

I'm in one of those bad stretches in life when problems just pile up - family issues, aging parents, health stuff. Everything's breaking down all at once, and the bills keep piling up. I'd probably handle the job uncertainty better if everything else wasn't falling apart. As it is, I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop and make it complete.