Thread regarding Centene Corp. layoffs

Been feeling down too. Still can't find a job, we'll see what happens, I'm hoping things start looking better for me (and everyone still dealing with looking for employment).

I'm still processing my feelings after taking the VSP and moving on. I was part of the 9/4 crew. I took a night shift job temporarily, and am about to transition back to my old job that I had before Centene came along.
I definitely don't regret taking the VSP, since I used it to pay off credit cards and get some wedding expenses taken care of.
What I regret and struggle with is how things changed so much so quickly. I had a team that I loved, and we all worked together so well. We had a few restructures, and I came to love my new team, too. So much had changed in my corner of the world there over a year's time that the whole vibe was different. Some of my favorite, high-performing teammates were RIFd seemingly out of nowhere in May-June, including my very supportive PL. And the "transparency" we got was not what I'd call transparent, just sporadic barrages of vague messages that didn't clearly lay out next steps and how they would directly affect us. I finally had to accept that it was no longer a place I felt I could ever gauge the future well enough to feel any sense of job security, and move on.
I still stay in touch with some people, but I sure do miss working with them and feeling like we were all valued as people, at least for a time.

Unfortunately, I did not take the VSP. I figured I would roll the dice and see what happens because the market that I was in with Small however I was told on August 10 that my last day would be August 14. It did take me. it did take me until September 21 to start a new job after a month of looking, but everything is so much better despite the cotton pay and the work I’m doing is extremely rewarding. Keep your head up the right thing will come to you as well.

I have zero regrets signing for the VSP! Once in a lifetime opportunity. Not worried about finding another job at all. There are things out there. Will get unemployment and start looking.

Any job recommendations ?

@d0 Correct or clinical I’ve noticed as well.

@OP you're not alone. Sending you best wishes?

I’m in the same boat! Mentally, I’m SO much better since my 9/4 separation date, but I definitely miss those paychecks! 😂
With the VSP I was able to pay off some credit cards and put the rest in a high yield savings.
I found a much more relaxed job, but I still question taking the VSP sometimes. I think I could’ve pushed through a few more years, but I can’t go back, and honestly, I won’t. My peace of mind is worth so much. Just know you’re not alone in feeling this way! ❤️

@ct Same happened to me. They began starving me of work. So, the writing was on the wall. And, yes, it is most definitely harder, if not impossible, to find a job when not currently having a job. Unless maybe you are were in a Director on up role. Somehow they are more easily able to use their buddy buddy network system to move from one corporation to another competitor. But the rest of us, below Director role, when unemployed, somehow have some unhidden “stench” when we apply for roles with competitors. Not really fair.

I am in the exact same situation. Good and bad days. It’s incredibly competitive AI world.
You are not alone. Xo

I had no choice but to take the VSP. They changed the essential functions of my role during my accommodation request. I was on a failing ADA reassignment due to a frozen job board. So, it was leave with nothing after 9 years or take the VSP. I would have stayed and continued looking for another remote job as I already was. This job market is ridiculous and looking for one when you don’t have one makes it worse. So, yep. I understand how you are feeling. This too shall pass. Sending you love and positivity!

I was afraid of feeling depressed with nothing to do also so I took a lower paying job to keep busy, luckily it’s remote and it pays the bills while keeping the severence money safe. Working at this new job may have challenges later but at least it’s a new beginning. I will never regret taking vsp, it’s been an eye opener in the sense that I no longer had to fear evey day if I was going to get cut. That in itself was pure torture. I can imagine those left behind are still wondering daily. That kind of evey day pit in stomach fear is so unhealthy. Jobs do layoff but Centene has already started going a different route with AI, taking away claims in Farmington, etc. I hope you get to realize you made the best decision.

i know other VSP, which unemployment in MO, CA & WA was approved

Only if your state offers that with a VSP. Not all do

Not me, taking the VSP has done wonders for my mental wellness. I have gotten so many things, that I put on the backburner & have now completed tasks and several home projects. Grant it, I do not plan to look for a job until the new year.

I hope that I have a clean slate & can solely focus on job hunting or entrepreneurial opportunities in the new year.

Take care of yourself, and remember landing a job that may/may not be right for you may cause additional stress. Centene is a disaster zone, I hear from people weekly crying/moaning and wanting to leave. Sadly, I have stopped taking their calls because they were bringing me down.

Good luck on your job search.. Maybe apply for unemployment to fill the gaps, (VSP) qualifies because layoffs were imminent!