Reddit Insights

Laid-off nurse has excellent prospects for rapid re-employment due to high demand.

Published on 06/24/2025•Hiring & Talent Acquisition Insights

Okay, here's an analysis based on the Reddit discussion:

Overall Summary of Discussion: The Reddit discussion highlights a worrying trend of layoffs affecting experienced professionals (around 30-35 years old) in Marketing/Design, IT, and even Nursing. Key themes emerging are:

  • Cost-Cutting: Companies are "restructuring" and laying off experienced, well-paid staff, often replacing them with cheaper, less experienced individuals or not replacing them at all.
  • AI Impact: Marketing and IT roles are seen as particularly vulnerable to AI, which can automate tasks related to software development and content creation, thus reducing the need for human personnel.
  • Nursing Anomaly: The layoff of a nurse is surprising, given the general high demand in the field. The consensus is that this individual should find new employment relatively quickly.
  • Economic Uncertainty: While some commenters note job gains due to reshoring/trade dynamics, the prevailing sentiment is one of concern over job security and increasing long-term unemployment.

Analysis of Specific Roles from the Post:

1. Nurse (30-35 years old)

  • Situation: Laid off despite being smart, dependable, and a hard worker. This is considered unusual given current healthcare staffing needs.
  • Hot Skills, Tools, and Qualifications:
    • Valid Nursing License (RN, LPN, etc.)
    • Clinical experience (specifics depend on their previous role, e.g., Med-Surg, ER, ICU, or if it was an occupational health role).
    • Certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS, specialty certifications).
    • Adaptability, critical thinking, strong patient care skills.
  • Potential Job Opportunities:
    • Hospitals (Inpatient units: Med-Surg, Telemetry, ICU, ER, OR; Outpatient departments)
    • Clinics (Primary care, specialty clinics)
    • Long-term care facilities
    • Home healthcare agencies
    • Travel nursing agencies
    • If the previous role was occupational health at a company that downsized, they could seek similar roles in other corporations or transition back to direct patient care settings.
  • Resume Submission Directions:
    • Highlight clinical skills, years of experience, specific patient populations served, and any specialized procedures or equipment proficiency.
    • Emphasize dependability and commitment to quality patient care.
    • Apply directly to hospital HR portals, large clinic systems, and reputable healthcare staffing agencies. Network with former colleagues and nursing associations.
  • Expected Benefits/Outlook:
    • Outlook: Very strong. The persistent nursing shortage means demand remains high.
    • Re-employment Speed: Likely to find a new role quickly.
    • Salary: Competitive, potentially similar to or exceeding previous salary, especially if willing to consider various settings or shifts. Sign-on bonuses may be available in high-need areas.
    • This aligns with the previous analysis: The laid-off nurse is in a strong position to secure a new role quickly.

2. IT Professional (30-35 years old)

  • Situation: Laid off, potentially due to company restructuring, cost-cutting, or the impact of AI tools reducing the need for traditional IT roles.
  • Hot Skills, Tools, and Qualifications:
    • Traditional: Specific programming languages (Python, Java, C#, JavaScript), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), cybersecurity skills (CISSP, CompTIA Security+), database management, network administration, project management (Agile, Scrum).
    • Emerging/AI-Adjacent: AI/ML development, data science, AI prompt engineering, experience integrating AI tools into workflows, MLOps, cloud AI services.
  • Potential Job Opportunities:
    • Software Developer/Engineer
    • Cloud Engineer/Architect
    • Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer
    • Data Scientist/Analyst
    • IT Support Specialist/Manager
    • Roles in companies actively developing or implementing AI solutions.
    • Consulting or contract work.
  • Resume Submission Directions:
    • Quantify achievements (e.g., "Reduced system downtime by X%," "Led a team that launched Y product").
    • Showcase a portfolio of projects (e.g., GitHub for developers).
    • Highlight certifications and proficiency in specific technologies relevant to the target job.
    • Emphasize adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies, especially AI-related tools if applicable to their field.
    • Network extensively through LinkedIn, industry events, and alumni groups.
  • Expected Benefits/Outlook:
    • Outlook: More challenging than nursing due to tech layoffs and AI disruption. Competition is higher.
    • Re-employment Speed: May take longer; proactive upskilling and networking are crucial.
    • Salary: Could be variable. May need to be flexible on initial salary expectations depending on the role and company. Specialists in high-demand niches (e.g., cybersecurity, AI/ML) will fare better.

