Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 18:24     Subject: Re:Lost my job
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP here and will try to answer some questions.

-I left education after 15 years because it was terrible for my health in many ways. It’s a last resort because I feel like I’ll be suicidal again. My students were not getting the best of me before I left.

-I’m newer to consulting and picked a shit time to start, so yes I am very frazzled.

-I live in a small condo, which I could rent out. If I move out I’ll have to move back in with my parents as I don’t even know where I could afford rent in moco.

-I think I have a good network but I know the market is really difficult. I looked for 2 years before landing this job & felt so lucky.

Thanks for the suggestions here.

Sorry you are facing this situation. How old is your child and where are your parents relative to their school?

I would think short (through summer), medium (1 year), and long term (new full time job).

Short term you want to save as much as possible and get some income rolling in. Move in with your parents and rent your condo beginning June 1 -either short term or 1 year contract. Immediately apply to the school system as a substitute teacher to be able to pick up jobs this school year and already be in the system for next year. Also look at summer employment with camps, tutoring, pool attendant, etc. The bonus, of getting into schools or a summer part time job is that you can meet more people to network with.

Medium term - as you start looking for jobs split your efforts between your ideal new job and one that is full time, but not your preferred area (e.g. teaching) or seasonal for fall/winter. If you don’t get something by end of summer, plan on staying with your parents for the 2025-26 school year.

Long term, goal is ideal job of course. But until then, you have time to decide if you can afford to move back into your condo.


My kid will be a senior next year, so I’m also anticipating lots of expenses. Last summer when I was looking for part time work to supplement my then income no one would hire me. It was beyond frustrating but they wanted some 16 year old kid they didn’t have to pay. I have a part time tutoring job but that income will dry up at the end of May until the new school year starts.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 18:18     Subject: Lost my job
Hi OP—fellow single parent here and I get it. Not having a second income is so scary.

Please know I’m rooting for you. Look at corporate jobs but keep your resume to one or two pages and market it properly. Also, let your friends know you’re looking.

If I knew you, I’d want to help you.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 18:10     Subject: Re:Lost my job
Anonymous wrote:OP here and will try to answer some questions.

-I left education after 15 years because it was terrible for my health in many ways. It’s a last resort because I feel like I’ll be suicidal again. My students were not getting the best of me before I left.

-I’m newer to consulting and picked a shit time to start, so yes I am very frazzled.

-I live in a small condo, which I could rent out. If I move out I’ll have to move back in with my parents as I don’t even know where I could afford rent in moco.

-I think I have a good network but I know the market is really difficult. I looked for 2 years before landing this job & felt so lucky.

Thanks for the suggestions here.

Sorry you are facing this situation. How old is your child and where are your parents relative to their school?

I would think short (through summer), medium (1 year), and long term (new full time job).

Short term you want to save as much as possible and get some income rolling in. Move in with your parents and rent your condo beginning June 1 -either short term or 1 year contract. Immediately apply to the school system as a substitute teacher to be able to pick up jobs this school year and already be in the system for next year. Also look at summer employment with camps, tutoring, pool attendant, etc. The bonus, of getting into schools or a summer part time job is that you can meet more people to network with.

Medium term - as you start looking for jobs split your efforts between your ideal new job and one that is full time, but not your preferred area (e.g. teaching) or seasonal for fall/winter. If you don’t get something by end of summer, plan on staying with your parents for the 2025-26 school year.

Long term, goal is ideal job of course. But until then, you have time to decide if you can afford to move back into your condo.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 17:43     Subject: Lost my job
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Thanks to the administration I just lost my job. I’m freaking out & don’t know what to do. I am a single parent with no financial or physical support from my ex. I’ve never lost a job, always moved on my own accord. I’m terrified.


need more context, what are you skills, what is your job, are you a fed or contractor? What are you looking for support, advise, encouragement?


I won’t give too much away as people will be able to figure me out, but think workforce transformation, education, etc. I am pretty flexible. I have my masters. If all else fails I can go back to teaching but I really really don’t want to. I don’t know what I’m looking for I’m just so scared. My car is a few months from being paid off. I still have years on my mortgage. I’ve been applying to jobs basically since December and I’ve only had one interview.


Do you have severance for a few months?

I would keep applying and work all contacts. Also, see if you can reach out to a head hunter and put your resume in with a temp agency/get yourself on the substitute teacher list. If you haven’t made a list of where you can cut back then you should and cut back on what you can now. Is your ex able to help at all in this situation. If they have a job and haven’t paid child support ever this may be the time you reach out and ask them to contribute. I’m really sorry this happened.


I still don’t know about severance. News was delivered to me in a very haphazard way. We already live pretty frugally since I don’t make much money to begin with. I really only buy essentials and do my own nails/hair. I do have to pay someone to do my daughter’s hair but that’s just the game so that’s annoying. My ex is a garbage human being who lives 2 hrs away by plane and he hates my guts so any help from him is out of the question. I get the mandated $200/month for back child support, but that alone is gone on groceries or getting my kid’s hair done.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 17:39     Subject: Re:Lost my job
OP here and will try to answer some questions.

