👋 Welcome, Jobseekers

After speaking with many Offboarders, we realized that managing medical insurance after a layoff is both crucial and often shrouded in uncertainty. So this week, we’re diving into it all. We're also, dishing out the latest on job cuts from eBay to TikTok, serving a spicy takedown of DOGE’s political axe (a big fat F, by the way), and breaking down your must-know health insurance options post-layoff. Grab your coffee and buckle up—we’re diving headfirst into the madness so you can turn today’s uncertainty into tomorrow’s opportunity.

• 📉 Layoff Report: Ebay, Zendesk, Instacart, TikTok, Shopify, Humane, and too many more

• ✏️ Exit Exam: DOGE’s Political Axe Gets a Resounding ‘F’

• 🧑‍✈️ Career CoPilot: Health Insurance After a Layoff: What You Need to Know

• 📈 Trends & Data: Job Searches Surge 22%—But Are There Enough Openings?

• 🔧 Jobseeker Tools: Huntr, Foto Lab, Dream Jobs

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🏥 Health Insurance After a Layoff: What You Need to Know

Don’t forget to download the comprehensive Health Insurance Guide below 👇️ 

Overview

Losing your job is already a gut punch—but losing your health insurance at the same time? That’s next-level stress. The good news? You have options, and we’re breaking them down so you can keep yourself (and your family) covered without spiraling into financial ruin.

The Details

💰 ACA Marketplace Plans (Obamacare):

• You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (60 days after losing job-based coverage).

• 94% of enrollees qualify for subsidies, with many paying under $50/month.

• Covers essential benefits like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.

🛑 COBRA Coverage (a.k.a. The Expensive One):

• Lets you keep your employer’s plan—but you pay 100%+ of the cost (avg. $599/month 😱).

• Good for short-term continuity but often not the best long-term option.

⏳ Short-Term Health Insurance:

• Covers only unexpected events (think: broken bones, sudden illness).

• No pre-existing condition coverage & not ACA-compliant.

🏛 Medicaid & CHIP (For Those Who Qualify):

• If your income took a hit, Medicaid could be free or very low-cost.

• 40+ states expanded eligibility, so check if you qualify ASAP.

🤝 Health Sharing Programs:

• NOT insurance, just a community that helps share medical costs.

• Lower cost, but zero guarantees they’ll cover your bills.

Why It Matters

A single ER visit without insurance could set you back thousands. Don’t gamble with your health—or your wallet. If you’ve been laid off, check your options fast. ACA plans with subsidies can be shockingly affordable, and Medicaid could be free. COBRA? Only if your former employer is footing the bill. No matter what, don’t go without coverage if you can help it.

Need help navigating your choices? Check out Healthcare.gov for ACA plans or your state’s Medicaid site. If you’re weighing COBRA, check if your severance package includes any premium assistance.

➡ Your next move: Pick a plan before your coverage window closes. Don’t leave your health to chance.

Download the Health Insurance Guide below!

Layoffs this week 👀 :

• eBay cutting another 10% of Israeli workforce in fourth round of layoffs 

• The Callisto Protocol studio lays off more employees, but 'remains operational' 

• Onsemi to Cut 9% of Workforce Amid Restructuring 

• Expedia confirms layoffs at Seattle travel giant 

• Venture-backed Cincinnati health startup to close its doors 

• Skybox Security shuts down, lays off 300 employees as Tufin acquires assets 

• Bossa Games affected by unknown number of staff cuts 

• Ibotta cuts 8% of workforce ahead of earnings 

• Hydrogen startup Electriq Global collapses under nearly $30M in debt, despite raising $25M 

• Zendesk lays off dozens of employees at SF headquarters 

— — — — — > {Whew, you still with us?}

• TikTok restructures trust and safety team, lays off staff in unit, sources say 

• Inside the Humane acquisition: HP offers big raises to some, others immediately laid off 

• SeatGeek to slash headcount by 15%, outgoing employees claim 

• Shopify lays off team supporting Black, Indigenous and women entrepreneurs 

• Riskified cuts staff as struggles continue 

• NIST prepares to cut AI Safety Institute, CHIPS staff 

• Spanish spyware startup Mollitiam Industries shuts down 

• Vendease cuts 120 jobs in second round of layoffs 

• Oxenfree Developer Night School Studio Suffers Layoffs 

Exit Exam: DOGE’s Political Axe Gets a Resounding ‘F’

This week, we’re spotlighting the murky mess of tech uncertainty with Elon Musk attending a Trump cabinet meeting while workers brace for potential job cuts. While there wasn’t a neatly announced “you're fired” memo, the tone and timing hint at an impending corporate chop that’s as clear as mud.

