#mentalhealth

This is more of a vent….

So, my layoff date is January 8th, 2025. I’ve only been with the company for 2 and a half years. I see I’m only getting a month’s worth of severance pay - the three weeks plus 40hrs of PTO. That’s bs! How am I supposed to survive? I’ve seen some companies give at least three months worth of a package. And I’ve already been looking for jobs, but I’m getting lots of rejection emails. I have a Masters in Healthcare Administration and I just saw where my degree will no longer be considered a professional degree. This year has already been a train wreck for me personally! I couldn’t even celebrate my graduation because I literally found out I was being laid off a week afterwards. 2026, please be good to us. We need jobs, income, and peace. At least I do.

Hello all,

As someone who dedicated many years to Verizon, my heart is with everyone impacted today. This season may bring doubt, fear, uncertainty, and even emotional or mental strain — and that’s completely human.

In moments like this, I encourage you to look up instead of down. Lean into your faith. Talk to God, give Him your worries, and let Him strengthen you. Don’t sit alone with heavy emotions — hand them over and let God work in the silence.

Just like a seed planted in the ground, you may feel surrounded by darkness at first. But roots grow in the unseen places. If you plant yourself in the right soil — prayer, stillness, and purpose — you will rise stronger than before.

I’m praying for you and your families through this transition. God will bring you through this, and what’s ahead will be better than what’s behind.

Did anybody realize last week's layoffs were coming? For me, it completely came out of the blue. Now I'm even more nervous that it can happen any day without warning, and it's not helping my mental health at all.

As a spouse to a former Verizon employee who was riffed several years ago. I understand your fears. I pray all get the decision you wish for. Just know Verizon is a business and no one is irreplaceable. There’s no heart in it. I know what this kind of stress can do to a person. If you are riffed please take it as a blessing and leave Verizon in the rear window of your life. The constant mental torture of worry every few years is devastating to a person’s confidence and self worth sometimes. As my spouse is here in a hospice bed the only thing I’m grateful for is that Verizon means nothing to him. If you have your health and family that’s all you need. Hold your head up and find a job that won’t run you through mental torture every few years. It’ll be worth it no matter how it turns out for you today. I wish you all the best in life.

I take calls with India at 5AM most day and am expected to join calls at 4 or 5 PM the same day. If my work isn't done when India comes in, I'm in trouble. But I just can't do it anymore, it's ki-ling me. I have no life, all I do is work and get told it's not good enough. How long do we have to do this? I have to believe things will get better at some point?

Don’t let darkness go all the way inside you.

Keep some distance from it all. Don’t give it more real estate in your head than it deserves. Keep it little away!

It’s all cyclical. Bad times come then they leave. Nothing stays forever.

If you have a candle around, actually light it. It helps!

There was the time that if you proposed downsizing Workforce and talent to increase Revenue you would be laughed out of the room and you'd probably be let go. These are easy solutions in our short-term gains for long-term sacrifices we used to run by the notion that if you lost somebody of 10 years it takes you 10 years or more to replace that person. Then we started analyzing to how long it takes to get somebody at a basic proficiency and that's what we're targeting we can't keep PSO Partners worth anything to turn over is insane the internals that we have of such a bad attitude and are unwilling to change tactics or develop new ones all we have little to no control over partners and what they do tarnishing our brand you're the most Innovative thing was 5G well the thing was there's four G's before it so it really wasn't Innovative at all it was like the 5th sequel to a movie now a lot of us have witnessed the growth of new cell phones and smartphones and they'll probably be like the biggest business growth that will ever see in our lives and what we did with that money was really stupid there's so much we can learn from it but to have someone new from the business try to change so much so quickly as just a disaster and it's insane that the board or the shareholders would trust somebody with billions of dollars within days like literally days of being appointed but we've seen this all before huge layoffs in the past year every single time what would happen before them are people who have been executive level and above resign or retire or move to a different position that's because what was being demanded was against their core values and if it's against the core values of extremely greedy people you know it's wrong even though it might be legal.

