Agile Unemployment: Normalizing the Way We Talk About Being Out of Work

Sabina Sulat
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It shouldn’t be awkward and uncomfortable to talk about being unemployed. Given that sooner or later most of us will experience being out of work, shouldn’t we start to have normal and healthy conversations about being unemployed? Agile Unemployment podcast host, employment expert, and author, Sabina Sulat creates a safe place to talk about all things unemployment. In each episode, Sabina will cover everything you need to know to not only survive, but thrive through being out of work.

  1. 1 天前

    Remodeling Work: Why the Old Model No Longer Fits And What To Do About It

    “Work isn’t broken. It’s the lens we’ve been taught to use that’s cracked. When you rethink work as a partnership instead of punishment, you reclaim your power.” Resources & Next Steps: 📖 Book: Agile Unemployment by Sabina Sulat 📖 Book Mentioned: Human First, Leader Second by Massimo Backus ✍️ Read more: Substack article → Why Work Feels Broken (and How to Rethink It) 📅 Join the Conversation: Agile Unemployment Community Call — Sept 18 @ 1PM ET: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82012438145?pwd=zgNUXaKJ6MEW8kbR4jmPmbB1bK70wv.1 If this episode resonated with you: Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Share it with a friend who needs to hear they are not broken. Comment or message Sabina with your thoughts: Is work broken — or is it time we rethink how we see it?

    20 分鐘

  2. 8月20日

    Recapping the Summer of '25 and What it Means for Your Unemployment

    In this episode, we unpack the perfect storm of fear hitting today’s job seekers—from federal layoffs and tax reform to AI disruption and confusing labor reports. But here’s the truth: chaos doesn’t mean “stop.” It means listen differently. You’ll learn how to: Turn overwhelming news into job search feedback Use AI anxiety as a spark for upskilling, not shutdown Shift industries without starting over Stay strategic when it feels like everything’s changing at once Because when the world feels out of control, you can still control your strategy. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why panic-parsing the news sabotages smart decisions A simple question to reframe your reaction to scary headlines The #1 mindset shift job seekers need right now Practical pivots you can make this week to future-proof your career 🎧 Listen If You’re: Tired of feeling reactive in your job search Unsure what AI or federal layoffs really mean for your path Ready to feel calm, informed, and in control again

    30 分鐘

  3. 8月10日

    Reclaim Your Weekend Turning Sunday Scaries into Strategy Sessions

    Episode Summary Transform your Sunday anxiety into your biggest career advantage. Learn why that familiar Sunday afternoon dread isn't your weakness—it's your secret weapon for strategic job searching. Key Takeaways The Sunday Scaries Decoded Inventory Anxiety: Your brain tallying job search "failures" Future Spiral: Catastrophic thinking about career prospects Productivity Shame: The voice saying you should be doing more Truth: These feelings mean you care, not that you're failing Why Sunday Is Your Career Superpower Sunday = Strategic thinking vs. Monday-Friday reactive mode Space for big picture planning instead of tactical responses Time to build relationships and identify opportunities Most job searchers waste Sunday or avoid it entirely The 20-Minute Sunday Reset System Minutes 1-7: Strategic Relationship Move Reach out to one person for genuine reconnection Focus on THEM, not your job search needs Research their recent work/achievements first Quality connection over quantity applications Minutes 8-14: Competitive Advantage Upgrade One specific improvement to your toolkit Options: Resume bullet point, LinkedIn headline, interview practice Small improvements compound over time Action dissolves anxiety Minutes 15-20: Strategic Application Quality over quantity - one thoughtful application Research the company and hiring manager Customize for their specific needs Strategic beats generic every time Success Stories Featured Sarah: Marketing director who turned Sunday anxiety into systematic strategy Marcus: Used "Sunday Strategy Sessions" to land 3 interviews in 4 weeks Rachel: HR director who went from 8-month struggle to dream job in 6 weeks David: Software engineer who shifted from victim to creator identity Identity Transformation From "Victim Identity" → "Creator Identity" From reactive job searching → proactive opportunity creation From helpless anxiety → strategic action Sunday Scaries become your career fuel, not your prison Action Items for Listeners This Sunday: Set 20-minute timer and complete the reset system Every Sunday: Repeat the process consistently Identity shift: See yourself as opportunity creator, not victim Boundary: When timer ends, job search is done for the day Notable Quotes "The Sunday Scaries aren't your enemy. They're your wake-up call." "Sunday is strategy day. Monday through Friday is reaction day." "Your career isn't something that happens to you. It's something you create." "Twenty minutes of strategic action beats twenty hours of anxiety every time." Resources Mentioned Sunday Strategy Sessions framework LinkedIn optimization strategies Strategic networking approach Cover letter customization techniques Episode Duration 30 minutes Target Audience Active job searchers experiencing Sunday anxiety Career changers feeling overwhelmed by the process Professionals wanting to be more strategic about career moves Anyone who dreads Sunday evenings due to work/career stress Next Steps Implement the 20-minute Sunday reset system immediately. Don't wait for next week or until you feel "ready." Your career transformation starts with your next 20 minutes of strategic action.

