The Weight of Uncertainty and How Layoffs Are Wearing Us Down

Let me tell you about one of my coaching clients, Mark.

Mark had always considered his government job safe—secure, predictable, and something he could count on. He had been with his agency for over a decade, navigating bureaucratic hurdles and shifting policies with the quiet confidence that no matter what changed in leadership, his job would be there.

Until everything changed.

The constant barrage of news headlines filled with reports of?widespread layoffs across federal agencies—Reduction in Force (RIF) announcements are blindsiding thousands of government workers. He is witnessing colleagues abruptly pack up their desks, escorted out of the building as if they had done something wrong. Each departure leaves a gap—not just in workload but in morale.

He hasn’t been laid off yet. His name hasn’t made “the list.” But fear has settled in his gut like a rock.

The Anxiety of the Unknown

Mark is trying to shake it off.?It hasn’t happened to me.?But the whispers continue:

???“I heard another round is coming next month.”

???“Even if we keep our jobs, budgets are being slashed—who knows what’s next?”

???“I’ve given 15 years to this place, and they’re letting people go like it’s nothing.”

Now,?Mark isn’t just doing his job—he is worrying about whether he’d still have one next month.

This constant state of uncertainty is eroding his well-being in ways he didn’t expect.?He feels exhausted all the time but can’t sleep. He stares at his inbox, unable to focus. His usual enthusiasm for work has evaporated, replaced by a quiet resentment.

He isn’t just stressed. He is languishing.

The Hidden Toll of Languishing

Corey Keyes, in his book?Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down (https://a.co/d/dgUKLLX), describes languishing as that feeling of?being stuck—somewhere between burnout and depression.?It’s not outright hopelessness but a dulling of joy, motivation, and purpose.

Even though Mark’s name isn’t on a termination letter, the?psychological impact of watching others lose their jobs is taking its toll.?Studies show that?witnessing layoffs can trigger the same emotional response as experiencing them firsthand—the anxiety, the self-doubt, the creeping fear that?no job is ever truly secure.

The problem isn’t just losing colleagues—it’s losing his sense of?stability, trust, and control.

So, How Do We Reclaim Well-Being in the Midst of Uncertainty?

Mark knows he can’t control the layoffs but can control how he responds. As his coach, I suggested that he read the Corey Keys' book.

Little by little, the fog of languishing is beginning to lift for Mark.

In Languishing, Corey identifies five essential activities—referred to as the "Five Vitamins for Flourishing"—that can enhance well-being and help individuals transition from languishing to flourishing:

1.??? Helping Others: Engaging in acts of kindness and assistance not only benefits recipients but also fosters a sense of purpose and connection for the giver.?

2.??? Learning Something New: Pursuing new knowledge or skills stimulates the mind, bolsters a sense of competence, and contributes to personal growth.?

3.??? Socializing: Building and maintaining warm, trusting relationships and a sense of belonging to the community are crucial for mental health.?

4.??? Playing: Engaging in playful activities as adults can enhance joy and creativity, contributing to overall well-being.?

5.??? Spiritual or Religious Activities: Participating in spiritual or religious practices, or moving closer to the sacred through contemplation or meditation, fosters a sense of connection to something greater, providing meaning and inner peace.?

By incorporating these "vitamins" into daily life, we can actively combat feelings of stagnation and work towards a more fulfilling and flourishing existence.

What About You?

If you’re feeling the weight of these layoffs—even if your job is technically safe—you’re not alone.?Witnessing job cuts can make anyone feel vulnerable, anxious, and disengaged.?But you don’t have to stay in that place.

???Need leadership coaching so you can help your team flourish and not languish? Let’s work together—learn more?here.

You can’t control the layoffs. But you?can?control how you show up in the face of uncertainty. Let’s reclaim our well-being—together.

Cheers, to thriving!

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