3. Marketing/Design Professional (30-35 years old)

  • Situation: Laid off, likely due to restructuring, budget cuts, or the impact of AI tools on content creation and design tasks.
  • Hot Skills, Tools, and Qualifications:
    • Core: SEO/SEM, content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, data analytics (Google Analytics), CRM software (HubSpot, Salesforce), graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite).
    • Emerging/AI-Adjacent: Proficiency with AI-powered marketing tools (for content generation, ad optimization, personalization, design assistance), marketing automation, data-driven strategy development, UX/UI design with an understanding of AI integration.
  • Potential Job Opportunities:
    • Digital Marketing Specialist/Manager
    • Content Strategist/Creator (leveraging AI tools)
    • SEO/SEM Analyst
    • Social Media Manager
    • Marketing Analyst
    • UX/UI Designer
    • Brand Manager
    • Freelance or agency work.
  • Resume Submission Directions:
    • Showcase a strong portfolio with measurable results (e.g., "Increased website traffic by X%," "Improved conversion rates by Y%").
    • Highlight proficiency with relevant marketing and design software, including any experience with AI tools.
    • Emphasize creativity, analytical skills, and the ability to adapt to evolving marketing trends.
    • Tailor applications to demonstrate understanding of how their skills can drive business outcomes in an AI-influenced landscape.
  • Expected Benefits/Outlook:
    • Outlook: Competitive and evolving rapidly. Professionals who can demonstrate an ability to leverage AI as a tool rather than be replaced by it will have an advantage.
    • Re-employment Speed: Variable; depends on specialization, portfolio, and networking.
    • Salary: Can vary widely. Roles that blend creative skills with strong analytical and technical capabilities (especially data and AI) may command higher salaries.

General Recommendations for All Laid-Off Individuals:

  • Networking: Actively engage with professional networks.
  • Upskilling/Reskilling: Consider short courses or certifications in high-demand areas or AI-related tools relevant to their field.
  • Tailor Applications: Customize resumes and cover letters for each specific job.
  • Be Prepared for a Potentially Longer Search: Especially for IT and Marketing, the job market is more competitive.
  • Consider Contract/Freelance Work: This can provide income and experience while searching for a permanent role.

Origin Reddit Post

r/jobs

Anyone experiencing job loss in their circle?

Posted by u/TrainingWoodpecker77•06/24/2025
In the last 2 months, 3 extended family members have been laid off or let go. One in marketing/design, one IT, and a nurse. All around 30 -35 years old and very smart,dependable, hard workers

