Your job can’t love you back — but that doesn’t mean a layoff won’t hurt.

This week, I’m joined by Ilana Dunn, host of Seeing Other People and one of the most thoughtful voices on dating, self-worth, and navigating major life transitions online. Ilana went through a layoff herself, and together we unpack what happens when your career rug gets pulled out from under you.

We talk about the emotional whiplash of layoffs, why so many high performers get cut, and how to rethink your identity when the job you built your life around disappears. We also dig into career pivots — how to tell when one is a strategic move versus a fear-based reaction.

We get into:

Why layoffs are rarely personal (even when they feel devastating)
The grief, shame, and panic no one warns you about
Rebuilding confidence after being “cut”
When a career pivot is actually a power move
Why tying your self-worth to your job will always backfire

Follow Ilana on Instagram and check out her podcast Seeing Other People for honest conversations about dating, identity, and becoming yourself again.

https://www.instagram.com/seeingotherpeople/

https://www.instagram.com/ilanadunn/

If you’ve ever stayed loyal to a company that wouldn’t hesitate to replace you, this episode is your reminder: your career should serve you, not the other way around.

Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your job can't love you back: Talking layoffs and career pivots with Ilana Dunn

Clock In with Emily Durham

Your job can't love you back: Talking layoffs and career pivots with Ilana Dunn