Laid off from Meta then put on PIP and laid off from another FAANG in the span of a year, what do I do now?
Hi, I live in ireland was part of the layoffs at Meta last year. A few months afterwards I got a temporary contract to work at another FAANG, then I worked hard to turn it into a permanent role within two months.
There was a change of managers towards the end of last year and the new manager, a TikTok employee previously, came and immediately started micromanaging. My wife had an accident last year as well and as primary caretaker I had difficult ramping up that both managers were aware of. Anyways he put me on PIP and I got laid off even after there weren’t any major concerns mentioned in syncs and the goals couldn’t be met due to stakeholders being busy early on in the year.
I was told I can apply to my last company without any cooling off but I am kind of stuck in terms of what I should do now. Applied to about 100 jobs in four weeks all personalised resumes but no replies only rejections.
Jobadvisor
I am so sorry you’ve had to navigate this. Being hit by a Meta layoff is hard enough, but following it up with a "PIP-and-exit" cycle while acting as a primary caregiver for your wife is an immense amount of pressure for one person to carry.
First, let’s normalize this: the "new manager brings a PIP" move is a classic corporate playbook, often used to manage headcount without calling it a layoff. It’s rarely a reflection of your actual talent, especially when the goals were dependent on unresponsive stakeholders.
Here is how we can pivot your strategy to break through the current wall of rejections.
1. Control the Narrative
On your CV and in interviews, you don't need to lead with the PIP. Tech is volatile right now, and Ireland's tech hub status means people understand "restructuring."
The Meta Role: Listed as a standard redundancy (which it was).
The Second FAANG: If it was a short stint, you can frame it as a "Strategic Fixed-Term Project" or a contract that concluded. If asked why you left, you can honestly say: "Following a leadership change and a shift in team priorities, the role no longer aligned with the initial scope I was hired for."
The Caretaker Gap: Don't be afraid to mention a "brief family sabbatical" to manage a medical emergency if there is a gap. It humanizes you and explains why you weren't "all-in" during those specific months.
2. Shift from "Apply" to "Refer"
You mentioned 100 personalized applications with no bites. In the current Irish market (and globally), the "Apply" button is often a black hole for FAANG alumni because recruiters assume you're "too expensive" or "overqualified" for mid-market roles.
The Meta Network: You were told you have no cooling-off period. Reach out to former colleagues who survived the cuts or moved to new firms. A warm intro at a mid-sized Irish unicorn (like Tines, Wayflyer, or Intercom) is worth more than 50 cold apps.
The "Ex-Meta" Groups: Join the alumni networks on LinkedIn or Slack. These are the most active hiring pipelines right now.
3. Financial and Mental Breathing Room
Since you are in Ireland, ensure you are maximizing your local resources while you hunt:
Redundancy & Welfare: Ensure you’ve claimed your Statutory Redundancy (if applicable) and are registered for Jobseeker’s Benefit. It’s a safety net you’ve paid into; use it.
Contracting: Since you successfully converted a contract to permanent before, look for "Day Rate" contracting roles in Dublin’s Silicon Docks. Banks (AIB, Bank of Ireland) and MedTech firms are often hiring for high-level contractors even when they have a "permanent hiring freeze."
4. Addressing the "Rejection Wall"
If you’ve sent 100 personalized resumes and gotten 0 interviews, the issue is likely one of two things:
ATS Filtering: Your resume might be too "FAANG-heavy" for smaller companies that fear you'll leave the moment Google or Apple calls.
Market Mismatch: You might be applying for roles that are "ghost job" postings.
| Issue | Fix |
| Overqualified | Remove some "Senior" branding if applying for mid-level roles. |
| Too Specialized | Generalize your skills. Show you can wear many hats, not just the "Meta" hat. |
| Ghost Postings | Filter LinkedIn jobs by "Posted in the last 24 hours." |
You have the pedigree of two of the world's most elite companies on your CV. This "bad year" is a statistical anomaly, not a career death sentence.
How do people actually switch careers in their 30s or 40s?
I keep seeing people talk about career changes, but most guides focus on people just out of college. I’m curious about how it works for people mid-career.
How do you convince employers to hire you in a totally different field?
Do you need extra education or is experience enough?
Are there industries that are actually open to career changers, or is it mostly just luck and networking?
I’d love to hear real stories from people who successfully made a big career switch.
Jobadvisor
Switching careers in your 30s or 40s is rarely about "starting over"—it’s about re-leveraging. At this stage, you aren't competing with 22-year-olds on raw energy or low salary; you are competing on wisdom, emotional intelligence, and reliability.
The transition is less like a "jump" and more like a game of chess. Here is the blueprint for how it actually happens in the real world.
1. The "One-Variable" Strategy
Most successful mid-career switchers don't change their role and industry at the same time. That is a "double jump" and it's much harder to land.
The Bridge Move: If you are a Project Manager in Tech but want to move into Healthcare, don't try to become a Nurse. Become a Project Manager at a Hospital. Once you are "inside" the new industry, you can pivot your role more easily.
