9 ms·

Effective Immediately: A central hub for people who've been recently laid off (2020)

212 points by derwiki 3y ago

deleted 3y ago
[deleted]
john-tells-all 3y ago
[2020]
- dehrmann 3y ago
  There was a lot of support for people hit by pandemic layoffs 3 years ago. Some was from government programs, some from companies trying to help, and some from initiatives like this. Despite the current tech recession being something of a covid bullwhip, I'm seeing none of that support outside the tech community. Unemployment claims are up 500% [1] YoY for high earners. At least in California, unemployment benefits cap-out at $450 per week, so this hits hard. At the individual level, it's obviously painful. What isn't clear yet is the macro impact of all these high-wag jobs going away. 1: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-20/top-earners-collecting-jobless-benefits-have-surged-in-last-year https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-20/top-earne...
  - mgkimsal 3y ago
    25+ years ago, I collected unemployment in Michigan. I was earning around $38k, and was surprised to learn of a cap. I think the unemployment cap was $200/week (or similar). I was telling a family friend that I’d been let go, and needed to file for unemployment. “Oh that great! You get like 80% of what you were making, but no commute, you can watch tv, it’s great!” I was panicking because it was something like an effective 60% cut with that cap. I realized at that point how far apart our experiences and work actually were. I started to explain the cap, then realized I’d be tipping my hand as to how much I was earning. Looking back, he might have just been trying to make light of the situation a bit. I don’t think so, but it’s possible.
29athrowaway 3y ago
My suggestions: - Cancel all non-essential subscriptions, services and expenses. - Calculate how much time you can afford to be unemployed, and how to extend that time if necessary. - If you employer provided you with medical benefits, make sure to get any important pending doctor visits before you may need to switch insurances. - You can be professional and proud of your job, but your job is not your identity. There is more to you than what you do for a living. - Keep a routine. Get up in the morning at a given time, take a shower, cook a palatable meal, go for a run, read a few book pages, don't stay up late. There are habit building apps you can get for your phone that are good for this. - Your new job is to get a job. You should look at it in this way. You do have a purpose, you do have something to do. - Do not ruminate! Do not revisit arguments that could have gone differently. Use what you can as a lesson and move on. Don't get stuck in the past. - Do not drink. It won't make things better. If you want to deal with emotional pain, go volunteer at an animal shelter or do something meaningful. - Be honest about it with the people around you. If you think your partner and friends will look at you unfavorably because you don't have a job, then they're not really on your side and you are better off without them. - Be kind to yourself. Nobody is perfect.
- jacooper 3y ago
  > - You can be professional and proud of your job, but your job is not your identity. There is more to you than what you do for a living. I see this frequently pointed out, as in not introducing yourself by your profession, etc. But what are you then? You introduce yourself as an uncle to somebody or a dad? Yes there are things outside of working, but its a core part of who a person is.
  - 29athrowaway 3y ago
    It's part of what you do, and it does influence how you see things, but your life does not being or end with a job. Your job friends, however friendly, might not necessarily remain your friends after you leave the company. You can care about your job and your craft, and doing good for your customers to do your part in building a better world for everyone... but there must be something else outside that or your life will be pretty empty, and might even affect your job in the long run.
6510 3y ago
make a website
rushils 3y ago
[flagged]
cgio 3y ago
Most of the links for potential employers are not working (a couple do but e.g. ask for login just to filter). Is there anything better or more current?
kevinconroy 3y ago
This may also be helpful: "An Engineering Leader’s Job Search Algorithm" https://docs.google.com/document/d/19fr_36WOzKlq_zyGP2RdxMEsdNQMZdUqn1Vahncr2pY/edit# https://docs.google.com/document/d/19fr_36WOzKlq_zyGP2RdxMEs...
krainboltgreene 3y ago
There should be a healthy amount of material about unionizing at a future job.
- dehrmann 3y ago
  Union organization is only viable in a strong labor market. You have no leverage in a weak one.
  - krainboltgreene 3y ago
    It's an exceptionally strong labor market for software developers. It's strong enough for everyone else to organize.
    - dehrmann 3y ago