1. The Layoff Overview

What Happened:
In a high-stakes rendezvous, Elon Musk joined a Trump cabinet meeting at a time when tech workers are already on edge. The gathering—steeped in political theatrics and vague assurances—did little to quell fears. Instead, it underscored the mounting anxiety across the sector, with leadership hinting at cost-cutting moves without providing any solid details.

Our Take:
This isn’t a textbook restructuring; it’s more like corporate roulette. Instead of rolling out a clear plan or explaining the rationale, the powers-that-be opted for a smoke-and-mirrors approach. With messages that barely qualify as “communications,” employees are left scrambling to interpret what might just be a prelude to more drastic cuts. It’s a classic case of mixing political posturing with business decisions—hardly the recipe for trust or morale.

2. The Score

We grade layoffs on five key criteria:

Overall Grade: F (1.4/5)

3. How This Impacts Jobseekers

• Tell Your Story Differently:
  Frame your departure as a result of unclear leadership—not a personal failure. Highlight how you thrived despite the chaos.

• Do Your Homework:
  Look for companies that communicate clearly and stick to a solid strategy. Ask tough questions during interviews about how they handle change.

• Seize the Opportunity:
  A shakeup like this means a fresh talent pool is hitting the market. Use it as a chance to join firms known for strong, clear leadership.

4. Final Verdict

This week’s scenario is a masterclass in how not to manage workforce transitions. By blending high-profile political theatrics with corporate ambiguity, leadership has left employees in a state of anxious limbo. For jobseekers, it’s a red flag: steer clear of companies that let vague, politically tinted decision-making overshadow genuine strategic planning. Our grade this week? A resounding F.

Job Searches Surge 22%—But Are There Enough Openings?

Overview

As 2025 kicks off, job seekers are diving into the market with renewed enthusiasm, even though the number of available positions remains steady.

The Deets

• Surge in Job Searches: Job search activity increased by 22% between December 10 and January 29, following a typical holiday lull.

• Stable Job Postings: The volume of job postings has hovered between 10-12% above pre-pandemic levels since November, indicating a stable yet unexpanded job market.

• Quits Rate Decline: The quits rate, a measure of workers' confidence in leaving jobs, has fallen below pre-pandemic norms since mid-2024, now steady at around 2%.

• Sector-Specific Trends: Postings in professional sectors offering remote work have seen a modest rebound, reaching their highest levels in two years, though still below pre-pandemic figures.

Why it Matters

The consistent interest in job searches suggests that professionals are eager for new opportunities, possibly seeking career growth or better work-life balance. However, the stagnant number of job postings means increased competition for available roles, especially in sectors like tech where opportunities have not significantly expanded. For tech job seekers, this environment underscores the importance of differentiating oneself through upskilling, networking, and tailoring applications to stand out in a crowded field.

Huntr

VERIFIED: After speaking with an Offboarder this week, we asked how they are organizing their interviews, and they said this tool has been very helpful. The interface feels very ‘Asana’-like. And it’s free!

Less Hassle, More Interviews - Huntr helps you create tailored resumes and cover letters fast with AI, fill out application forms in one click, and automatically organize your job search.

huntr.co

FotoLab

Professional AI Headshot Generator - Upload photos, pick your style, and receive your headshots.

www.fotolabstudio.ai

Dream Jobs

Find the perfect job with AI - Upload your CV and unlock job opportunities that match your skills and experience

dream.jobs

🔧 Browse the Offboard Tool Directory →