I know I'm kind of going all over the place just trying to say that times have changed it's sad to see The Innovation is dead. But I do foresee though is possible class action lawsuits for psychological trauma because everyone's psychological well-being has not been well taken care of during this situation this really should be something that's pursued I really highly recommend talking to an employment law attorney especially if you felt any anxiety or that you've had to take time off or that things have been really hard around the home or even if you include cost from seeking treatment and if you haven't definitely look into it because your mental well-being it's worth more than what any company could ever pay you

Overall, being let go may be a blessing in disguise. Citi does not want people who WANT to be here but rather people who NEED to be here. People need a job that goes without saying after all you gotta pay the bills. Citi though, wants people who are really desperate like really lean on the insurance. This way management has more increased leverage against you. They can squeeze in the long hours all the while strongly insinuating to not make a big deal about it after all “you really need this job, so don’t rock the boat. How’s that insurance working for you that you really need.” Its always a tongue in cheek comment that’s uncomfortably laughed at, at the time, but the implication is still there.

There’s a mental formula that’s assessed I believe. The more kids you have, the more dependent you are on insurance, the more bills you have…..the more “they got you right where they want you”. The pressure can really be applied. Usually summed up with berating you in public on team calls so that the others can see and know to step in line or else.

I’ve been in 5 different teams over the years and have cycled through 9 different managers. Two of them were really awesome but they too saw the systemic toxicity and left to go elsewhere. The other 7 managers stuck around where they can thrive and their skills (bully tactics) are appreciated and leverages quite readily.

How many others have pivoted from "oh, God, please don't let it be me," to "fu-k it, give me my severance" since this all started?

While we all wait for our fate, I wanted to share a story to help keep things in a little perspective.

This Taoist and Zen Buddhism "Maybe" story illustrates the principle that it is impossible to judge whether an event is truly good or bad fortune because one never knows its future consequences.

The Story of a Farmer:

Once upon a time, there was an old farmer in a small village.

The horse runs away:
One day, the farmer's only horse ran away. The neighbors came to offer their sympathy for his "terrible bad luck." The farmer calmly replied, "Maybe".

The horse returns with wild horses:
The next day, the horse returned, bringing with it three (or seven) wild horses. The neighbors exclaimed, "What wonderful luck!" The farmer again said, "Maybe".

The son breaks his leg:
The following day, the farmer's son tried to ride and tame one of the wild horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg. The neighbors offered their condolences for this "misfortune." The farmer replied, "Maybe".

The son avoids conscription:
A week later, soldiers came to the village to conscript all able-bodied young men for the army. Seeing the farmer's son had a broken leg, they passed him by. The neighbors said, "What good luck that he was spared!" The farmer simply replied, "Maybe".

The Moral of the Story
The parable teaches that events in life unfold in complex, interconnected ways, and what seems like a setback may turn into a blessing, and vice versa. The moral is to embrace uncertainty, practice detachment and equanimity, and avoid rushing to label events as definitively "good" or "bad"

A few months ago, we didn't know this person named 'Dan', and a few years later, he wouldn't matter as much, regardless of the outcome on 11/20. This is a phase, and it will pass eventually.

This is the most insane place to work. The expectations of senior leadership is unrealistic, to put it mildly. I don’t know of anyone who isn’t working 75-80 hours in a workweek and then having to work more hours on the weekend to still be behind!

I have seen many people sacrifice their personal lives, mental health, and physical health for this company to only be rewarded with being fired or laid off.

They have no concept of people having a personal life. If you want to have a heart attack or stroke at your work computer then this is the place for you. If you value any kind of life or health, you need to stay far away from here.

Who's still hanging around here with zero chance of falling asleep because your stomach is in such a tight knot that lying down just makes it worse?

Random, but is anyone else’s hair falling out? It feels like I’ve been living under constant stress ever since the relocation strategy was introduced with zero details.

I think they're doing this on purpose, since I'm this close to just quitting to avoid having to go through this mental anguish even for a day longer. I wouldn't be surprised if some people already broke and quit. This is all a part of their plan, I have zero doubts about that.