Top Comments

u/Reader47b
I'm confused about the investments drying up part when the one-year return on the S&P is 12%. It's not as gangbusters as it has been, but it's a bit higher than average over a thiry-year
u/Admirable_Limit_7630
Yep, not just US but everywhere else too, if you have 4-7 years experience right now and in a mid-level role it's scary
u/Admirable-Boss9560
I work in higher ed and have multiple friends laid off from higher ed or federal govermment (esp USAID). About half the colleges around are doing layoffs. A lot laid off are in their 40s, so
u/holiestcannoly
My mom has been unemployed since December. Boyfriend was unemployed from November until March, and only got in because his mom got him on payroll at her job…
u/Slight_Manufacturer6
The stock market is mainly speculative and not a direct reflection of how well a company is doing and unless a company sells more new stock during that time, they don’t benefit much from rais
u/pilgrim103
The problem is they are old
u/TonytheNetworker
I (and4 other colleagues ) just got laid off last week. And my company also told me it was due to “restructuring.”
u/citizen2689
Yup, 900 employees where I work. We're all supposed to be laid off permanently in December of this year. Everyone in my industry is applying for the same job openings, hopefully it all turns
u/1dayatatime_mylife
What do you both do for work?
u/happycynic12
The routine in the U.S. now is to fire experienced, well-paid people who know the shit employers aren't allowed to do, and replace them with passive, inexperienced people they can pay $12 a h
u/nudniksphilkes
Unfortunately companies operate on the concept of unlimited growth, which doesn't exist.
u/TrainingWoodpecker77
seriously? Rage baiting? That's so not funny. I'm scared for these kids.
u/Available-Ad-5081
My friend and I were just talking about this. More and more of our social circle is becoming unemployed and *long* term unemployed. It’s really scary.
u/gamerdudeNYC
Most likely an occupational health nurse at the employee health divisions at a large company or hospital, those that handle things like drug tests and on site injuries.
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/nope_noway_
Yup! Same is happening to all warehouses in my area as well! We are literally in the process of training our replacements, and there’s not much we can do if we want to keep our jobs for a
u/Slight_Manufacturer6
Regional ISP
u/riding_rocinante
Interesting that a nurse was laid off. He/she should be able to find another job real quick.
u/shamesister
My husband lost his job of 17 years. It was a layoff due to wanting to save money or some crap. He did the payroll and he was the only one who knew how, so it doesn't seem smart. And I'm abo
u/shamesister
My husband lost his job of 17 years. It was a layoff due to wanting to save money or some crap. He did the payroll and he was the only one who knew how, so it doesn't seem smart. And I'm abo
u/perilousp69
Industry, por favor?
u/mightymite88
I dunno holmes I don't live there. But Canadian companies are moving their production back home and stimulating jobs here to avoid the tariffs.
u/True-Firefighter-796
Projects are on hold because no one can predict how much anything will cost thanks to TACO playing with the TARIFF! button
u/Available-Ad-5081
My friend and I were just talking about this. More and more of our social circle is becoming unemployed and *long* term unemployed. It’s really scary.
u/Yupthrowawayacct
Yes. One of my previous positions I was replaced with someone who had my credentials but overseas. Lovely.
u/CommercialWeakness22
Good situation to be in, maybe your industry is growing overall and your company will be competing with other companies to keep the talent they have by also giving current employees better in
u/chobani-
I have friends with MBAs from top schools who have been laid off as part of restructuring. They’re actually the only ones I personally know who have been affected - the job market for entry/e
u/MrMartiTech
Sad...
u/alienobsession
This 100
u/Individual_Ad_5655
What jobs specifically have moved back to USA?
u/Welcome2B_Here
Administrative costs account for [\~40%](https://www.aha.org/guidesreports/2024-09-10-skyrocketing-hospital-administrative-costs-burdensome-commercial-insurer-policies-are-impacting) of budge
u/Zealousideal_Dig39
Nah the "free covid money" that was handed out is gone. Wait did people actually think those travel nurse salaries were anything but temporary? Lol, lmao.
u/gman2391
I don't personally know anyone who has lost their job recently. Honestly my company is hiring like absolute crazy right now
u/AmourSucre
Yes, it keeps getting worse each year.
u/coffeendonuts1
Im surprised too. I always thought nursing was a safe job in terms of there being employment
u/FraserFir1409
Yeah, I'm near the nation's capital looking for actual work, but no one wants to hire. It's the inverse of what you're dealing with.
u/jdsizzle1
Same. I have a friend going in 3 years, another who just got a job after a year, and another who was laid off last month. All if these guys have 5-10 YOE in a professional career.
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/AnomalyFour