The Subject Matter Move: If you want to change what you do, try doing it in your current industry first. A software engineer at Meta who wants to be a writer might first move into Technical Writing or Developer Advocacy within Tech before jumping to a publishing house.
2. Convincing Employers: "The Narrative"
Employers at this level fear two things: that you’ll be "uncoachable" or that you’ll leave the moment a higher-paying job in your old field opens up. You beat this by reframing your past as a foundation.
Don't say: "I'm looking for a fresh start because I'm burnt out on Tech."
Do say: "My 10 years at Meta taught me how to manage high-stakes stakeholders and complex data. I am now applying that 'FAANG-grade' efficiency to the [New Industry] space, where I see a massive opportunity for [Specific Improvement]."
3. Education vs. Experience
Unless you are entering a regulated field (Law, Medicine, Teaching), a new degree is often a poor ROI for someone in their 40s.
The "Proof of Work" Model: Instead of a 2-year Master's, get a high-impact certification (e.g., PMP for management, AWS for cloud, Series 7 for finance) and build a Portfolio.
Micro-steps: Take a contract or freelance gig in the new field. Real-world "scars" from a 3-month project are worth more to a hiring manager than a 4.0 GPA.
4. Industries Open to "Seasoned" Changers
Some industries actively value the "adult in the room" more than others:
HealthTech & MedTech: They need people who understand both complex operations and the high-compliance environment you likely navigated at Meta.
Renewable Energy: A massive "boom" industry for 2026. They are desperate for logistics, operations, and project management experts from other sectors.
Fractional Leadership: Many startups can't afford a full-time "Head of X" but will pay a premium for a veteran to work 10 hours a week as a consultant.
A Real Story: The "Bridge" Pivot
The Lawyer to Tech Founder: A 42-year-old litigation lawyer realized he hated the courtroom but loved the logic of the law. He didn't go back for a CS degree. Instead, he joined a "LegalTech" startup as a Consultant. He used his deep knowledge of legal pain points to help them build their product. Two years later, he was the COO. He didn't "start over"; he moved his expertise into a new vehicle.
How do I make a career switch to another core sector company? I am a 24 years old Indian guy & have 1.5+ YOE in a core sector job (aluminium industry)?
I am 24 years old & have 1.5+ years of experience working as an Assistant Manager in an aluminium smelter industry in India. I hold a B.Tech in Production Engineering. Specifically, I work in OPERATIONS department in aluminium pot-line. I badly want to switch to another core sector job (be it whatever like steel / iron / automobile sector). I have applied to countless jobs (50+) through LinkedIn/HR emails, but still haven't got any replies/desired responses. How do I make a career switch at this stage of my career? I am open to advice/suggestions from experienced seniors/professionals working in core sector. Please advise me how to make a switch & I will be happy to receive any referrals.
Jobadvisor
Switching core sectors in India—like moving from Aluminium to Steel or Automotive—is a classic "mid-flight" maneuver. It’s entirely possible, but you’re likely hitting a wall because core industries are notoriously traditional. They often value specific technical processes over general engineering degrees.
At 24, with 1.5 years of experience, you are in the "sweet spot" for a lateral move before you become too specialized. Here is how to break the silence from HRs and get that switch moving.
1. Pivot Your Resume (Process vs. Product)
If your resume says "Aluminium Smelting Specialist," a Recruiter in the Steel industry sees zero overlap. You need to translate your experience into Operations & Systems language.
Focus on Transfereable Skills: Instead of "Pot-line Management," use "High-Temperature Process Control," "Shop Floor Management," or "Continuous Flow Operations."
Highlight KPIs: Mention metrics that every core sector loves:
Safety: Zero LTI (Lost Time Injuries).
Efficiency: Reduction in specific energy consumption or downtime.
Man-management: You’re an Assistant Manager; emphasize handling a workforce of 50+ contract workers/technicians.
Standardize: Mention exposure to ISO standards, Six Sigma, 5S, or Lean Manufacturing. These are the universal languages of core sectors.
2. Target the "Bridge" Industries
Don't just jump blindly. Target sectors where your Production Engineering background and Thermal/Heavy Industry experience actually count:
| Target Sector | Why you fit? |
| Steel (JSW, Tata, SAIL) | Similar high-heat environments, massive scale, and similar safety protocols. |
| Automotive (Tata Motors, M&M) | They need Production Engineers for casting, forging, and assembly line operations. |
| Cement/Power | Large-scale continuous process industries where operations management is king. |
| Paints/Chemicals | Heavy focus on process flow and safety. |
3. Fix Your Application Strategy
Applying to 50+ jobs with no reply usually means your resume is being filtered out by an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) or you're "cold-applying" into a black hole.
Stop the "Easy Apply" Spam: In core sectors, LinkedIn "Easy Apply" is rarely checked.
The "Naukri" Factor: In the Indian core sector, Naukri.com is still more effective than LinkedIn for roles like "Production Engineer" or "Operations Manager." Optimize your profile there with keywords like Plant Operations, Preventive Maintenance, and Production Planning.
