#jobsecurity

Connecticut’s unemployment rate increased to 4.2% in December. This represents a 0.2% rise from the previous month. Payroll jobs also declined by an estimated 500 in December. The state's labor force dropped by 20,000 workers over six months. Republican lawmakers criticized the state's economic growth and affordability.

https://www.courant.com/2026/01/26/connecticuts-unemployment-rate-rises-hundreds-lost-jobs-in-december/

For anyone who mentioned over the past couple of years that they were waiting for a severance package, what’s the plan now? Just curious because I was in the same boat, and honestly, the job market is rough. My current strategy is to switch things up and play the corporate game. Thankfully, I got a meets this year. I did 40% less work, so now I’m planning to step it up and do 20% more than last year, and fingers crossed I can keep that meets.

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

Ironically we called AT&T the death star back in the John Legere days, but working at T-Mobile nowadays feels like working on the death star, where any wrong move could mean the end of your job. Keep your head down, follow orders, and you might have a chance at keeping your job….maybe…

A really great place to work at…

Just curious for those that work here, are you planning to stay and try to ride out the current turmoil? Or actively looking whats out there. Obviously the market is brutal right now that makes switching harder, but I still see a lot of new job posts on LinkedIn, so theres gotta be some companies hiring.

After record year, ASML is to cut 1,700 jobs, mainly in NL - DutchNews.nl

https://www.dutchnews.nl/2026/01/after-record-year-asml-is-to-cut-1700-jobs-mainly-in-nl/

I'm getting so tired of this. As if it wasn't hard enough finding a job as it is, we have to waste time on all these placeholders or whatever they are.

UPS plans to reduce total operational hours by approximately 25 million associated with the Amazon decline.

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/01/27/ups-job-cuts-amazon-unwind-turnaround-plan.html

It nice to feel better than the colleagues because the boss like you and pays you more. But when the eggheads at central office start running spreadsheets and who can get cut to save money, you stick out like a sore thumb and an easy choice to cull first.

I have another degree and certificate but don't wish to work as that for Optum....when they are considering layoffs so they look at your resume and try to offer another job to get out of paying you severance

HP is the only experience I have on my resume and no one wants to hire me

OOM-2's in L3 and L4 Stores will swicth to OOM-3 positions, L-5 stores will not have a CCA but wil have an OOM-3 only if they also have a GGT. That will be decided by a HSA.

Are they scared of losing their job? It is just horrific these days. Grow a spine and tell the truth and take ownership instead of blaming others.

It's brutally hard to find another job. I've been trying for a while and can attest to that. With most of us constantly on the brink of financial ruin and costs only rising, the fear is real. But this time, I'm not anxious about losing my job. I'm just exhausted and completely burnt out. It's probably time to move on, and if they cut the cord, it would almost make it easier.

We lost people who were each worth two. Meanwhile, there are a couple of remaining cases who need two people each just to cover for their incompetence. Where’s the logic in that?

How many times have we seen that already? Being good at your job just puts a target on your back. They don't want good, they want cheap.

Any updates on size of work force in Milwaukee? Any insight on AT&T plans regarding job functions other than local designations? Is current HC stable?

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/

I know some people who relocated when their unit got sold who now regret it. I still think it's better to have any job than no job, to be honest.

I have a job offer to escape this place, but it's not ideal. If layoffs are definitely coming soon, I might wait it out for the severance and look for something better. Any solid info on timing?

• You hold "Tribal Knowledge": You are the only person who understands a specific legacy database script that would break the entire project if you left.
• You are willing to Relocate: If you are remote but offer to move to a Hub (e.g., Waterloo or Gaithersburg), they might keep you.
• You are "Cheap": If your salary is significantly below market rate, you might fly under the radar.

Bumping this from @ac+1kfv3g2sk, I think this gets it right.

I noticed that Beauty Merchandisers (previously listed as Cosmetic Stock Associates) used to be full-time, but this week I saw several new Cosmetics Merchandising Associate positions posted as part-time. Are there still full-time beauty merchandisers in stores, or were those roles converted to part-time? Or are these new part-time positions meant to support the full-time staff? Given the responsibility associated with that role compared to the pay. Their compensations should align more with that of a visual captain.