I've been a Team Manager in claims with State Farm for over 30 years. I'm retiring this year after I get my MIP. Honestly feel sooooo sorry for everyone that has to stay. There have always been periods of ups and downs at SF. These last 10 years and especially this year have been an absolute nightmare. When I got promoted to TM in 1997, my boss told me to be sure to leave SF better than I found it. I tried my best but failed. The people running State Farm are absolute parasites, make no mistakes about it. To all employees, leave this place before it drains your soul, and damages your mental and physical health beyond repair. This place is just not worth it. Not saying the grass is greener on the other side but at least see if it is. The Executive leadership you have is exploiting you for only their gain, have destroyed any ounce of decency left at State Farm and are just pure clueless sc-m bags. All they want is conformity, not your opinion. All the Peakon, Voice and View, Skip Level Meetings cr-p are all just the same smoke and mirrors that the politicians use to steal you blind. It's not your TMs fault, but there are TMs that are bad and make it even worse as they drink the Kool Aid. There are still a few decent TMs/SMs that try to do the right thing but if they get caught doing it they get punished. State Farm is a sinking ship, that they crashed, and now the Captain and other officers are stepping over the elderly, women and children to save themselves and kicking people off the life boats. I get you need to pay the bills, but find a way out sooner than later. This get's a lot worse and does every day. I almost feel dirty everyday I have to work at this place, and you know deep down what this company is doing is just wrong at every level. Get out, just get out, Sorry, hope that helps some of you decide.

I left SF about a month ago but stayed in the industry. I learned that SF was 10x more toxic than I thought… They underpay you, trap you in roles that make it harder to be competitive outside the company, and ruin your physical and mental health.
Senior leadership at SF has turned into a complete joke. I no longer feel embarrassed when asked where I work.
I hope you all actually take the leap and rebuild your lives by leaving that he-l hole.

Embrace nihilism and you will feel so much better about life!! Don’t stress yourself self over something you can’t control. One day you’ll will be gone and no one will remember you.

Now I actually feel relieved. I’m not even all that scared about what’s next. There was so much pressure and focus on just keeping the job that I forgot how unhappy I really was at Target. I know the grass may not be greener, and finding another job won’t be easy, like it isn’t for anyone right now, but I still feel better for it. Sometimes change is necessary for your own clarity and sanity. In any case, wishing the best to everyone, both those who were let go and those who stayed.

I keep hearing folks whisper about layoffs like it’s something to hide, and I don’t get it. Most of us end up caught in one at some point and it’s got nothing to do with our worth. I’ve been through it myself and the silence only makes everything heavier. We shouldn’t act like losing a job is some kind of personal flaw.

I can barely drag myself out of bed on workdays, and I dread coming in. Burnt out doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’ve worked at several companies before, and this has been the most toxic, exhausting, and unrewarding experience of them all. At this point, I’m willing to face a brutal job market and even a long stretch of unemployment if it means protecting my mental and physical health.

https://studyfinds.org/saying-um-more-frequently-may-signal-cognitive-decline/

I just found out that the cost for my mental health visits will double in 2026. WTF is the ELT thinking by slashing mental health benefits, especially at a time that employees need this most? MW and the rest of them will have bl00d on their hands if someone who is on the brink is pushed over in desperation, seeing care they desperately need.

I have been having nightmares since the news broke out, Not able to focus, moral is low, zero motivation to do anything. Not willing to put in any effort until I know my fate next week. I mean whatever happens happens but next couple of days are going brutal!

Like there’s nothing till then. I fu--ing hate these people playing with people’s livelihoods and health. Man I should’ve just became a mechanic.

I have been in similar shoes and I just want to send my words of encouragement out to everyone experiencing the potential grief this week. I call it grief because that’s what it is—a loss of a life, job, career, leaders, coworkers you once held dear.

Take at least a day or two to just process. Try not to be solutions oriented immediately. I already see some friends posting on LinkedIn. I know the desperation is seeping in, but please, take time to just grieve and process this first.

Then pick yourself up and reach out to friends who have left COP previously and talk to them about what they did to leave. There is a life after. You will be okay. Sending you strength.

If layoffs happen it’s happening nov 20th or earlier.

Lists aren’t made last minute so your fate was sealed 20-30 days ago.

Initial estimates range from 15-30% depending on org but overall beverage to about 20%.

There’s likely a round 2 of layoffs early 2026.

