#anxiety

The younger folks here don't realize how lucky they are. They're cheaper to keep, so they're safer. And if they do get cut, the job market is actually open to them. At 52, a layoff for me could be career-ending. It's a terrifying position to be in.

Many are talking about potential February layoffs. Does anyone have solid intel, or are we all just anxiously guessing? I wish we knew one way or the other so we could prepare.

February might be the shortest month, but it'd still be good to know when exactly the supposed layoffs are to take place.

It's so tiring to be focused on the possibility of losing your job 24/7. I'm always saving money to the point I can't enjoy my hobbies anymore. I don't know the last time I bought a book or a game because I can't justify the expense even if I can afford it because I could potentially be laid off any day now. This is a very sad way to live and nobody responsible for it seems to care.

I’ve been at WF almost 10 years and never really heard of anyone getting inconsistently meets until last year, where good and hard working colleagues told me in confidence their managers gave them IM rating. I also noticed that on this site, there appear to be more topics related to this rating. Is this a new thing at WF? I have been an individual contributor so never needed to give rating, but I am finding that the IM’s are coming not because the employees are doing a bad job, but because their managers are micromanaging everything. It makes me want to voluntarily leave as I don’t want to fall victim to this. The ones who I know personally who received IM were shocked when they got it. Some of them had an exceeds rating the year earlier. One of them was only in their role for a few months.

Working every contact, and applying for anything where my skills might fit. I'm becoming desperate. One single interview, and it didn't work out. It's as bad out there as everyone says. Watching Open Text's nosedive is freaking me out. We knew things were bad, and layoffs became the norm, but this feels like the death throes.

That would make sense, it's pay week. I don't know how we're supposed to keep it together until this wave is over. I'm already stressed out of my mind.

Starting to see all the people that got laid off in October, starting to freak out about not finding something. Severance is most likely gone, and unemployment getting ready to run out.

Can we stop these micro layoffs and just do a big one and call it a day? The anxiety of the impending due does not help morale.

Did I miss something? Was this announced? Expected? I feel sick to my stomach because I honestly had no idea this was coming today.

I am sure the majority of people in Burlington are enjoying their time WFH while smaller desks, and cramped quarters will be taking effect in the building for our return. I can speak for myself when I say my mental health has been so much better for the last 5 weeks, however knowing this is our last week WFH (fingers crossed it gets extended) my anxiety is creeping about returning to the office..

For those asking when layoffs will start, or who is next etc. What exactly are you going to do with this information? Look for another job? You should be doing that already. Even if the info was available to tell you your department, or specifically you were being laid off, what would you do with this information? Save your money? You should be doing that already. Someone help me understand what all this worry is worth. Explain to me how knowing what will happen will change anything. BTW, you'll never know. You might get some tips about a certain department but you'll never know if it's going to be you. Why worry about something you have no control over? What you can control is how you prepare and you should be doing that already. Worrying about what can happen will only make you sick. Be in the moment. If it happens be as prepared as you can. But stop worrying about it.

If I get cut, at least the dreadful waiting game is over. I can stop jumping at every email and start dealing with the actual problem instead of the fear of it.

Now I can't even properly relax on a Saturday due to Monday-related anxiety. What they're doing is destroying us, and they couldn't care less.

Veteran employee here. Never in my 20+ years here have I felt so stressed, so anxiety filled, so burnt out, and so diminished. Leaders at the top continue to use smoke in mirrors with what seems like government classified secrecy, while all the leaders below them walk the halls with their heads down looking at every employee like their now a disease of the company. It used to exist only in pockets where bad leadership existed. Now even the best of us are walking targets for some unknown reason.
I disagreed that we had a morale issue a year ago in the first Townhall. This year, even those on their first day feel it.
When this all blows over in a few years, like it always does, the best will have survived and those who chose to throw out basic humanity will be the ones hanging their head. This has gone far enough!

Among other things, I am diagnosed with ADHD and PTSD. I work with a great care team to manage these, but it is still often life-disrupting. Part of my PTSD directly intersects with commuting to my PulsePoint, which like many here feels pointless because not one person from my team is in my state much less in my office. This has gotten worse recently and is affecting my wellbeing, as well as worsening other symptoms which in turn adversely affects my ability and performance.

