#unemployment

I was laid off last month and received severance. I will also apply for unemployment, and I know that unemployment doesn't start to pay until after the severance # weeks passes. Do I have to show that I'm looking for a job during that severance period, or am I able to take a break for a few weeks before starting my job search? I just want to make sure I can still qualify for unemployment in a few months if I don't start looking for a job right away. I'm in Minnesota if that matters.

today's the official separation date for thousands of us since RIF waves started at the beginning of the year. pour one out. 🥂

and to everyone out there suffering at a job they hate - remind yourself that hundreds of thousands of people are actively looking for work and it is statistically, measurably harder to find a job when you don't have one. your misery is temporary. unemployment is also miserable but with added financial anxiety.

refer people when you can. be kind to applicants. and if you know someone who got laid off today, check on them.

we're gonna be fine probably 🫡

Especially with this many people flooding the market all at once?

Aravind Srinivas (CEO, Perplexity) just dropped a blunt take on AI layoffs: most people don’t even like their jobs, so getting replaced by AI might actually be the push they need to build something better.

Speaking alongside rising fears from leaders like Bill McDermott (CEO, ServiceNow), who warns unemployment could surge, Srinivas flips the narrative, arguing AI is unlocking a wave of “mini businesses” powered by tools anyone can learn.

Mark Cuban and Sam Altman agree the shift is real: companies are already cutting roles and doing more with smaller teams. Bottom line: AI isn’t just ki-ling jobs, it’s rewriting the rules, and the people who adapt fastest may end up better off than ever.

https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/technology/articles/most-people-dont-enjoy-jobs-213315361

Goldman Sachs forecasts rising oil prices will impact the US labor market. The bank expects a reduction of 10,000 jobs per month through 2026. This could push the unemployment rate to 4.6% by the third quarter of 2026. Slower hiring, rather than increased layoffs, will be the main driver. Consumer-facing industries, like leisure and hospitality, are most vulnerable.

https://www.storyboard18.com/amp/how-it-works/goldman-sachs-sees-10000-monthly-hit-to-us-job-growth-layoffs-to-edge-up-as-oil-prices-rise-93419.htm

Initial claims for U.S. unemployment benefits increased last week. Economists estimate applications rose to 235,000 for the week ending October 4. This increase is linked to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Contractors and federal workers are experiencing temporary layoffs. The shutdown has also delayed official economic data releases.

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/10/10/breaking-news/jobless-claims-rise-as-u-s-shutdown-drags-on/

Initial unemployment claims in Arkansas rose last week. The U.S. Department of Labor reported this increase. New jobless claims reached 2,057 for the week ending December 6. This was up from 1,319 claims the prior week. U.S. unemployment claims also increased to 236,000 last week.

https://www.swtimes.com/story/news/2025/12/13/unemployment-numbers/87715873007/

Arizona's unemployment rate increased recently. It reached 4.3% in November. This was a 0.1% rise from September. The state's rate is lower than the national average. It also remains below Arizona's pre-pandemic average.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/economy/2026/01/08/arizonas-unemployment-rate-up-slightly-reaches-4-3/88072819007/

Arizona's economy recently showed positive job growth. The state added 38,500 jobs over a 12-month period. This period ended in August 2025. Arizona's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1%. This rate is slightly lower than the U.S. unemployment rate.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/economy/2025/11/06/10-biggest-arizona-mass-layoffs-2025/87114393007/

I know many are tempted to quit with cuts and uncertainty but unless you have something lined up, don't. Even a horrible job that pays the bills is better than unemployment at a time when job market is among the worst it's ever been. Don't make the mistake of putting yourself into an even worse position on an impulse.

Louisiana recorded 1,232 initial unemployment filings. This data covers the week ending March 14. This figure is 0.6% lower than the previous week. Initial claims were also 19% lower than last year. Continued claims fell to 6,260, a 44% decrease from last year.

https://www.businessreport.com/article/fewer-layoffs-for-now-louisiana-jobless-claims-are-nearly-20-lower-than-2025

Americans are cutting back on spending due to rising gas prices. Gas prices are approaching $4 a gallon after the Iran war. Economists predict sustained price increases could strain household budgets. Despite these pressures, U.S. unemployment benefit applications decreased last week. New jobless claims fell to 205,000, below expert forecasts.

https://www.businessreport.com/article/roundup-the-squeeze-begins-layoffs-not-yet-baton-rouge-built

Laid Off by Wells Fargo in My 60s, I Can't Afford to Retire - Business Insider https://share.google/hRpFuSSI6CnVwc7HP

