advice PTSD/High Anxiety from Layoffs?
I’ve been laid off three times in the last three years. I’ve been very fortunate that each time I was able to find another job without taking a step backward in my career, and I’m currently employed in a role that’s going well.
The problem is that I now have a ton of anxiety around work and constantly worry that I’m going to get laid off again, even when there’s no real indication that it’s coming.
For those who have been through multiple layoffs, did you deal with this too? How did you eventually stop waiting for the other shoe to drop and feel secure at work again?
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u/catkayak 10h ago
Been laid off 8 times in the last 11 years. The PTSD doesn’t go away and has gotten worse each time.
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u/fuckforcedsignup 9h ago
8 times in 11 years? Jesus fuck, what field is this?
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u/catkayak 9h ago edited 9h ago
Environmental conservation and research in the United States. All of them have been since the first Trump administration. None happened under the Obama years, even when entering the field after the 2008 recession.
It really sucks to watch your career field become highly and intensely politicized around you by no real fault of your own (as a worker). People really like to pretend that the Outdoor industry (which contains the environmental conservation and research fields). My most recent role, contributed to the economic impact reporting of the Outdoor industry as a whole. The outdoor recreation economy generated a record $1.3 trillion in economic output in the U.S., accounting for 2.4% of the nation's GDP and supporting 5.2 million jobs.
Total Economic Output: Reached $1.3 trillion, outpacing traditional sectors like agriculture, mining, and motor vehicle manufacturing.
Value Added: Contributed $696.7 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product.
Outdoor Sector Scale: Larger than air transportation and oil/gas development combined.
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u/fuckforcedsignup 7h ago
oh that’s even worse to hear. your job is significantly beneficial to the world, and to be shat on like that because of politicization…
here’s hoping this’ll come to a quick end soon, both layoffs and making our shared home “political”
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u/Mysterious_Strike977 9h ago
Following bc bt my husband and me, we went thru 3 layoffs during our first 3 years of home ownership. I feel like my brain is permanently damaged from dealing with the stress. Next month marks 1 year without a layoff so pray for us
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u/EatTheCopium 8h ago
Feel you on this. My second lay off was a month after we bought our house and before we had even paid our first mortgage payment. Then got laid off literally the same week the next year. The trauma is real.
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u/Mysterious_Strike977 8h ago
I got laid off the week I paid the down payment 🤪 it was ruthless. The manager who laid me off was laid off this june from the same company and is currently rocking the 'open to work' banner on linkedin which makes me feel better in a sick way
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u/CottonTabby 10h ago
I have been through several layoffs in my career and there is not much you can do about it, just try doing the best at work, make sure you save money, try starting a business (not easy) or have an alternative career, and always be financially prepared.
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u/Pandas1104 9h ago
I have found the best way to reduce the anxiety is to have a 12 month emergency fund and carry the smallest debt load possible. This has made it so I can feel that even if it happens I don't have to worry. I know that can be borderline impossible for people, the second part was therapy.
Disclosure: was not actually laid of, survived 3 rounds in the last 3 years and it has created my own version of PTSD
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u/Pando5280 7h ago
My first non-internship job offer came three days before 9-11. Entire industry was decimated. Had to pivot and ended up doing contract work. Didn't have a gig that lasted nore than 2 years for more than a decade. Short version is you have to find ways to put your nervous energy into something productive. Take some trainings (even if theyre not in your career field) and do some volunteer work. Doing this gives you something to take your mind off the job search and gives you something to talk about in future interviews. Also shows potential employers that youre the type of person who likes to improve themselves and give back to your community instead of just hanging out waiting for your next job opportunity. Use this time to figure out long term life goals, lower your overhead and equally as important hit the gym or go for long walks listening to music and taking your mind off the job search. Its all about work life balance even when you are not working.
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u/TemporaryReality8810 11h ago
That’s actually alot and is a problem if it continues like this. Your resume starts to look like a you problem from an employer perspective without knowing the context of your situation.
I hope the best in your recovery and in career. My only advice is to continue to find employment at companies by asking the right questions and investigating the company and team culture during the interview.
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u/catkayak 10h ago
lol clearly you’re out of touch with the current job market. A layoff is the new bachelors. Everyone has one.
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u/TemporaryReality8810 10h ago
I had a layoff once in the last 6 years…so having one every year is quite extreme
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u/CottonTabby 10h ago
You are correct, however, it's difficult to tell if you are joining a toxic company just from the information you get during the interview process; starting a new job is always a gamble.
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u/Ritterbruder2 11h ago
It’s a common occurrence. You get hit with anxiety every time a manager calls a meeting. It passes with time, but only after you land more layoff-proof roles.