However, I've never sought accommodations for my disabilities and I am nervous, especially since there can be disbelief or stigma around them. For example, I am worried that if I ask to be exempt from office requirements, it will make me more likely to get RIFed down the line somehow. Or otherwise get me on upper mgmt's radar in a bad way. I know there are ADA protections, but I also know that there are many ways to make it seem unrelated.

I am curious if you or someone you know has had experience seeking acommodations at this company, good or bad or neutral. Thank you!

Be on guard & be prepared mentally. Add skills & Invest in self. We will see many more & very soon.

Of this job, where I have to make decisions I don't agree with every day, each one taking a small piece of my soul. Of my manager, who seems to care more about pitting us against each other than the substance of the work, thinking it’ll somehow earn them a prize. Of some teammates, who always take the bait. And of the constant fear of losing this job - a job that makes me feel like a worse person than I am.

Pretty much every team experienced JEs. Lost a lot of tenured, experienced people. Doesn't even feel that great to still be here with things looking so grim. Still no official announcements from leadership - just word of mouth.

Starting the year with a big round of layoffs doesn't exactly inspire confidence. It makes you wonder if they've got this planned as a recurring event. The thought of going through this stress every few months is really depressing.

Have another job opportunity elsewhere, just like several of you folks our team is pretty understaffed, and it would be almost impossible to do a knowledge transfer session during my last two weeks. I assume I may get a counter offer, and if the salary is high enough, I’d be okay with staying. Although I’d be concerned that I’d be targeted for the next layoff…. Anyone been in a similar position or any advice?

Assuming the rumors are true. It’s exhausting being kept in the dark like this. Our livelihoods are at stake.

From Phone #: 51270

• From Amazon: Before coming to the office, check personal/work email or
  https://magnolia.amazon.com/owa including spam, for a message on you…

I’ve been unemployed for 11 months, and watching people I know announce new jobs or promotions makes me feel smaller every time... I want to feel happy for them, but instead I’m left with envy, frustration, and a quiet sadness that doesn’t really go away.

I’m in my mid-30s with no job, no partner, no kids, and it makes me feel stuck, behind... honestly undesirable. The job market is broken. I’ve done the applications... the final-round interviews, the books, the videos, the advice threads --- and none of it has paid off. i’ve come close more times than I can count... and only to see someone else eventually land the role. I can’t ignore the thought that not being white may be part of it.

If you were stuck here this long and still made it out, what actually helped?

I haven’t given up but i am sooo tired

People are apparently still being notified. This is nerve-racking. Good luck to us all.

Stock is in free fall

How low can it go before OT gets taken over for ten bucks a share

I haven't heard about any, does that mean we're done?

Morale is extremely low across the multiple teams I work with.

Feels horrible waiting around for the next big wave which is 100% coming before the next earnings due in February.

Anyone heard any rumors of when this is happening?

It seems we always have bigger layoffs right around earnings time and I’m getting nervous. There is an absence of transparency where there was in the past, speaking for myself only. Earnings call on Feb 4

My manager pulled me into a last minute meeting with zero context and kept a straight face the whole time. It turned out to be small talk, but my nerves were shot for hours after. Do they not realize how on edge all of us are?

And with such a bad outlook, who can guarantee the rest of us are "safe" until the second half of February? I’m so sorry for the people affected last week, and I expect many of us will soon join that army of the unemployed. This has been really tough on all of us, and there’s no end in sight. These days, coming into work just feels like sitting in a waiting room for your own layoff.

Prosper Insights Finds Consumer Job Anxiety Up, Price Pressure Down

Prosper Insights & Analytics data reveals rising U.S. consumer job security concerns. This increase occurred over the past twelve months. Meanwhile, inflation-related spending pressure has eased. Their January 2026 survey shows 42% expect more layoffs. This is a significant rise from 32% reported last January.

https://www.tallahassee.com/press-release/story/19772/prosper-insights-analytics-data-shows-rising-job-concerns-over-past-year-as-inflation-pressures-ease/

It’s really hard to work and focus without looking over our shoulders now and waiting for what’s next. I’m in the Katz org and allegedly this is “our” week but when? Gates are down today as of now in B1 but I can’t keep working with this anxiety. They need to get this over with.

