As I was scrolling yesterday, I saw someone share about their layoff experience and how people told her to “enjoy her time off” and it got me wondering - what’s the worst advice you’ve been given or heard given during this federal layoff year? I feel like humans have a tendency to say terrible things with good intentions:(
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I saw a thread on LinkedIn. Lots of people in the job loss situation, and along with so many simple “I’m so sorrys!” here’s a good example of what to say: “Impacted in April of this year. Take a little time to let it sink in. You may go through a range of emotions, including possibly elements of grief (that surprised me). In ways I felt like I lost something precious to me. Not the work specifically but the stability and flexibility and support it represented, for both my family & me. Get your health appts scheduled asap if losing insurance is a concern. Don’t forget to roll over your 401k. Don’t forget about spending FSA dollars or filing for any reimbursements, like dependent care. Keep a written list for what you need to do, but also give yourself hours or days, if needed, to simply be and exist. File for unemployment as soon as you can to get that process started. Talk to people who get it. Ignore those who don’t. Most people haven’t reached out to me at all. Many may have no clue the degree to which I was impacted emotionally and practically. My health has suffered - physical and mental. No matter what happens, keep putting one foot in front of the other & always believe brighter days are ahead.”
“Just take a break—you’ve got plenty of time.”
rest is important but this advice ignores the urgency of job seekers. Waiting too long can cost you opportunities and complicate reentry.
Other contenders for worst advice:
- “At least now you can finally do something fun.”
- “Just switch to the private sector—it’s easier.”
- “Apply everywhere. Something will stick.”
- “Your clearance will stay active forever, right?”
- “Don’t even worry about networking. You’ve got experience.”
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I just generally hate the advice “everything happens for a reason” which feels dismissive. It invalidates pain, excuses harmful behavior or systems, and pressures people into finding meaning too soon. Not everything has a silver lining—and that’s okay. Sometimes the most helpful response is simply, “This sucks, but here’s a helpful resource @ ClearanceJobs.”
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So many myths there to unpack - esp - just switch to the private sector - it’s easier. Whew!
“Oh, you have a full scope. You won’t have any problem getting hired.” I am a graphic Designer whose job was “de-scoped” October of 2024. I have applied to a minimum of two companies per week to be eligible for unemployment benefits. No one wants to hire a white professional who is incredibly experienced and good at what she does.
Please tell me you’re on ClearanceJobs.com with that full scope poly:) Here’s one that I found: Graphic Designer Jobs - ClearanceJobs
But yes. Anything that’s dismissive is so not helpful - especially in 2025 when all normal things went out the window with the rapid changes. Hopefully as the dust settles, things like - you have a full scope - will ring a little truer than they are right now.