Very slow this spring in residential hvac. Two guys laid off in a very small company. I didn't work for a month. People stopped calling. I have changed sectors to get ahead of this
u/mightymite88
Yeah. Too expensive to build product there and bring it back home now. Cheaper to build it here thanks to the tariffs. So the factories are moving.
u/Zealousideal_Dig39
All of the skilled people I know were able to quickly find another jobs.
u/Reader47b
I'm confused about the investments drying up part when the one-year return on the S&P is 12%. It's not as gangbusters as it has been, but it's a bit higher than average over a thiry-year
u/CommercialWeakness22
My company is "restructuring" by laying off nearly 50% of the workforce by the end of this month (I was spared for now, they might have forgotten I still work here, shhh). Investments have dr
u/TrainingWoodpecker77
They cut the per diem staff. Now the full time staff is going to be overloaded and will probably strike
u/Welcome2B_Here
Due to administrative overhead.
u/CommercialWeakness22
My company is "restructuring" by laying off nearly 50% of the workforce by the end of this month (I was spared for now, they might have forgotten I still work here, shhh). Investments have dr
u/Reader47b
No job loss, but I've had my hours cut. Another family member who lives with me has had hours cut. The result is a 20% reduction in household income. I'm looking for another full-time job or
u/Sure_Ad_9884
The effects of AI😒😒
u/TemperatureLogical29
I think the OP said per diem (prn) this is less than PT so I see why they were let go first. They usually work 2 shift in a 4-6 week period. FT nurses still working.
u/Slight_Manufacturer6
None 🤣
u/Agent50Leven
I've been laid off. I have friends with spouses working government jobs who are nervous. It's rough out here.
u/OCQueer
Right now, public education is shedding a lot of jobs. My friend, who has worked in the library for 20 years at a major UC here in CA recently had a bunch of co-workers let go. What was once
u/random-khajit
It is in terms of being able to find another job, but right now most medical facilities \[hospitals, nursing homes, etc\] are running in the red. Costs keep going up, reimbursment is not.
u/Slight_Manufacturer6
Yes, but that wasn’t the point at all. Just because the stocks went up 12%, that doesn’t mean the businesses went up 12%. All it means is people expected the stocks to go up so they bought m
u/mightymite88
My circle has actually suddenly gained a bunch of jobs and promotions. USA having a trade war is def stimulating our economy as we cut them out and move more jobs back home.
u/nope_noway_
Because the work isn’t there and they are letting us (people with the company 3+ years) go one by one for the most ridiculous reasons. It’s blatantly obvious at this point. Just because it
u/Slight_Manufacturer6
Job market around here is still in favor of employees. When ever jobs are posted, there are very few applicants. I am usually lucky to see 5. On another note. In the 25+ years I have worked
u/TonytheNetworker
I just found out my replacement is making 24k less than what I made. And in turn they’re just grateful to have found a job. Crazy world…
u/HearTheBluesACalling
My partner and I have moved from the possibility of better paying jobs, to how we can build our dreams on lower incomes/one income (moving to a cheaper region, saving and investing carefully,
u/ehpotatoes1
Why nurse?!
u/Reader47b
No job loss, but I've had my hours cut. Another family member who lives with me has had hours cut. The result is a 20% reduction in household income. I'm looking for another full-time job or
u/HearTheBluesACalling
Yeah, it isn’t going to be replacing humans entirely, but it can sure cut a team down.
u/Slight_Manufacturer6
We just went through a restructure and are adding more people in the process.
u/bfg2600
Brother quit a resturant chef job because he came into work and they made him work an hour and sent him home 4 times in a row and several times the weeks before because it was slow in the res
u/Yupthrowawayacct
Not always. Profits come first always in healthcare.
u/SolidLeek1421
even scarier. The long term unemployed are never counted in the unemployment. The government is trying to hide the truth. 
u/Solid-Wish-1724
Writer-editor here, one fmr coworker out of work for 18 mo. Another going on a year and has a stellar resume but gets ghosted and rejected daily. I will be losing my job soon and am high-key
u/Individual_Ad_5655
Marketing and IT are both being hurt by AI. Companies need less people to do more work when they can leverage AI to develop software faster or write marketing materials faster. Yes these ac
u/txcaddy
Maybe it depends in what area of the country you live in. In my area everyone is hiring.
u/TonytheNetworker
I just found out my replacement is making 24k less than what I made. And in turn they’re just grateful to have found a job. Crazy world…
u/HotBack7324
Boyfriend let go today. He’s in marketing. Twice in the last year. It’s awful
u/RichAstronaut
I honestly do not know one person that has been laid off this year. Last year, I knew three people that were laid off in January.
