I need a lobotomy.

Two weeks ago, I woke up every single morning thinking: I can't do this.

I ignored the sunshine and couldn't hear the birds—my mind was fixated on those four little words. Such a nice way to start the day!

I struggled through my week, (unsuccessfully) holding back tears. Eventually, I decided enough was enough. I canceled my meetings and prioritized some quiet mornings to escape the usual chaos. I forced myself to walk alone in silence—no Waylon, no podcasts, no music—just me and my demons, which is actually terrifying.

Get along with the voices inside your head.

About a mile in, I realized I needed to purge some thoughts. I opened by Notes App to write down my feelings and, after 34 years, I finally figured out why I hate journaling.

Everyone says it’s great for soul-searching, but when your brain moves too fast for your fingers, it’s more frustrating than therapeutic.

So I opted for a voice memo instead. Will I ever listen to it? Absolutely not. But at least I was getting the negativity out to start my day.

During this little brain exorcism, I realized the thing I can't do.

Sometimes I wish I wasn't like this.

I can't not tell the truth. I can't be inauthentic. I can't pretend to be someone I'm not (unless it's Halloween, then all bets are off). I'm basically Jim Carrey in Liar Liar.

Since transitioning from being unemployed to going full-time with Rhize, I've been trying to find the right way to use my voice to support job seekers while simultaneously navigating a completely different professional journey.

It's hard for me to wrap my head around this new reality.

I've been your relatable friend, sharing my unemployment experience and vocalizing the feelings that resonate with so many of you as we navigate this crazy job market together.

But now I don't feel like I'm a relatable part of that togetherness. In our collective (and desperate) search for normalcy, I chose to take a completely different and unrelatable path.

Alexa play Zombie by The Cranberries.

Aside from being a baller karaoke song, I bet these lyrics resonate with all job seekers today. Intrusive thoughts? Check. Imposter syndrome? Check. Don't make me sing it...

As I share this story, I realized that when rejection becomes a regular part of life, self-validation feels out of reach, even after making a professional commitment. My path may have shifted but I'm still here with you—learning (and definitely stumbling) along the way.

So technically I'm still relatable.

Now I'll end my note like I always do, thank you all for being you!

Shoutout to this month's Rhize Report contributors: Neil Parker Armando Diaz Anna Kirsten Franklin, MBA Steve Hellin Krissy Oh

We're here for you.

Hurricane Helene caused significant devastation across the southeastern United States, resulting in lives lost and widespread flooding in communities. We understand that many individuals, including members of our Rhize family, have been affected by this disaster.

Life extends far beyond the job search, and for many, unemployment is just one of many concerns. It’s important to acknowledge that professional and financial struggles can amplify the weight of these challenges, making them feel even more overwhelming.

In these difficult times, let's be mindful of the silent battles others may be facing. A little kindness goes a long way.

If you're looking to help, consider donating to the American Red Cross Hurricane Helene Relief Fund or checking what your local cities are doing to support those in need.

Rhize Recap

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love candy, haunted houses, and any excuse to pretend to be someone (or something) that I’m not. But let’s be real—nothing is spookier than dealing with personal finances when you’re unemployed…

So it’s kind of fitting that October is National Economic Education Month and Rhize is fully leaning in!

Join us for a month of free workshops designed to help you understand how everyday economic decisions can impact your unemployment journey.

Check out Networking & Personal Stakeholders, an interactive workshop hosted by the HR Professionals of Rhize, or listen in on an informational conversation about economics, financial education, unemployment benefits, and more.

We've added onboarding calls, industry specific networking events, happy hours, coffee chats, and more to our regular schedule! Join Rhize to see the full calendar of events.

The Rhize Funnies: Running away from ghost jobs.

Comic inspired by a conversation in Kevin Habenicht 's weekly Happy Hour. Original artwork by Colleen Fitzpatrick, PMP .

Navigating Layoffs and Finding Strength Through Rhize: A Community of Support and Resilience

It’s easy to focus on the big wins; a job offer, a signed contract, a start date, but this month we wanted to share what celebrating the small wins looks like. Rhize Community Content Contributor, Anna Kirsten Franklin, MBA , dove into our Slack channels and wrote a beautiful piece on the way our members celebrate small wins every single day. Check it out!