-I left education after 15 years because it was terrible for my health in many ways. It’s a last resort because I feel like I’ll be suicidal again. My students were not getting the best of me before I left.

-I’m newer to consulting and picked a shit time to start, so yes I am very frazzled.

-I live in a small condo, which I could rent out. If I move out I’ll have to move back in with my parents as I don’t even know where I could afford rent in moco.

-I think I have a good network but I know the market is really difficult. I looked for 2 years before landing this job & felt so lucky.

Thanks for the suggestions here.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 17:38     Subject: Lost my job
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Thanks to the administration I just lost my job. I’m freaking out & don’t know what to do. I am a single parent with no financial or physical support from my ex. I’ve never lost a job, always moved on my own accord. I’m terrified.


need more context, what are you skills, what is your job, are you a fed or contractor? What are you looking for support, advise, encouragement?


I won’t give too much away as people will be able to figure me out, but think workforce transformation, education, etc. I am pretty flexible. I have my masters. If all else fails I can go back to teaching but I really really don’t want to. I don’t know what I’m looking for I’m just so scared. My car is a few months from being paid off. I still have years on my mortgage. I’ve been applying to jobs basically since December and I’ve only had one interview.


Do you have severance for a few months?

I would keep applying and work all contacts. Also, see if you can reach out to a head hunter and put your resume in with a temp agency/get yourself on the substitute teacher list. If you haven’t made a list of where you can cut back then you should and cut back on what you can now. Is your ex able to help at all in this situation. If they have a job and haven’t paid child support ever this may be the time you reach out and ask them to contribute. I’m really sorry this happened.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 17:26     Subject: Lost my job
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Thanks to the administration I just lost my job. I’m freaking out & don’t know what to do. I am a single parent with no financial or physical support from my ex. I’ve never lost a job, always moved on my own accord. I’m terrified.


need more context, what are you skills, what is your job, are you a fed or contractor? What are you looking for support, advise, encouragement?


I won’t give too much away as people will be able to figure me out, but think workforce transformation, education, etc. I am pretty flexible. I have my masters. If all else fails I can go back to teaching but I really really don’t want to. I don’t know what I’m looking for I’m just so scared. My car is a few months from being paid off. I still have years on my mortgage. I’ve been applying to jobs basically since December and I’ve only had one interview.


Idk but it’s a big red flag that you work in workforce transformation (presumably federal consulting) and you don’t know how to transition or leverage your skills. Preparing for the future is literally the point of workforce transformation.


Be kind. There is shock that comes with being laid off. OP is still getting her bearings.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 15:53     Subject: Lost my job
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Thanks to the administration I just lost my job. I’m freaking out & don’t know what to do. I am a single parent with no financial or physical support from my ex. I’ve never lost a job, always moved on my own accord. I’m terrified.


need more context, what are you skills, what is your job, are you a fed or contractor? What are you looking for support, advise, encouragement?


I won’t give too much away as people will be able to figure me out, but think workforce transformation, education, etc. I am pretty flexible. I have my masters. If all else fails I can go back to teaching but I really really don’t want to. I don’t know what I’m looking for I’m just so scared. My car is a few months from being paid off. I still have years on my mortgage. I’ve been applying to jobs basically since December and I’ve only had one interview.


Idk but it’s a big red flag that you work in workforce transformation (presumably federal consulting) and you don’t know how to transition or leverage your skills. Preparing for the future is literally the point of workforce transformation.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 15:44     Subject: Lost my job
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Thanks to the administration I just lost my job. I’m freaking out & don’t know what to do. I am a single parent with no financial or physical support from my ex. I’ve never lost a job, always moved on my own accord. I’m terrified.


I'm so sorry. I assume you are doing all the right things to find future employment, so again, I'm sorry that you are going through this. No words- this administration has been destructive and harmful to so many.


The people need to let all their political representatives know just how hated and despised Trump is, and let them know THEY will suffer at the polls if they do not take EVERY measure to rid the country of this despotic, cruel IDIOT. He is destroying the country when he needs to be out of office and in PRISON.


Not helpful or productive here.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 15:42     Subject: Lost my job
Obama care is probably cheaper than cobra. I’d price them both out.

Affordablehealthcare.gov I think is the website for Obamacare
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 15:42     Subject: Lost my job
Anonymous wrote:File for unemployment today. Beef up your LinkedIn and resume and start looking.


This, but MORE importantly, start a networking plan (who are your contacts outside government, who might be references, etc.). Then, start working your network — including those you may not have contacted in a while.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 15:39     Subject: Lost my job
Also check out Academic Advisor and Career Advisor roles in local colleges.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 15:38     Subject: Lost my job
Consider teaching at a local or online college or university
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 14:58     Subject: Lost my job
Take a day to gather yourself. File for unemployment and get on Cobra if you are eligible.

Many counties in the DC area are providing resources to those affected by federal cuts. Here's Montgomery County's: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OPI/fed-worker-resources.html
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2025 14:40     Subject: Re:Lost my job
OP good luck with your search. This might be a blessing in disguise. You could potentially find a much better job making much more money. You have a master’s degree so you are way ahead of the game!