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Small-Scale Question Sunday for September 21, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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I would like advice in case I am laid off this week. My tech company is likely laying off a substantial part of its workforce on Wednesday—rumors are between 10-30% of certain divisions, including mine. While I suspect I am safe because of my relatively low pay and young age, I want to be prepared in case I am affected. I have six months of living expenses in my bank account, not counting unemployment benefits.

My plan if I am laid off (in rough order):

  1. File for unemployment benefits

  2. Re-evaluate my rough budget and cut out any optional expenses (basically left with rent, food, internet, etc)

  3. Update my LinkedIn, including responding to various recruiters messages that have been sitting in my inbox

  4. Update my resume

  5. Start applying for jobs like it's my job. Market appears to be brutal. Any strategies for bypassing automated screenings or similar?

Thoughts? Additions? General advice?

If you have any friends or acquaintances who went off to get jobs in other places, prepare to drop them a line explaining the situation and ask them if they know anyone who’s hiring.

The layoffs happening sound large so it’s not your fault, just cost-cutting. People will likely be sympathetic. Worst comes to the worst, maybe you could band together with some other guys from the same company and try founding a startup.

Thanks. I've started making new connections on LinkedIn in preparation haha.

Cost cutting definitely seems to be the reason, which sucks to hear/see when everyone is on track to get our max bonus payout this year.