      > It's an exceptionally strong labor market for software developers. Really? I've just been reading about hiring freezes and layoffs.
wardedVibe 3y ago
Anyone know about the utility of Covered California equivalents in other states? That market saved my spouse and I (we both have chronic diseases and can't afford to have bad insurance) post-grad school where we weren't entitled to COBRA (because grad students are neither students nor workers, apparently).
- sgerenser 3y ago
  Every US state has an either its own health insurance marketplace or you access the federal one. You get access to it as soon as you’re no longer otherwise covered. Not sure exactly what you mean by “utility” but generally the plans are fine (and are barred from considering preexisting conditions to raise premiums or deny coverage). The cost may be high unless you qualify for a subsidy (as post grads might unless they’re paid unusually well).
alexose 3y ago
Love the double meaning. That's one of those project titles that's so good that you pretty much have to follow through with the idea.
- satvikpendem 3y ago
  It reminds me of Key Values which is a job search site where you can list your key values you're looking for in a company, and it filters based on that. The name, of course, is punny for technical people.
EGreg 3y ago
Is there a site for recently laid-off tech workers, designers etc. to partner up on startup projects, welcome people, offer shares in them etc? Because if not - I’d love to make one. Anyone here care go join me? With my platform I can put it together in a couple days. I am a big fan of opting out of full time work for an employer, and towards building projects together. The movie industry does that a lot. And my company has experimented with these models for years… starting in 2016! (https://qbix.com/blog/2016/11/17/properly-valuing-contributions/ https://qbix.com/blog/2016/11/17/properly-valuing-contributi...)
- popinman322 3y ago
  Tangentially related: A flat tech co-op model could be good. Build tools to make starting tech companies much easier, then let members start companies with those tools for either some regular payment in either labor (eg. allocate headcount for the co-op) or cash. The co-op owns office space, (maybe) helps fund companies, provides vetted staff to reduce interview overhead, etc..
  - anaganisk 3y ago
    Like an incubator? In India Nasscom and few state government funded startup incubators do this.
jhallenworld 3y ago
Here is one bit of advice: Unemployment used to be paid by paper check (and I read that this is still possible, but also there is debit card and direct deposit). My advice: if you get paid by check, cash or deposit it immediately after receiving each one, don't wait. The state used to gauge if you still need unemployment by how quickly you cashed that check. If you appear desperate, they keep paying. For example, if your partner is working, then maybe you are not so desperate and wait a while before you bother to deposit it, then wham, you are cut off. I imagine it's the same with their debit card, they get to see everything. I have no idea with direct deposit.
- Aloha 3y ago
  As far as I know, this is not done anymore, because in most case you have to file a weekly benefits claim by phone or online.
  - jhallenworld 3y ago
    Yeah, you had to do that then also, but how do they know you really need the money? Long ago there was no on-line option, but there was an in-person option: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF2RYhNhBdw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF2RYhNhBdw
deleted 3y ago
[deleted]
neilv 3y ago
An additional thing to add about unemployment benefits: today, they might be high-touch, high-bureaucracy, and not aligned with tech job searches. I think maybe all the talk/reality of people disappearing from the workforce during Covid might've made some states much less trusting that people actually want to get back to work. Personally, if I'm ever again laid off, and I can quickly have promising opportunities lined up, I'm not filing for unemployment insurance payouts, unless&until I really have to. Also beware that unemployment insurance programs aren't the only potential urgently threatening layoffs-related demand on your time and nerves. (For example, health insurance company runaround hell throughout each week, because, you find out after months, they disagree with employer's Cobra enrollment confirmation letter, but seem not to want to simply say that. And needing a new HCOLA housing lease or mortgage while unemployed, so keep incurring/enduring all the reasons you wanted to move.) While techbros know that normally one should be calmly focusing 100% on practicing for Leetcode hazings, memorizing STAR format answers to "tell me about a time when" for each of a particular company's Ferengi Rules of Acquisition, adding hot new keywords to the resume, networking, and sifting through recruiter mass-approach noise.
thomasjade 3y ago
[dead]