With American tech sector shedding another hundred thousand + jobs this year, what is a techie supposed to do next? Since the planet is on course for a war, how hard is it for civilians to work in the military? Sigint is one of my specialties

Well I come from a competitor of Qualcomm , where there everything looks like a mess ( layoffs and reorg with no sense)
Qualcomm looks really stable with RF , and ADAS/AUTO portfolio

What is the salary increase range for 603 with 3 Strongs? Does it vary by LoB?

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

I've always wanted to work at Amazon and I've been applying for a while, but with all the cuts, I'm starting to think there's no point in it anymore. I don't want to leave a somewhat safe position to start a new job even if it is my dream job just to be laid off within months.

I miss when you could feel somewhat safe in your position. Layoffs were rare. Now it's constant. I just want that basic security back.

The stress is getting to be too much. I want to ask for a short mental health break but I'm worried it'll backfire and cost me my job. Any advice from people who've done it?

Don't be naive and rely on this company. Use the training BofA offers to make yourself valuable to other employers. When you're in demand, a layoff notice isn't a crisis, it's an opportunity.

My coworker got a performance plan and he's treating it like a notice to leave. He's not trying to improve, just looking for a new job. Is that the standard outcome?

Consulting companies are actively involved in presenting options for GoA that will soon pass the divestment threshold and will have to added to the decommissioning liability ledger.

How will this affect job security and continuity?

It’s evident that several Shell GoA assets will pass the inflection threshold for divestment or continued production to abandonment.

It’s now common knowledge that 2028 the ELT will have to decide on non performing assets in the GoM before production and remaining reserves become unprofitable for divestment.

## 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.

Tough times peeps, it's depressin

It would be great to know more. The uncertainty and anticipation are ten times worse than just losing your job today.

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.

Hi all, I got an offer at another big bank/competitor. As a VP in risk/controls department, I see that I am required to give a 30 day notice period. Anything less and I will lose my RSU and will be ineligible for rehire.

What is likely to happen if I disclose that I am switching jobs to a competitor and I give my 30 day notice? Will they let me go on the spot, or will they let me finish out my 30 day notice period?

I was a part of NOV for 15 years. I made it up the management ladder.
I loved what I did for many years. Until the internal split the company made in 2012 or 2013. An accountant was put over our business unit. That was just stupid. so was bringing back the yes sir man back from Singapore
It all went downhill from there. the hardest decision I made was to leave my product line.
Now few years later I am happy and I am so glad I made the jump. I would recommend anyone that is currently employed with NOV get out while you can. The ship is sinking
lol the ship has already gone down. Counting down the days until you get laid off is not the way to live.

In 2008
I was told you train at NOV and when you decide you want to make real money you leave. Its not just about the money, but that is true.
The stress relief is the best part. No one telling me to do more with less.

I'm in tech. Involuntarily moved to a different team with an entirely different stack for the year. Umm I don't know how to code in their language. I'm expected to just start contributing right away. Like... What? So I have busted my a-s for years here, fixed tons of other peoples' mistakes to keep the lights on before anyone in BL can notice. Always good reviews. Sure people don't like my personality sometimes but you know what I always deliver. If I lead a project it completes on time and on budget while others flail around & never deliver. I've not been promoted in years & my career has stagnated - now this. Go code in this totally unfamiliar stack & fail at it & then come back later to my original team? It's fcking insulting af, there's no way I'll last that long, I'm set-up to fail. This place is so demoralizing & dehumanizing I should have bolted long ago but now... The economy is so flooded by laid-off Americans due to Indian replacement & outsourcing to India (& they only hire other Indians, happened to me even internally wheh I foolishly tried to help myself to move-up) I'll likely never be an engineer again or have any kind of financial security. This su-ks. It's worse for the MANAGERS they picked for this who are now listed as line engineers on the project. I can't even imagine their headspace right now. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO CODE THIS OTHER TEAM'S PROJECTS WTF. I'm going to try to make it work by focusing-on aspects of their tech I do know, but jesus this is senselessly stressful & I can't help but look at it as anything other than pushing me out by claiming I couldn't contribute enough - because I don't know the fcking stack. Just outrageous shenanigans here. I'm so sc--wed.