The crisis manager article says there’s nothing to worry about - you know why?! Cause he’s a crisis manager. He’s probably on a list and has no idea lol

Lastly, these corporations you don’t hold any loyalty too. All that family talk is just bs. All those retirement emails thanking you for your service - bullsh-t. Make your money, make your connects, climb the ladder or hop to another. Do not take it personally.

Losing sleep and checking this board every 2 hours is not good for your mental state. Just get your affairs in order.

A lot of VPs, SVPs, and EVPs were given the notice. Just be thankful you weren’t one of those under heavy scrutiny. You have better odds as an underlying.

Good luck all - love you.

Share if you'd like

Leaving Loudly: Why I’m Gonr After a Decade
The End of a Chapter
Friday marks my last day after ten years of dedication, hard work, and consistently exceeding expectations—90% of my ratings were top-tier. Yet, despite the numbers, the experience left me drained and disillusioned.
Quiet Quitting vs. Loud Leaving
While many choose to “quietly quit,” I’m doing the opposite. I’m leaving loudly—not for drama, but because silence protects systems that harm. Speaking up matters.
The Human Cost
This ISP hasn’t been easy. It’s taken a toll on my aging parents, my spouse, and my kids. The emotional weight is real, and I won’t sugarcoat it: I’ve felt depressed and confused through this process.
One Piece of Advice
If you’re in a similar situation, know your worth and don’t ignore the signs. Blind loyalty can cost you years you’ll never get back.
A Hard Truth About Edward Jones
To my network: take a hard look at Edward Jones. High fees, outdated practices, and a culture that undervalues high performers have left me embarrassed I stayed so long. Tell your friends. Protect your future.
Closing Thoughts
Leaving is hard. Staying in a place that erodes your confidence and well-being is harder. Sometimes the loudest exit is needed.

Company: Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Source: Santa Cruz Local

‘Devastating’ layoffs proposed at PVUSD would cut all mental health counselors
Summary: PVUSD administrators proposed eliminating more than 160 positions, including all 13 mental health clinicians, citing declining enrollment and revenue. Union leaders dispute the need and raise concerns about student safety following recent violent incidents and su----es. ([Santa Cruz Local][6])
City: Watsonville
State: California
https://santacruzlocal.org/2025/11/10/devastating-layoffs-proposed-at-pvusd-would-cut-all-mental-health-counselors/

I've been mandated to return 4 days a week. During the last month of this, I've talked to 3 people (total) in the office and taken meetings from conference rooms where hardly anyone in the office showed up--instead taking the calls from their cube or a focus room or remote. The people I work with are not in the office or even my location. But my life has been disrupted completely to meet some ridiculous ego-driven mandate. I'm using more water, gas and energy--not good for the environment. My stress level has risen--not good for my mental state. And add to this the other things I had to buy to accommodate going into the office (lunch stuff, clothing, shoes, backpack that holds a laptop, etc.) that makes RTO costly to the employee. This is after 5 years of little no pay increase and minimal if any bonus and 5+ years without a promotion. Feeling trapped because the job market is so horrible. But yeah, at least I have a job and didn't get riffed. Looking forward to the tide changing back to favor employees however long that takes.

An on point post from @cf+1k9p3cq31.

Do you act like you are going to get RIF'd? The upside is you are mentally ready if you do get RIF'd. The downside is you caused yourself weeks of stress and worry if you end up not getting RIF'd. Like the saying says, "worrying does not change tomorrow, but ruins today".

Or do you act like you're going to be just fine? The upside of this is no stress and worry. The downside is that it hurts even more if it does happen.

What is your mental state during this time?

Like most I am worried about being laid off.
What advice can you think of for those who may not be in the best headspace of the worst happens.

Trying to ask a somewhat positive and practical question. I have many issues with the logic of some choices I’m aware of but they may end up being a different thread sometime.

that's my experience with paramount. and yet, i am still here. my sanity did suffer, often i ask myself was it worth it. i do like my job, the team is awesome but still, it's way too much of a burden from the psychological standpoint. when i look back i do not even know how i managed this inside, it's a blow after blow.

I keep swinging between “please, just lay me off and end this misery” and “please don’t lay me off, this job market is brutal.” It’s like an hourly cycle at this point. They’re really wrecking people’s sanity by dragging this out when there’s absolutely no reason to.