212 points by derwiki 3y ago

deleted 3y ago

[deleted]

john-tells-all 3y ago

[2020]

dehrmann 3y ago
There was a lot of support for people hit by pandemic layoffs 3 years ago. Some was from government programs, some from companies trying to help, and some from initiatives like this. Despite the current tech recession being something of a covid bullwhip, I'm seeing none of that support outside the tech community. Unemployment claims are up 500% [1] YoY for high earners. At least in California, unemployment benefits cap-out at $450 per week, so this hits hard. At the individual level, it's obviously painful. What isn't clear yet is the macro impact of all these high-wag jobs going away. 1: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-20/top-earners-collecting-jobless-benefits-have-surged-in-last-year https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-20/top-earne...
- mgkimsal 3y ago
  25+ years ago, I collected unemployment in Michigan. I was earning around $38k, and was surprised to learn of a cap. I think the unemployment cap was $200/week (or similar). I was telling a family friend that I’d been let go, and needed to file for unemployment. “Oh that great! You get like 80% of what you were making, but no commute, you can watch tv, it’s great!” I was panicking because it was something like an effective 60% cut with that cap. I realized at that point how far apart our experiences and work actually were. I started to explain the cap, then realized I’d be tipping my hand as to how much I was earning. Looking back, he might have just been trying to make light of the situation a bit. I don’t think so, but it’s possible.

29athrowaway 3y ago

My suggestions: - Cancel all non-essential subscriptions, services and expenses. - Calculate how much time you can afford to be unemployed, and how to extend that time if necessary. - If you employer provided you with medical benefits, make sure to get any important pending doctor visits before you may need to switch insurances. - You can be professional and proud of your job, but your job is not your identity. There is more to you than what you do for a living. - Keep a routine. Get up in the morning at a given time, take a shower, cook a palatable meal, go for a run, read a few book pages, don't stay up late. There are habit building apps you can get for your phone that are good for this. - Your new job is to get a job. You should look at it in this way. You do have a purpose, you do have something to do. - Do not ruminate! Do not revisit arguments that could have gone differently. Use what you can as a lesson and move on. Don't get stuck in the past. - Do not drink. It won't make things better. If you want to deal with emotional pain, go volunteer at an animal shelter or do something meaningful. - Be honest about it with the people around you. If you think your partner and friends will look at you unfavorably because you don't have a job, then they're not really on your side and you are better off without them. - Be kind to yourself. Nobody is perfect.

jacooper 3y ago
> - You can be professional and proud of your job, but your job is not your identity. There is more to you than what you do for a living. I see this frequently pointed out, as in not introducing yourself by your profession, etc. But what are you then? You introduce yourself as an uncle to somebody or a dad? Yes there are things outside of working, but its a core part of who a person is.
- 29athrowaway 3y ago
  It's part of what you do, and it does influence how you see things, but your life does not being or end with a job. Your job friends, however friendly, might not necessarily remain your friends after you leave the company. You can care about your job and your craft, and doing good for your customers to do your part in building a better world for everyone... but there must be something else outside that or your life will be pretty empty, and might even affect your job in the long run.

6510 3y ago

make a website

rushils 3y ago

[flagged]

cgio 3y ago

Most of the links for potential employers are not working (a couple do but e.g. ask for login just to filter). Is there anything better or more current?

kevinconroy 3y ago

This may also be helpful: "An Engineering Leader’s Job Search Algorithm" https://docs.google.com/document/d/19fr_36WOzKlq_zyGP2RdxMEsdNQMZdUqn1Vahncr2pY/edit# https://docs.google.com/document/d/19fr_36WOzKlq_zyGP2RdxMEs...

krainboltgreene 3y ago

There should be a healthy amount of material about unionizing at a future job.

dehrmann 3y ago
Union organization is only viable in a strong labor market. You have no leverage in a weak one.
- krainboltgreene 3y ago
  It's an exceptionally strong labor market for software developers. It's strong enough for everyone else to organize.
  - dehrmann 3y ago
    > It's an exceptionally strong labor market for software developers. Really? I've just been reading about hiring freezes and layoffs.

