Prepare for the worst case. If it happens, you were prepared.
Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
31–40 of 40 posts
Re: Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
#32If I were you and I could go back home, I would have done so without thinking much about it.
There's no way I would risk my health again after what I went through from my first job; stomach ulcer is not a joke; I still suffer from it.
Weigh things what's best for you and move quickly before you regret it; it will be the best thing you will do to yourself!
Re: Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
#33You don't need a visa anymore.
Re: Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
#34I'm living on a business visa, somewhere in Asia. I am a freelancer, on long to medium term contracts (6-12 months), but my clients may cancel my contract at any 3 month notice, depending on how they feels (that's the nature of the game). Which would mean that my business visa is in limbo, and I potentially need to return to where I came from; which for me would be fatal at this point (economically, spiritually & socially).
The way I cope with this, is by making sure that my current contract does not define my future. I'm always interviewing and networking with new companies & clients (3-4x per month), and am working on my own startup, which after +1 year is slowly getting users. Perhaps there is no perfect advice here, but I cope by making sure that my job is as replaceable as me. I also have backup plans for if my visa doesn't work work out (spend some time in another country, where I already made plans to get around if my visa becomes a problem).
Re: Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
#35Embrace it, embrace the journey, don’t have expectations on anything, personal, professional, or anything. I have seen people going suicidal because they can’t do X, simply because they kept anchoring that thing as the basis of their own life, success, and happiness, and if they are denied that thing they go crazy. Look at your life as a boat in a big ocean, wherever it takes you, you and everyone will end up to the same destination, so enjoy the ride!
Re: Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
#36I have been there for long periods of time. It is awful. the fear really damages your mental health. The longer it goes on, it will drive you crazy and make you do inadvisable things and get paranoid. My recommendation is make use of video therapists and career coaches to help you make better decisions. If you talk to your peers, you are giving too much information to people around you. It’s a bad idea. You can usual…
Can you please share any tips on how to find a career coach? I can web search, but any advice you can give based on what you have learned would be great. Thanks.
Try exec.com, there is a directory
Find someone similar to your problems.
There are many others listed on LinkedIn and Twitter (X) if you search.
In terms of tips, the best advice I follow is having 90 day plans with set objectives and then coming back to them and checking on your progress.
With a coach the tip is honestly you meet with them regularly and talk through your problem to get outside perspective.
That is the tip.
You can try to solve all your own problems by watching YouTube videos, but it just is not the same as having someone to solve problems together with.
If you have a complicated situation; YouTube is not going to help. It is not customized to you.
Re: Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
#37Focus on your professional relationships above all else. Do great work for your peers, have fun collaborating with them, and think of them and the 'real company' you work for. You'll look out for each other, and find opportunities together. Continue finding new peers this way, rinse, repeat...
You can't control what capitalism does, but you can at least find great people you love working with, and enjoy the ride.
Re: Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
#38I understand. You have lots of things to worry about. Try to take things one at a time. The two biggest concerns I'd have in your shoes: * money * visa status Money is probably a bit easier to deal with, so I'd focus on building your financial runway. Save whatever you can. Cut costs. I don't know your living situation at all, but think about big things (where you live, what you drive/how you commute) and little thin…
> Because you've survived 3 layoffs. So you are either a good employee, in a division that is doing relatively well, or both. I should emphasize that if someone is laid off, that doesn't mean they aren't a good employee. Sometimes layoffs just happen and you're in the wrong place at the wrong time. Strategies shift or priorities change.
This is such an important point that most of the people don't get. For example, at one of my friend's company that hired a lot during pandemic and then did massive layoffs, the criteria to layoff was simple: Start with the newest hires in last 2 years (probably also highest paid). Then, if still need to fire more, layoff the lowest performing employees.
Re: Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
#39Earlier quoted context omitted.
Can you please share any tips on how to find a career coach? I can web search, but any advice you can give based on what you have learned would be great. Thanks.
Try exec.com, there is a directory Find someone similar to your problems. There are many others listed on LinkedIn and Twitter (X) if you search. In terms of tips, the best advice I follow is having 90 day plans with set objectives and then coming back to them and checking on your progress. With a coach the tip is honestly you meet with them regularly and talk through your problem to get outside perspective. That is…
Thanks, I really appreciate it.
Re: Ask HN: How to cope with constant fear of getting laid off?
#40Have you thought about quitting and returning to your home country?