I’m only a few days out from Wells Fargo, and the feeling is nothing short of liberation. After years of toxic management, mind games, tricks, and the constant drain of unhealthy dynamics, I finally feel like I can breathe again.

What I’m curious about—and what I’d love to hear from this community—is how others have experienced life after Wells. Have you noticed your mental health or physical health improve once you left? Do you feel lighter, healthier, or more yourself in a new company compared to the environment we endured here?

I’m also wondering about comparisons. For those of you who’ve worked at other money-center banks or big financial firms: is Wells Fargo’s toxicity truly on another level, or is it just a variation of the same culture across the industry? What feels different about Wells compared to other firms?

For me, asking these questions is part of healing, curiosity, and looking forward. Understanding how others have rebuilt after leaving helps me realize what’s possible—and reminds me that liberation isn’t just about escape, it’s about growth.

Would love to hear your thoughts, stories, and comparisons.

Life lessons from someone who was laid off from another oil and gas company years ago—and learned it’s not the end of life, but the start of a new chapter.

1. Identity tied to work

Often we invest so much time and energy into a job that we end up confusing what we do with who we are. If the company lets us go, it feels like they’re rejecting our identity, not just our role.

1. External recognition

Work is often a source of validation: bosses, colleagues, achievements, promotions. When that disappears, it creates a void that can make us doubt our own value.

1. Security and belonging

A job also represents economic stability and a place in a community (team, corporate culture). Being fired can feel like losing a “family” or security, which hits beyond just the professional level.

1. Social narrative

Society often measures success through work. This makes us unconsciously internalize the idea that being fired equals “failure,” even though in reality it’s just a change in circumstances.

1. Emotional factor

Even though rationally we know human value doesn’t depend on an employer, emotionally it’s hard to separate self-esteem from this experience, especially in vulnerable moments.

The key is to rebuild your narrative: being fired is not a judgment on your value—it’s just the end of a cycle in a place that no longer fits you. Your experience, character, talents, and ability to learn remain intact.

Practical Strategies to Reconnect with Your Value After Being Fired

🔹 1. Redefine the narrative

Instead of thinking “I was fired”, reframe it as:

• “That place was no longer right for me.”

• “A door closed, but it opens others that may fit me better.”

The words we use shape how we feel.

🔹 2. Separate “role” from “identity”

Make a list of who you are outside of work: parent, friend, creative, good listener, curious, resilient.

This helps remind you that your essence doesn’t depend on a contract.

🔹 3. Take stock of personal and professional achievements

Write down your accomplishments, not just at work, but also personal ones (e.g., learned a language, supported a friend, overcame a challenge).

Whenever you feel your value is in question, review this list.

🔹 4. Seek internal, not external validation

A company validates results; you can validate your effort, learning, and integrity.

Ask yourself: Am I proud of how I worked? Of how I grew?

🔹 5. Build a support network

Talk to people who value you for who you are (family, friends, mentors). This reinforces the idea that you are not “your job.”

🔹 6. Practice healthy detachment

A useful exercise: imagine your CV and current job disappear. What’s left? What remains—your character, creativity, values—is who you truly are.

🔹 7. Refocus on the future

Set small goals: a course, a personal project, learning something new. This restores a sense of progress and control.

“We want to let you know that we've made the difficult decision to no longer offer Behavioral Health services in New Jersey“

https://patch.com/new-jersey/hoboken/optum-lay-572-workers-closing-pediatrics-mental-health-offices-nj

Maybe it is time to find another job, I recommend it for many to save your mental health and not be stuck in a layoff.

Remember you’re the one who dressed up for the interview. You’re the one who said you wanted this opportunity. You accepted the offer, and you keep showing up every day. So maybe—just maybe—“they” aren’t the problem. At some point, you have to stop pointing fingers and start owning the choices that put you here. If you don’t like where you are, change it. But pretending this is someone else’s fault isn’t going to fix anything.

Before joining this place 5 years ago I used to be told that I look 5-10 years younger than my actual age. The other day when I was looking at pictures only 6 months into working here, it was night and day compared to photos pre-ELV. The fear, anxiety and constant chaos of this environment will do it to you. Not to mention more health issues. I hope I can get some of that lightness of spirit back when I leave here.