Is it ever going to improve? I am especially afraid of being laid off because of how bad things are. I am relatively new to the workforce, so for those with more experience, has there been another period like this before? And how long did it take to turn around?
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@OP The job market has been bad since 1975, the year that America started its first in a 50 year and still counting run of trade deficits. The offshoring and hollowing out of the country continues unabated.
Job market is def trash but if I get laid off, my plan is to focus solely on contract and freelance work and not even try to apply for a full-time job because what’s the point?
Job market is always terrible. No need to craft new narratives.
Yet they are trying to squeeze out every last drop of blood from us... Either perform with results or get let go / be fired. Those remaining will be slaves to a toxic leadership. No appreciation or consideration for our health, which will inevitably decline from stress, burnout, and being used by this God forsaken company
Tech bubble burst & housing crisis come to mind. The risk of losing your job is always there, even in the best of times.
Best thing you can do is live beneath your means. Consolidate debt, pay your debt down, save and invest like a maniac. Have a 6-12 month emergency fund. Pay cash for as much as possible. Don’t buy the $80k dollar car when the $30k dollar one will do.
Through my investments, I set up a rainy day fund. Overtime it has grown into a years salary. It is for absolute worst case scenario, but it’s there for peace of mind. If I never need it, it becomes part of my retirement fund.
Always have your resume updated and keep your eyes open for new opportunities and apply. Interviewing keeps your skills sharp, if you get an offer you can always say no thanks.
There is no loyalty anymore and you don’t owe T-Mobile anything.
@b8 They have sold U.S. Workers out completely. That is the point of the illegals, H1-B, etc. It is all to undermine the U.S Workforce.
@b1 Do you really think illegal Mexicans are going to take your tech job? You can blame H1 visa programs but cmon.
2000-2008 were bad, but not this bad. I got a feeling once this market adjusts to the reality of the working class we will see the worst economy in history. Hate to darken the mood; just my feeling.
@OP Totally valid concern — 2025 especially has been awful. It’s felt worse than prior years as companies are following hiring freezes with massive layoffs and restructures. So even if the economy looks “okay” on paper, the job market hasn’t reflected that.
For those with more experience: yes, we’ve seen this before (early 2000s, 2008–2010). These cycles don’t flip quickly. Realistically, we’re probably looking at another 3 years of this (for obvious reasons) before things hopefully start to improve. It’s uncomfortable, but it should eventually turn around.
The markets are not the economy, and there were not 40 million people here illegally
In 2008.
Yeah the 2008-2010 great recession. That was 10 times worse than whats going on today, he-l the markets are at all time highs. This wasn't the first time it happened and it won't be the last. Stop psyching yourself out saying there is no jobs, you are already entering it with a defeatist mindset. Work is out there.