Our Daily Stylus ~ When the Career Plot Twist Hits: Dealing with Sudden Job Loss in the Philippines

Let’s set the scene: you're stable. You’ve got your monthly bills covered, your Spotify subscription auto-renews without a hiccup, and you’ve even mapped out a five-year plan complete with a condo down payment and an annual trip to Japan. Life’s predictable. Safe. And then—boom. The company shuts down. Your department gets dissolved. Or worse, someone younger, quicker, or with more “potential” steps in and suddenly, you're out of the picture. This isn’t just hypothetical—it’s real. It happens. And it happens a lot more than we like to admit.

WORKPLACE REALITIESSOCIAL COMMENTARY AND WORKFORCE

CVCII

5/4/20253 min read

person crying beside bed
person crying beside bed

Let’s set the scene:

You're stable. You’ve got your monthly bills covered, your Spotify subscription auto-renews without a hiccup, and you’ve even mapped out a five-year plan complete with a condo down payment and an annual trip to Japan. Life’s predictable. Safe.

And then—boom.

The company shuts down. Your department gets dissolved. Or worse, someone younger, quicker, or with more “potential” steps in and suddenly, you're out of the picture.

This isn’t just hypothetical—it’s real. It happens. And it happens a lot more than we like to admit.

The Philippine Job Market: Unstable but Surviving

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the unemployment rate was at 4% in the first three months of 2025, unchanged from the same period last year. PSA data also showed underemployment worsened to 13.4% in March from 10.1% in February and 11% a year earlier. That’s not just people without jobs—it’s also people working jobs that aren’t enough. And that’s you and me and our group chats full of side hustles and freelance gigs.

Worse, the rise of AI, automation, and ongoing restructuring in many BPOs and tech industries are leading to more people being let go without much warning. It’s not always personal—sometimes it’s math. Sometimes it’s politics. But either way, it hits hard.

It’s Okay to Grieve (Yes, It’s a Loss)

First things first: you’re allowed to feel bad. Losing a job is like a breakup—except instead of just unfollowing someone, you’re also worrying about your bills, your goals, and your self-worth. So yes, cry. Scream into your pillow. Watch three episodes of Friends or Trese back-to-back. That’s part of the process.

But don’t unpack and live there.

Finding Strength Through Faith

When everything feels like it’s falling apart, that’s when you lean into something greater than yourself. Faith matters. Whether you pray, meditate, go to mass, or just quietly talk to God in your head before sleeping—cling to that belief that something bigger is at work.

Sometimes, losing a job isn’t just a detour. It’s divine redirection.

There’s peace in trusting that you are being led somewhere better, even if you can’t see it yet. You don’t have to carry the weight of uncertainty alone. Faith reminds us: this too shall pass.

Step-by-Step: Picking Up the Pieces

Here’s how to move forward without spiraling:

1. Take Stock (Literally and Emotionally)
  • What are your immediate needs (rent, food, loans)?

  • How much do you have in savings? Can you stretch it for 1–2 months?

  • Who can you lean on (family, trusted friends, mentors)?

2. Rebuild Your Routine
  • Create a daily schedule. It helps restore your sense of control.

  • Dedicate hours to job hunting, upskilling, and networking.

  • Include time for rest and health—don’t burn out trying to “fix” everything in one week.

3. Reframe the Narrative

You weren’t fired—you were freed up to find something better. That might sound like toxic positivity but hear this: most people who go through career pivots later describe it as a blessing in disguise. Not always instantly—but eventually.

How to Future-Proof Your Career (Even While You’re Still Employed)

This experience, as hard as it is, can be your wake-up call. Diversify—it’s not just for investments, it’s for careers too.

1. Build Multiple Income Streams
  • Side gigs (writing, tutoring, baking, reselling).

  • Freelance services (design, VA, editing).

  • Passion projects that can earn (YouTube, TikTok, Substack).

2. Invest in Yourself
  • Take certifications (Google, Coursera, TESDA).

  • Learn tools beyond your job (Excel, Canva, SQL, Notion).

  • Stay updated in your industry. Attend free webinars, join forums.

3. Network Like You Mean It
  • Be active on LinkedIn. It’s not just for boomers.

  • Join Discord communities, alumni groups, or niche FB groups.

  • The best time to grow your network is before you need it.

Your Worth Was Never Tied to a Job Title

Remember: jobs are roles, not identities. You’re more than your last payslip or job description. You’re a full-on, multi-faceted person capable of pivoting, evolving, and thriving in new places—even if the current moment feels messy.

To Anyone Going Through It Right Now…

You’re not a failure. You’re in transition. And transitions are hard, yes—but they’re also sacred. This is your chance to rediscover what drives you, what you’re good at, and what you really want out of life.

So, dust yourself off. Update that résumé. Message that old boss. Take that free class. This isn’t the end of your story—it’s just a plot twist. And Ka-Agile? We’re built for plot twists.

You’ve got this. Promise.