u/Solid-Wish-1724
Yep. The government lies about the numbers and so many ppl are off the books and not collecting unemployment anymore.
u/riding_rocinante
Interesting that a nurse was laid off. He/she should be able to find another job real quick.
u/General-Attitude1112
Yes my main job closed but I was prn. And my father lost his job.
u/alienobsession
This 100
u/Intelligent_Idea_677
How the hell do you know it’s your replacement? Y’all are ridiculous
u/txcaddy
in a trade and gulf coast, my daughter is an RN and she says everyone needs more nurses in our area.
u/Individual_Ad_5655
What jobs specifically have moved back to USA?
u/FraserFir1409
Interesting. I've seen hospitals in Northern VA wantonly firing doctors. There seem to be massive differences region to region.
u/ehpotatoes1
Why nurse?!
u/Solid-Wish-1724
Love your optimism. Unfortunately the genie is out of the bottle and we're never going back.
u/Putrid_Wolverine8486
My sad optimistic hope is all of this abuse from the highly experienced to the fledgling workers find solidarity in common ground. That once these older sacks retire and die a new general und
u/happycynic12
The routine in the U.S. now is to fire experienced, well-paid people who know the shit employers aren't allowed to do, and replace them with passive, inexperienced people they can pay $12 a h
u/The_Bestest_Me
Do you work on a farm? That's about the only sector that's actively recruiting. Job description and pay sounds really ad though.
u/TonytheNetworker
I (and4 other colleagues ) just got laid off last week. And my company also told me it was due to “restructuring.”
u/bfg2600
Read an article that 5 percent unemployment was not really accurate and it's more like 20 percent
u/Better_North3957
I am pretty sure one of the reasons I got targeted at my last job was that I was making more money than my manager and she had an issue with that. No way to prove it though. Not my fault I ne
u/ExcitableSarcasm
While new employees also have to go through hell to find jobs. Ain't life grand
u/FraserFir1409
Which industry and what part of the country?
u/Welcome2B_Here
Administrative costs account for [40% ](https://www.aha.org/guidesreports/2024-09-10-skyrocketing-hospital-administrative-costs-burdensome-commercial-insurer-policies-are-impacting)of budgets
u/FraserFir1409
Which sector and what part of the country?
u/mightymite88
My circle has actually suddenly gained a bunch of jobs and promotions. USA having a trade war is def stimulating our economy as we cut them out and move more jobs back home.
u/Individual_Ad_5655
Marketing and IT are both being hurt by AI. Companies need less people to do more work when they can leverage AI to develop software faster or write marketing materials faster. Yes these ac
u/Individual_Ad_5655
For what product or industry? The USA is 8 times the market of Canada for most products. Wouldn't it make more sense to leave the production in USA to sell to the much larger market and ge
u/SolidLeek1421
shocking! what kind of world are we living in right now! 
u/gamerdudeNYC
Most likely an occupational health nurse at the employee health divisions at a large company or hospital, those that handle things like drug tests and on site injuries.
u/mightymite88
I dunno holmes I don't live there. But Canadian companies are moving their production back home and stimulating jobs here to avoid the tariffs.
u/mightymite88
I work in sales for a Canadian BBQ and appliance company, Canadians are turning to us instead of American brands now. We're hiring in several departments (sales, parts, warehouse, BBQ assemb
u/MyopicMirrors
The opposite in my case, two friends have been able to secure better jobs in the last year. Meanwhile, I've been out of work for that same period of time and have had over 25 interviews and c
u/CommercialWeakness22
Two things:  1) Last year was a great growth year for the market with all three benchmarks, the S&P 500 the Nasdaq composite and the Dow Jones up over 20%, so looking at the one-year re
u/TrainingWoodpecker77
Pre Diem oncology. Apparently they made too much money now the full timers are talking strike.
u/Peliquin
My peer group is full of long-term unemployed folks right now.
u/Evening_Signature586
Rage baiting, or just live in a cave? Not many. Maybe 30-40 people over the last 2-3 years. Pretty well known, and a common problem these days. Many of them have been out of work for 1-
u/Still-Bee3805
School bus companies are always hiring.
u/MiketheTzar
Just the normal "tech correction" downsizing and "shifting non-monetary positions to 3rd party". It's a bad time to be in marketing or a non-lead programmer role
u/Individual_Ad_5655
Moving their production back from USA?
u/Naive-Bird-1326
Yeah, bunch of relatives lost jobs.. it's rough out there.
u/JustSimmerDownNow
This ⬆️ Exactly
u/silvachr
I'm afraid for the country if the job thing doesn't get better. This is how the shit starts. Lots of educated people with no opportunities is how the revolution starts.
u/Reader47b
If you put your investments in a stock index fund...your investments should have gone up around 12% in the last year, yes?

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