After losing my job, I realized I needed an escape from unemployment. A new hobby helped me find it.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
The writer posing next to her ice skating coach on an indoor ice rink.
Learning to ice skate was the one hobby that helped my mental health while being unemployed.

Brittany Johnson

I moved to Canada and couldn't find a job after months of applying. A unique idea helped me start my own business abroad.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Jemma Chapman holding up her stamp illustrations next to her gum machine
Jemma Chapman came up with a unique business idea, using her illustrations.

Courtesy of Jemma Chapman

I'm 56 and struggling to find a job. I think employers can sense my desperation, but I wish they knew how capable I am.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology, Travel
Kymm Dracup
Kymm Dracup

Chloe Ellingson for BI

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kymm Dracup, a 56-year-old based in Toronto. It's been edited for length and clarity.

My daughter says, "Don't worry, Mom, you'll get a job. I've seen your résumé, you're great." I don't think my daughter realizes the effect that my age, 56, has on my confidence and finding work.

I lost my job, got divorced, and had to move within weeks. I found purpose in building a layoff support tool.

Tech Insider : Business
Amanda Snyder Cathey
Amanda Snyder Cathey built a free layoff support tool.

Stephanie Alvarez Ewens

I got laid off from Meta as a low performer. I wish people told me to budget, downsize, and create a plan immediately.

Tech Insider : Business
Brittney Ball headshot 2
Brittney Ball says it's important to create an action plan immediately after your layoff.

Brittney Ball

Gen Z's AI backlash is getting louder

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Attorney William Savitt, representing OpenAI, speaks during a news conference outside federal court in Oakland, California, with a sign reading
A protester holds up an anti-AI sign as William Savitt, the attorney representing OpenAI, speaks during a news conference outside federal court.

Bloomberg/Getty Images

My husband was unemployed for 10 months. He finally landed a job when he turned up at an office with a box of doughnuts.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Camilla Richardson and her husband
The author's (right) husband (left) used a unique strategy to get a job.

Courtesy of Camilla Richardson

I lost my flight attendant job when Spirit shut down. I've had to manage my emotions and am hopeful I'll find new work soon.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Julian Richardson in front of Spirit Airlines plane
Julian Richardson says he always knew that Spirit's closure was a possibility.

Julian Richardson

I just landed my first job post-college after 2 years of unemployment. I should be excited, but all I feel is survivor's guilt.

Tech Insider : Business
birds eye view of a man at this work desk
The author just landed his first job post-college.

Maskot/Getty Images

Elon Musk says government checks for all wouldn't spike inflation. Economist Steve Hanke says that's not guaranteed.

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy, Business
Elon Musk in Oval Office
Elon Musk made the case for a "universal high income" that wouldn't cause inflation.

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

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