Many workers are now choosing to stay in their current jobs. This trend reflects a slowing job market and reduced worker confidence. The expected quit rate dropped to a decade low of 15.9% in February. Employers also cut 92,000 jobs in February, raising labor market concerns. A low quit rate typically signals slower wage growth and fewer opportunities.

http://www.msn.com/en-in/news/india/workers-hold-on-to-jobs-as-layoffs-rise-and-quit-rate-falls-to-decade-low/ar-AA1XVJVE?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1

New Jersey employers plan to eliminate over 4,100 jobs by March 16, 2026. Economists at Rutgers University forecast a small employment decline for 2026. The state's unemployment rate is expected to continue rising through 2027. Bristol Myers Squibb will eliminate an additional 247 jobs by late 2026. Other sectors like retail and health services also report significant job reductions.

https://patch.com/new-jersey/across-nj/nj-layoffs-see-where-job-cuts-are-deepest

The West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board is hosting a rapid response session. This event targets Family Fare employees and other workers facing layoffs. SpartanNash announced 57 layoffs at Family Fare in Chippewa Falls in February. The information session is scheduled for March 19, 2026. It will cover unemployment benefits, health insurance, and dislocated worker services.

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

https://www.weau.com/2026/03/17/informational-session-happening-chippewa-falls-family-fare-employees-affected-by-lay-offs/

Employers announced nearly 2,000 layoffs in Florida during February. Federal officials reported a national decrease of 92,000 jobs for the month. So far in 2026, Florida has seen 2,791 announced layoffs from over two dozen employers. This total represents a 36 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2025. The national unemployment rate slightly rose to 4.4 percent.

https://patch.com/florida/southtampa/more-layoffs-hit-fl-federal-job-numbers-fall

UnitedHealth Group’s slogan is: “Helping people live healthier lives.”

I lost my job at Optum in 2025 and remain unemployed. As a result, I also lost my health insurance. I cannot afford COBRA, and I have a serious health condition that is currently going untreated. Each month I am forced to choose between paying rent or paying for heathcare coverage.

Without treatment, my condition will eventually become terminal.

THANK YOU OPTUM FOR NOT CARING!

Initial unemployment claims rose in South Dakota last week. The U.S. Department of Labor reported the increase. New jobless claims reached 215 for the week ending February 28. This was up from 202 claims the previous week. U.S. unemployment claims remained steady at 213,000.

https://www.aberdeennews.com/story/news/2026/03/07/unemployment-claims-in-south-dakota-increased-last-week/88998492007/

Initial jobless claims in South Carolina decreased last week. The U.S. Department of Labor reported these figures. New claims fell to 1,877 for the week ending February 28. This was a drop from 1,893 claims the week before. U.S. unemployment claims remained unchanged at 213,000.

https://www.blufftontoday.com/story/news/2026/03/07/unemployment-numbers/88998489007/

The U.S. economy lost 92,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in February. The national unemployment rate remained steady at 4.4%. South Carolina's unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in December 2025. This increase was mainly due to a significant influx of new workers into the labor force. The state also experienced a net loss of 5,900 payroll jobs.

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2026/03/11/sc-unemployment-hits-above-national-average-what-it-means/89025084007/

Initial unemployment filings in Massachusetts decreased last week. Claims fell to 4,861 by February 28. This was a drop from 5,693 the week prior. National unemployment claims held steady at 213,000. New York saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims.

https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/2026/03/07/unemployment-numbers/88998728007/

I wish I was told before hand that things were this bad for me , instead of just things seemingly to be okay.

Now I have no job/ no income and the job market is not great.

Got let go in October and my severance will run out in a few months - when should I apply for unemployment insurance?

Initial unemployment claims in California decreased last week. The U.S. Department of Labor reported this data. New jobless claims dropped to 42,065 for the week ending February 28. This figure was lower than the 42,563 reported the previous week. Nationally, U.S. unemployment claims held steady at 213,000.

https://www.redding.com/story/news/2026/03/08/unemployment-numbers/88998587007/

New Jersey experienced a significant increase in WARN notices. Over 3,800 layoffs were announced by 23 employers in early 2026. This represents an 83% rise compared to the same period last year. Layoffs affected diverse sectors including retail, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. New Jersey's unemployment rate reached 5.4%, exceeding the national average.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jersey-hired-reports-alarming-spike-164700917.html

Considering the job market and the overall state of the world and the economy? How lucky are we, right?