    28 分鐘

  4. 7月8日

    Rewriting the Rules: Mastering the Jobs Paradox Playbook

    In this episode of the Agile Unemployment podcast host Sabina Sulat takes a look at the confusion and frustration that comes with not being able to land a job when all data points to the unemployment rate being low and job growth being higher than expected. It makes no sense-  until you break it down to how this is relevant to your search and what you can do to get the odds in your favor.    🎯 Key Takeaways: The job market is simultaneously strong AND terrible - both realities are true You're not in one job market - you're in segmented lanes moving at different speeds Traditional metrics don't capture individual experiences Success requires understanding which "lane" you're in and adapting accordingly 📊 The Three-Lane Highway Analogy: 🏎️ Lane 1: Tech workers, hot skills (80 mph) - multiple offers 🚗 Lane 2: Stable industries (30 mph) - longer timelines but steady progress 🚧 Lane 3: Career changers, grads (stopped) - qualified but stuck   🎯 The Three P's of Paradox Navigation: 1️⃣ POSITIONING - Know YOUR market segment, not THE market 2️⃣ PROCESS - Adapt to 90-180 day timelines, not 30-day dreams 3️⃣ PSYCHOLOGY - Create your own success metrics   ⚡ Action Items This Week: ✅ Research your specific market segment (30 min) ✅ Recalibrate timeline expectations (plan for 2-3x longer) ✅ Create personal success metrics beyond just offers ✅ Develop ghost job detection skills ✅ Apply to roles where you meet 60% of requirements   🚨 The Big Challenges: 👻 Ghost Hiring - fake job postings 📈 Credential Inflation - unrealistic requirements ⏰ Process Perfectionism - months-long hiring cycles   💡 The Paradox Strategies: 🎪 Paradox Pitch - Use contradiction as networking opener 🎯 Segment Strategy - Focus on your strongest market segment ⏳ Timeline Hedge - Plan for worst, hope for best 🌉 Skills Bridge - Close gaps quickly with courses/certs 💪 Paradox Leverage - Use "strong market" claims in negotiations   🧠 Mindset Shifts: Your struggles don't contradict data - they reveal its limitations You're not a statistic - you're navigating complexity Market difficulties aren't personal failings - they're systemic issues Strong markets ≠ easy job searches #JobSearchStrategy #agileunemployment #JobsParadox

    26 分鐘

  5. 7月2日

    Red, White, and (Probably) a Little Blue: A Special Episode of Agile Unemployment for Federal Employees Facing Layoffs and Cutbacks