Professionals around the world are confronting the unexpected reality of layoffs. Today, job seekers range in age from their early twenties to their sixties—some just starting out, while others boast years of experience. Despite the obvious differences in resumes and age, they share a common bond: they are all navigating the uncertainty that comes with being laid off.

Before the layoffs, these individuals held roles at different companies, spanning entry-level, associate, and senior positions. They loved their jobs and were passionate about their work. However, layoffs do not discriminate. No matter where you're at in your career, the impact of being let go can be a tough pill to swallow. But one thing remains true across the board—there’s always hope for the next chapter.

That’s where the Rhize Wins Channel comes in. Rhize is a growing community of resilient job seekers determined to push forward despite the continuous professional setbacks they’ve faced. United by shared experience, this diverse group includes mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandparents, and professionals across all industries. With Rhize , they come together, not just to network, but to support one another in finding new opportunities.

The Rhize Wins Channel isn’t just a place to announce the big accomplishments. It’s a space where members celebrate small victories, like buying someone a coffee, updating their resumes, or receiving positive feedback on LinkedIn. These moments may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they represent the persistence and determination of a community that refuses to give up.

Rhize events and networking opportunities have proven to be invaluable for many members. They provide a platform to share experiences, offer advice, and mentor others along the way. The group has become a supportive ecosystem where friendships form, mentorships blossom, and job seekers lean on one another for guidance. For those who have faced the isolating experience of a layoff, this sense of community is priceless.

And that’s where Rhize truly shines. It’s not just about the job search. It’s about personal growth and the power of human connection. Members uplift each other, helping to transform the stress and frustration of being laid off into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Sharing small wins may seem insignificant, but members know they are the building blocks for a solid foundation. And as the Rhize Wins Channel says: “Tiny wins lead to greater celebrations.”

If you’re navigating the job market after a layoff, join Rhize .

Rhizing Up

Our members' stories are truly inspiring, and at Rhize, we aim to provide them with a platform to share their experiences, offer advice, showcase their talents, and celebrate their achievements. Let's take a moment to congratulate those who secured jobs in September!

Follow along to learn more about the amazing members we have in this community.

In September, we learned new skills for life.

Rhize member and breathwork specialist Chelsea Biagioli led two transformative group breathwork sessions designed to support individuals navigating career transitions. The job search process can feel like an endless cycle of risks, rewards, setbacks, and rejections, often stirring up intense emotions.

One member shared their experience: Chelsea's sessions were amazing! She created a safe space for us to come together and discover new ways to manage the stress of job searching. I had never tried breathwork before, but she made me feel comfortable and supported.

Exciting news: Chelsea will be hosting three more breathwork sessions before the year ends! Join Rhize to sign up and check out our full calendar of free member events.

In other news, our Rhize HR Professionals hosted their first workshop for the community. Titled Behind the Curtain: Recruiting 101, this session offered members valuable insights into the world of HR, including what HR truly is (and what it isn’t), the three different types of recruiters, and alternative job boards beyond LinkedIn. A recording of this informative session will be available on our member dashboard this month.

Don’t miss out. Join Rhize and catch up with these resources!

Job Market Outlook

Ever feel like the job search is improving for everyone but you? You're not alone.

Rhize members understand that this journey can be isolating, and broad market data can be deceiving. Let's take a closer look at the latest ADP National Employment Report :

While overall private employment increased, certain sectors actually lost jobs highlighting the uneven nature of the job market. It's important to note that unemployment statistics often overlook those unemployed for over six months, potentially skewing the data.

The bottom line? The job market is tough, and it can be more challenging for some. But remember, you're not facing this alone. Rhize is here to support you through your journey.

Volunteer with Rhize!

We had our own little September Surge in Rhize! Our team of volunteers is growing strong, and we currently have two volunteer positions still available.

Check out the roles and complete this form if you're interested!

Stay Connected

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Check out our updated website !