Internal Referrals: This is the only way to bypass the queue. Find alumni from your college working at Tata Steel, JSW, or Maruti Suzuki.
Message: "Hi [Name], I'm a Production grad from [College]. I've been managing pot-line operations at [Company] and am looking to bring that experience to the [Steel/Auto] sector. Could you refer me for [Job ID]?"
4. Upskill for the "Switch"
Since you want to move sectors, show you are serious about the new sector:
Certifications: Get a Green Belt in Six Sigma or a certification in Supply Chain Management.
Software: If you're eyeing Auto, brush up on ERP (SAP/Oracle) modules related to Production Planning (PP) or Quality Management (QM).
A Reality Check (With Wit)
Core sectors in India are like old banyan trees—they move slowly. An Assistant Manager in an aluminium smelter has high "grit" value. HRs know you can handle heat, dust, and labor—don't let that go to waste. You aren't just a "Pot-line guy"; you are a Process Operations Professional.
Looking for new career ideas at 53 years old..?
Hi all!
A quick background on my situation:
I was married for 20 years and my husband’s job allowed me to stay home to raise my children.
Unfortunately, we divorced and he has been unwilling to help me get on my feet, so it’s been a rough last 6 years. I’ve been working for my dad’s company for the last 3 years making decent money,but in a role that I’m not passionate about.
I am in the \*VERY\* lucky position that he has offered to help support me while I go back to school to get trained for a career that will allow me to support myself. I’ll be moving to Southern California (Palm Springs area), and I would like to keep schooling under 2 years.
My question is to women here,over 50: What kinds of careers did you start late in life that weren’t too difficult to get started in that you enjoy and pay you a decent wage and will be doable for the next 15 or so years at my already advanced age?
(Side note: I love helping people, I’m empathetic, very patient and have lots of energy!☺️)
Thank you in advance for your thoughts!!💕
Jobadvisor
It is incredibly brave and exciting to start this new chapter at 53. Transitioning after 20 years of being a stay-at-home mom gives you a unique "soft skill" set—patience, empathy, and multitasking—that are in massive demand in the professional world, especially in a community like Palm Springs with its large retiree and healthcare-focused population.
Since you have a 2nd-year window for schooling and want a career that is physically doable for the next 15 years, here are four "late-start friendly" career paths in Southern California:
1. Patient Advocate / Health Navigator
This is the "empathy gold mine." Patient advocates help people (often seniors or those with complex illnesses) navigate the insurance, medical, and legal hurdles of the healthcare system.
The Schooling: You can get a certificate in Patient Advocacy or Health Navigation in 6–12 months. Some programs are fully online.
Why it fits: It’s less physically taxing than nursing but allows you to be the "hero" in a patient’s journey.
Palm Springs Factor: With the huge senior population in the Coachella Valley, demand for private and hospital-based advocates is very high.
Pay: Generally ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 annually in CA.
2. Ultrasound Technologist (Diagnostic Medical Sonographer)
If you want the highest pay for a 2-year investment, this is a top contender. Unlike X-ray techs, sonographers aren't exposed to radiation, and the job is generally less "heavy lifting" than traditional nursing.
The Schooling: An Associate Degree (usually 21–24 months). Look at local community colleges like College of the Desert (Palm Desert) for affordable programs.
Why it fits: It’s technical but requires a gentle, patient touch—perfect for someone with your energy and empathy.
Pay: In the Palm Springs/Riverside area, the average is around $80,000–$95,000.
3. Human Services / Social Service Assistant
This is the direct path for "helping people." You would work for non-profits, government agencies, or community clinics assisting people with housing, mental health resources, or family support.
The Schooling: An Associate’s in Human Services or Social Work (2 years).
Why it fits: Your "mom skills"—organizing lives and providing emotional support—are the core of this job. It’s a very stable field with many entry-level openings.
Pay: Usually starts around $45,000–$55,000, but the benefits in California state/county roles are excellent (great for retirement planning).
4. Dental Hygienist
This is a classic "career pivot" for women over 40 because of the flexibility and high hourly rate.
The Schooling: An Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene (2 years).
Why it fits: You work one-on-one with patients in a calm, controlled environment. Most hygienists work 3–4 days a week, which is great if you want to protect your energy levels as you get older.
Pay: This is a powerhouse earner in California. In Palm Springs, you can expect $50–$65 per hour.
Comparison at a Glance
| Career Path | Schooling Time | Physical Demand | Avg. Palm Springs Pay |
| Patient Advocate | 6–12 Months | Low | $60,000 |
| Ultrasound Tech | 24 Months | Moderate | $88,000 |
| Social Service Asst. | 24 Months | Low | $50,000 |
| Dental Hygienist | 24 Months | Moderate | $110,000 (Full time) |
My Suggestion
Since you are moving to the Palm Springs area, I highly recommend looking into College of the Desert (COD). They have excellent vocational programs specifically tailored to the local economy (healthcare and hospitality).