Shaffan Mustafa knows layoffs all too well. The Ohio-based software engineer has been let go three times since 2020. While his first layoff left him feeling isolated and discouraged, his most recent experience was different — thanks to online communities like the Substack newsletter "Laid Off." Reading stories from others in similar situations made him feel less alone, and joining the newsletter’s Discord group became a daily ritual for support, advice, and camaraderie.
The Birth of Layoff Communities
"Laid Off" was started by Melanie Ehrenkranz after her own layoff from a fintech startup in 2023. Noticing a lack of spaces to process the emotional impact of job loss, she launched the newsletter in August 2024, featuring interviews with people about their layoff experiences. The response was overwhelming, with over 10,000 subscribers in just a few months.
Across the U.S., layoffs have become more common, especially in tech, with over 90,000 tech workers let go in the first five months of 2025 alone. This has led to a boom in layoff support groups — from Reddit’s r/Layoffs (120,000+ members) to dedicated LinkedIn groups and Discord servers. Social media has also seen the rise of “layoff influencers” who share their journeys and advice, gathering thousands of followers.
Changing the Narrative
In the past, layoffs carried significant stigma, often seen as a personal failure. The pandemic changed that, making layoffs a widespread and visible phenomenon. Platforms like LinkedIn normalized public announcements of job loss, and the #OpenToWork banner became a common sight. Now, being laid off is seen as a shared experience rather than an individual shortcoming.
Some, like Giovanna Ventola, have turned their layoff stories into content and even new careers, building platforms and communities to help others navigate unemployment.
The Emotional Toll — and the Need for Support
Despite the normalization, layoffs remain emotionally taxing. Research links job loss to increased risks of depression and anxiety. For some, like Christine Reichenbach, who was laid off while pregnant, support groups tailored to specific experiences (like The Labor Club for women laid off during pregnancy or postpartum) have been a lifeline.
Reichenbach ultimately left the tech industry, started her own company, and created her own support network — Beyond the Layoffs — to offer both practical help and a safe space to vent.
Social Media, Professionalism, and Advocacy
As layoff stories flood social media, the lines between personal and professional boundaries blur. While recruiters caution against bad-mouthing former employers online, many laid-off workers are pushing back against negative labels and sharing their side of the story publicly, especially when large companies are involved.
These platforms and communities provide a sense of validation and help shift blame from individuals to broader economic forces or company decisions.
Moving Forward
For many, layoff support groups are more than just places to commiserate; they’re launching pads for new opportunities. Groups like Here2Help, founded by former Meta employee Fana Yohannes, connect job seekers with mentors and resources, helping thousands find new roles.
Even as some members find new jobs, they often stay connected to these communities — a testament to the uncertainty of today’s job market and the ongoing need for solidarity and support.
Layoff support groups and influencers are transforming how people experience, process, and recover from job loss. What was once a taboo subject is now a shared, public, and even empowering journey for many.