“I was let go, but still part of the decision-making team to let others go on my team. Brutal.”

I was out of work for 14 months after my layoff from a company I was at for 14 years. I worked all the way to the top, and managed a global team of product designers reporting to the GM. Even though the last 2 years was the cherry on top of what I accomplished for the team, the product, and the entire organization from a UX modernization and transformation standpoint, my name was above the line in that round of layoffs - which were a semi-annual event. I was let go, but still part of the decision-making team to let others go on my team. Brutal. But I was expensive by that point.

I never thought after 14 months that I had to accept a job where I am the only designer at a company that never had any designers before. I feel like I'm starting my career all over again - flashbacks from 15-20 years ago. And I had to accept a 54% pay cut.

So, while I am now employed, this salary simply does not cover 100% of the basics, and I continue to have to transfer money from my investment/retirement account just to survive - but I am grateful I have that, at least. I lived off of that last year once the severance ended. But that safety net won't last forever, so I still have to apply to find something that can at least cover the bills entirely. Never mind vacations, a new roof on the house that's needed, or Christmas.