wardedVibe 3y ago

Anyone know about the utility of Covered California equivalents in other states? That market saved my spouse and I (we both have chronic diseases and can't afford to have bad insurance) post-grad school where we weren't entitled to COBRA (because grad students are neither students nor workers, apparently).

sgerenser 3y ago
Every US state has an either its own health insurance marketplace or you access the federal one. You get access to it as soon as you’re no longer otherwise covered. Not sure exactly what you mean by “utility” but generally the plans are fine (and are barred from considering preexisting conditions to raise premiums or deny coverage). The cost may be high unless you qualify for a subsidy (as post grads might unless they’re paid unusually well).

alexose 3y ago

Love the double meaning. That's one of those project titles that's so good that you pretty much have to follow through with the idea.

satvikpendem 3y ago
It reminds me of Key Values which is a job search site where you can list your key values you're looking for in a company, and it filters based on that. The name, of course, is punny for technical people.

EGreg 3y ago

Is there a site for recently laid-off tech workers, designers etc. to partner up on startup projects, welcome people, offer shares in them etc? Because if not - I’d love to make one. Anyone here care go join me? With my platform I can put it together in a couple days. I am a big fan of opting out of full time work for an employer, and towards building projects together. The movie industry does that a lot. And my company has experimented with these models for years… starting in 2016! (https://qbix.com/blog/2016/11/17/properly-valuing-contributions/ https://qbix.com/blog/2016/11/17/properly-valuing-contributi...)

popinman322 3y ago
Tangentially related: A flat tech co-op model could be good. Build tools to make starting tech companies much easier, then let members start companies with those tools for either some regular payment in either labor (eg. allocate headcount for the co-op) or cash. The co-op owns office space, (maybe) helps fund companies, provides vetted staff to reduce interview overhead, etc..
- anaganisk 3y ago
  Like an incubator? In India Nasscom and few state government funded startup incubators do this.

jhallenworld 3y ago

Here is one bit of advice: Unemployment used to be paid by paper check (and I read that this is still possible, but also there is debit card and direct deposit). My advice: if you get paid by check, cash or deposit it immediately after receiving each one, don't wait. The state used to gauge if you still need unemployment by how quickly you cashed that check. If you appear desperate, they keep paying. For example, if your partner is working, then maybe you are not so desperate and wait a while before you bother to deposit it, then wham, you are cut off. I imagine it's the same with their debit card, they get to see everything. I have no idea with direct deposit.

Aloha 3y ago
As far as I know, this is not done anymore, because in most case you have to file a weekly benefits claim by phone or online.
- jhallenworld 3y ago
  Yeah, you had to do that then also, but how do they know you really need the money? Long ago there was no on-line option, but there was an in-person option: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF2RYhNhBdw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF2RYhNhBdw

deleted 3y ago

[deleted]

neilv 3y ago

An additional thing to add about unemployment benefits: today, they might be high-touch, high-bureaucracy, and not aligned with tech job searches. I think maybe all the talk/reality of people disappearing from the workforce during Covid might've made some states much less trusting that people actually want to get back to work. Personally, if I'm ever again laid off, and I can quickly have promising opportunities lined up, I'm not filing for unemployment insurance payouts, unless&until I really have to. Also beware that unemployment insurance programs aren't the only potential urgently threatening layoffs-related demand on your time and nerves. (For example, health insurance company runaround hell throughout each week, because, you find out after months, they disagree with employer's Cobra enrollment confirmation letter, but seem not to want to simply say that. And needing a new HCOLA housing lease or mortgage while unemployed, so keep incurring/enduring all the reasons you wanted to move.) While techbros know that normally one should be calmly focusing 100% on practicing for Leetcode hazings, memorizing STAR format answers to "tell me about a time when" for each of a particular company's Ferengi Rules of Acquisition, adding hot new keywords to the resume, networking, and sifting through recruiter mass-approach noise.

thomasjade 3y ago

[dead]