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Ask HN: Laid off after 2 months. What exactly should I be doing?

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Ask HN: Laid off after 2 months. What exactly should I be doing?

#1

Post by throawawy3242 »

I'm a guy with very little experience, CS degree, currently living in Texas, and was laid off by another company before this.

I found a job after a long job search. I cancelled my other job offer, spent all my savings ($2k on rent, flight, AirBnB, etc), and moved across the country to work here in a sort of suburban city with no way to get around. I was planning on saving up money and building up my life here.

After 2 months, I was laid off. I have no car, no insurance, practically no money, etc. It costs $50 round trip just to Uber into downtown, so I end up holed in my apartment. Not to mention the cost to go to meetups and on-site interviews (yeah, no one has once offered to pay). I've been searching for about 4 months. I've made it to several on-sites, but never got an offer and don't know exactly what I'm doing wrong. Like one company would say I passed, then ghost me after the on-site, or they said I did good then decided to go with an internal candidate.

I signed a year long lease. It will cost $7k to break. If I somehow get a job offer from another state, what kind of company will even help with that? Like I said, I have trouble even getting companies to pay for interviews.

Regarding my health. I'm totally depressed and have developed heart problems. It's impossible to function doing anything. I also tried my best when I was working, and would even try to code all night and on weekends. Now I have to see all my energy go to waste and have to restart from step 1 again.

What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Re: Ask HN: Laid off after 2 months. What exactly should I be doing?

#2

Post by jacquesm »

I'd stop using Uber because you can't afford it and I would talk to my landlord to get them to give you better terms to break the lease since you clearly can't afford that either. Offer them to help find another tenant or try to get them to allow you to leave without another tenant lined up because they will end up with a renter in default, which will make it harder for them to get rid of you and will likely lose them money.

Also, I would take any job, even a non technical one, just to stay busy and to try to keep the bills paid and to stay in a regular rhythm.

For your medical / mental issues you should most likely simply consult a professional, no internet advise will help you there in ways that move the needle and/or are positive.

best of luck!

edit: And if you have family don't hesitate to call on them. I did so in hard up times and my kids do it with me and that's how it should be, it can take a while to find your bearings and that is one reason why family members should support each other. Of course if you don't have much family or they are in no position to help then you can safely ignore this.

Re: Ask HN: Laid off after 2 months. What exactly should I be doing?

#3

Post by foobarbazetc »

Get out of suburbia. Unless you have kids and the best school in the world is nearby.

Get help for your depression right away. It might be coming across unconsciously in your interviews.

Good luck! You can do it. You’re in a better situation than a huge percentage of the world. Think positive.

Re: Ask HN: Laid off after 2 months. What exactly should I be doing?

#5

Post by greenbean1234 »

I have been in a similar position before. It really helped my mental health to have productive daily rituals. For example, I spent about one hour each day between exercise and duolingo. Just get out of the apartment and run like hell. Even if the remainder of the day was demoralizing, I at least felt like something meaningful was accomplished.

Like others have said, find any job, contact family and explain situation, etc.

If I absolutely had no other option, I would join the air force. Worst part is the minimum four year commitment. A few of my friends have done so. You can be an equipment technician in a hospital, see the world, and not deal with any violence.

Re: Ask HN: Laid off after 2 months. What exactly should I be doing?

#6

Post by throawawy3242 »

jacquesm wrote: post #2

I'd stop using Uber because you can't afford it and I would talk to my landlord to get them to give you better terms to break the lease since you clearly can't afford that either. Offer them to help find another tenant or try to get them to allow you to leave without another tenant lined up because they will end up with a renter in default, which will make it harder for them to get rid of you and will likely lose the…

I only use Uber because there's no other transportation except for the 4 hour bus ride one-way.

Re: Ask HN: Laid off after 2 months. What exactly should I be doing?

#9

Post by tonyedgecombe »

throawawy3242 wrote: post #6
jacquesm wrote: post #2

I'd stop using Uber because you can't afford it and I would talk to my landlord to get them to give you better terms to break the lease since you clearly can't afford that either. Offer them to help find another tenant or try to get them to allow you to leave without another tenant lined up because they will end up with a renter in default, which will make it harder for them to get rid of you and will likely lose the…

I only use Uber because there's no other transportation except for the 4 hour bus ride one-way.

4 hour bus ride it is then, the one thing you do have an abundance of is time.

Re: Ask HN: Laid off after 2 months. What exactly should I be doing?

#10

Post by whatsstolat »

tonyedgecombe wrote: post #9
throawawy3242 wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I only use Uber because there's no other transportation except for the 4 hour bus ride one-way.

4 hour bus ride it is then, the one thing you do have an abundance of is time.

Or make friends with someone who commutes by car
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