Over 1,800 layoffs were announced in New Jersey during February. Federal officials reported 92,000 fewer jobs nationally. The federal unemployment rate increased to 4.4 percent. New Jersey recorded 3,857 layoffs from 23 employers in 2026. Macy's initiated 79 statewide layoffs effective March 7.

https://patch.com/new-jersey/across-nj/more-nj-layoffs-announced-federal-job-numbers-fall

I know there’s a good bit of you on here that were let go in early December and were sent that BS separation letter to sign. My question is: if we agreed to sign it, that meant we stayed “employed” until March 31st and that would be our last day of employment and can sign up for unemployment on April 1st.

My question is: Since March 31st is our last day of employment, we would receive a final paycheck on April 15th, correct?

• Major firms announcing AI linked job cuts include Nike, Amazon, Meta, Dow, HP, Allianz, Telstra, WiseTech, Pinterest, Autodesk, MercadoLibre, SEB, British American Tobacco, and Agora.

• Goldman Sachs warns that accelerating AI adoption could raise US unemployment, estimating AI caused 5,000 to 10,000 monthly net job losses in highly exposed industries last year and accounted for 7% of planned layoffs in January.

• Companies across sectors including technology, finance, manufacturing, telecoms, and consumer goods are restructuring to prioritize AI, automation, and digital transformation.

• Workforce reductions range from hundreds to several thousand roles, with some companies cutting up to one third of staff as they redirect investment toward AI systems, cloud platforms, and efficiency programs.

• The trend signals a broader shift in corporate strategy, as businesses reallocate capital toward AI driven productivity gains, raising concerns among investors and economists about structural labor market disruption.

https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/companies-cutting-jobs-investments-shift-toward-ai-2026-02-25/

I see some people mention they'd love to be laid off, but I'm certainly not among them. Not when jobs are this hard to come by. I'd rather suffer through a bad workplace than unemployment. But apparently, some feel the opposite. And I'm just wondering, how many of you are there?

If so, is there anything helpful you can share with those of us who are new to the process?

As project Crane continues to sla-ghter headcount and increase exec compensation the job market becomes even more unfavorable leaving employees unable to pay their WF mortgages, car payments, personal loans and more. Severance pay is only for people with tenure. So many people we new to wells fargo just a couple of years ago which means at best they might see 2 weeks or so of severance. Pay your bills on that, good luck because its not possible. Unemployment in many states is around $200 a week. What can someone really do with that, NOTHING!!!!

everytime I log onto linkedin basically every other post is someone posting something about being laid off and its terrible. if we get a roughly 30 percent unemployment rate like many people think what does that mean for our own jobs

UK unemployment reached 5.2%, a five-year high. The retail sector lost 74,000 jobs year-on-year. Businesses attribute these job losses to higher labor costs. Increased National Insurance contributions and minimum wage hikes impacted hiring. Younger workers and consumer-facing businesses are most affected.

https://internetretailing.net/retail-layoffs-mount-as-uk-unemployment-climbs-to-five-year-peak/

UK

New unemployment claims in Washington ticked up last week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Initial filings climbed to 6,643 for the week ending Feb. 7, compared with 6,294 the week before.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/unemployment-claims-in-washington-increased-last-week/ar-AA1WjUaV

Virginia experienced a significant increase in unemployment claims last week. The state received 5,592 initial claims, a 71% rise from the prior week. Amazon announced plans to lay off 691 employees in Northern Virginia. These layoffs are due to the closure of five Amazon Fresh grocery stores in April. Most affected employees are retail workers, food production staff, and managers.

https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_6eb49c3a-3a7e-414a-b43e-a391b09f02af.html

If you live and worked in NY and you’re in the non working notice period, can you collect NYS Unemployment?

AI Innovation -

1) Software Firms.

2) Private Credit Firms.

3) Insurance Brokerage Firms.

4) Wealth-Management Firms.

While AI contributes many useful innovations towards society, and will create (some) related jobs.

The stocks of those respective industries are (currently) being sold off within the Global markets.

The unemployment rate will increase (along with layoffs) the U.S. National debt (currently) at $38.7 Trillion (and rising) per usdebtclock will have (less) contributions from U.S. taxpayers (in general) unless Corporations, and the wealthy; pay more.

This list is going (not if) expand over time, if the job is computer dependent; AI can (and will) take its' place.

Michigan's initial unemployment claims dropped last week. Filings fell to 8,535 in the week ending January 24. This was down from 16,776 the previous week. U.S. unemployment claims also saw a slight decrease. They dropped to 209,000 nationally.

https://www.aol.com/articles/unemployment-claims-michigan-declined-last-080100923.html