How worried should we be about more layoffs?

I know it's just a week left, but I don't trust them anymore so it wouldn't surprise me if they sprung something else on us.

That's it. That's all I wanted to say.

Is there any possibility we get through the next week without bad news? I'm just hoping for a single, normal week without any stressful announcements or layoffs.

this is my first job fresh from college, i wont be making much but enough to support myself, but seeing the rep is scaring me and now im like should i be looking for somewhere else even while im working there? was there any warnings about lay offs? did yall at least enjoy working there? I guess to be specific anyone has any thought and experience withr roundrock?

## Recent Layoffs by Division at Optum

This week, layoffs occurred within various divisions of Optum, significantly impacting several business units. Here’s a summary of the divisions affected:

### Additional Observations

• Widespread Uncertainty: Across the board, employees in multiple divisions are feeling the stress of potential layoffs, illustrated by posts from individuals anxious about their job security.
• Management Secrecy: Communication from leadership about layoffs has been minimal, causing speculation about the overall scope of cuts.
• Upcoming Notices: Notifications about further layoffs are expected in February and March, but specific details about which teams will be included remain unclear.

The atmosphere within the company feels tense, with employees looking for more clarity on how these layoffs will continue to affect their divisions.

Recent layoffs at Optum have impacted various divisions, including 17% reductions in Behavioral Health and ongoing uncertainties in Care Management, Optum Insight, and Optum Tech. Employees in these areas are experiencing heightened anxiety due to minimal communication from management regarding specific numbers and future cuts. The WellMed and Client Transition Teams also reported layoffs, but exact details are still pending. As employees await further notifications expected in February and March, the atmosphere remains tense with a general sense of insecurity about job stability.

## Analysis of Layoff Fears at Optum

Recent posts and historical discussions on The Layoff regarding Optum indicate that fears of future layoffs are indeed warranted.

### Key Insights from Historical Posts

• Increased Anxiety: A notable sentiment throughout the discussions is heightened anxiety related to job security. Many employees express feelings of impending doom, sharing that the culture of layoffs has created an environment of constant unease.
• Frequent Layoffs: Historical posts show a pattern of recurring layoffs, often referred to as RIFs (reductions in force). Employees reported significant cuts in various divisions, including behavioral health and care management, leading to the belief that additional layoffs are likely.
• Economic Context: Many employees point to broader economic challenges and past management decisions that foreshadow continued restructuring. Concerns around financial losses within departments have also arisen, intensifying fears that cuts will be necessary to stabilize operations.
• Management Secrecy: A recurring theme in discussions is the lack of transparency from leadership regarding layoffs. This secrecy fuels speculation and fear, as employees await notifications about their status or any impending organizational changes.

### Community Response

• Support and Solidarity: Despite the fear, there is a strong sense of camaraderie among employees, with many calling for mutual support as they navigate this crisis. However, this is juxtaposed with frustration over management's handling of communication regarding job security.
• Reluctance to Leave: Some employees remain hesitant to seek new opportunities due to the uncertainty of their current roles, creating a psychological trap where individuals feel stuck despite their fears.

In conclusion, the historical context and ongoing discussions strongly suggest that fear of future layoffs at Optum is justified, reflecting a pattern of instability and lack of clear communication from corporate leadership.

Just saying...

• Report Shows Rising Employee Layoff Fears

A new INTOO/Harris Poll report reveals increased layoff anxiety among US employees. Over 61% of workers are concerned about job loss, a nearly 30% rise since 2019. Economic uncertainty, automation, and leadership skepticism fuel these growing fears. Many employees believe most recent layoffs could have been avoided with better management. INTOO suggests employers need greater transparency and support to address this anxiety.

https://www.knoxnews.com/press-release/story/134260/new-intoo-harris-poll-report-finds-nearly-30-increase-in-u-s-employees-experiencing-layoff-anxiety-compared-to-2019/