    🎙️ Red, White, and (Probably) a Little Blue A Special Episode of Agile Unemployment for Federal Employees Facing Layoffs and Cutbacks 🗓️ Released: July 2, 2025 🎧 Host: Sabina Sulat | Duration: 30 minutes 📌 EPISODE OVERVIEW This 4th of July week, many federal employees and USAID workers are waking up to something they never imagined: their first official day out of work. After months—sometimes years—of limbo, the stress hasn’t ended. It’s just shifted. In this special episode of Agile Unemployment, Sabina Sulat offers clear guidance, grounded support, and next-step strategies for those facing layoffs due to federal cutbacks. Because while the flag may fly high this week, it’s okay if your spirit feels a little grounded. You're not alone—and you’re not powerless. 🧭 What You’ll Learn ⏱️ The Reality Check (2–8 min) 😞 Acknowledging the trauma of public sector job loss ⏳ Understanding that “official” doesn’t mean “over”—just different 🙌 Validating grief while reclaiming personal power 🛠️ The First 5 Things Framework (8–16 min) 🧘‍♀️ Take a breath – Center yourself before reacting 👥 Talk to your support network – You don’t need to go it alone 🏠 Get a lay of the land – Assess immediate needs (medical, housing, finances) 📎 Secure your HR paperwork – SF-50s, separation letters, OPD contact 📝 Apply for unemployment – File immediately; each state handles severance differently 🔍 Remember: File in the state where you physically worked—not where you live. Even with severance, apply now to prevent delays and unlock education & reemployment benefits. ❤️‍🩹 Health Triage (16–20 min) 🏥 Schedule doctor appointments while insurance is active 🧠 Use EAP and mental health resources 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Prioritize care for your family’s health, too 🚫 What NOT to Do (20–23 min) ❌ Don’t panic apply ❌ Don’t isolate or ghost your network ❌ Don’t compare yourself to others—your timeline is yours 🔁 Translating Federal Experience (23–27 min) 📄 Rewrite your resume for private sector roles 🔐 Highlight your transferable skills and security clearances 🌍 Consider contractors, nonprofits, and mission-aligned orgs 🇺🇸 July 4th Reflection (27–29 min) 🔓 Finding personal independence after professional disruption 💡 Reframing unemployment as a launchpad—not a loss ✅ Three Wins This Week (29–30 min) 📁 Create a job-loss documentation folder 📣 Tell 3 trusted people about your situation 🌱 Schedule one activity that grounds you 🧰 Resources Mentioned 🔗 CareerOneStop.org – File for UI by state 🔗 LinkedIn – Build your network and visibility 🧠 EAPs – Emotional and psychological support 📞 OPM/OPD – HR documentation & benefit help 🏢 Federal contractors – Job opportunities 🤝 Professional associations – Grow your connections 📝 Key Takeaways 📍 Unemployment is filed in the state where you worked 📍 Severance may delay payment—but not your eligibility 📍 Medical and mental health needs are urgent—address them now 📍 Your federal skills are valuable—don’t underestimate them 📍 This is trauma—but it can also be a turning point 🎯 Next Steps for You ✅ Complete the First 5 Things Checklist 📬 Set up a dedicated job search email 📆 Create a structured weekly routine 🗂️ Start documenting your career accomplishments 🔗 Reconnect with past colleagues and references 📬 Contact & Community 🌐 Website: https://www.reworkingworks.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: Connect Sabina Sulat | LinkedIn 🗓️ Upcoming: Live Community Calls for Federal Job Seekers Thursday, July 17th, 1 PM ET 💬 #AgileUnemployment #FederalLayoffs #CareerTransition #OutOfWorkNotOutOfWorth #JobSearchSupport #RedWhiteAndBlue #ReclaimYourCareer #SabinaSulat #FederalEmployees #UnemploymentSupport #4thofJulyTruth

    33 分鐘

  6. 5月27日

    Reckoning with the Cuts: The Real-World Big and Not So Beautiful Impact of Slashing SNAP and Medicaid

    📝 Episode Summary In this 30-minute episode of Agile Unemployment, we expose the harsh reality behind the so-called “Big Beautiful Tax Bill” and its devastating impact on unemployed and job-insecure Americans. We break down $30 billion in SNAP cuts and $180 billion in Medicare reductions, unpack how these changes will affect real people and local economies—and offer actionable steps you can take right now. The bottom line? These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. They are real consequences for people who are doing everything they can to get back on their feet. 💰 The Numbers That Matter $210 billion in cuts to programs serving the most vulnerable $400 billion in tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy Net result: A $190 billion increase in the national deficit SNAP Cuts: Starting in 2026, 8 million people will lose benefits Average reduction: $40–$60 per month, per household Medicare Cuts: Out-of-pocket costs expected to rise $150–$200/month for beneficiaries 📈 And here’s what they don’t want you to know: Every $1 spent on SNAP returns $1.50 to the economy. These cuts don’t save money—they shift costs to families least able to bear them, while handing $25 billion per year to already profitable corporations. 🗣️ Real Stories, Real Impact Sarah, an unemployed marketing professional, is barely managing to feed her two children. A $60 cut in SNAP is enough to destabilize her entire monthly budget. Mike, a gig worker caring for his elderly mother, now faces $200 more per month in Medicare costs—money he simply doesn’t have. Multiply their stories by millions, and you begin to see what happens when safety nets are shredded: whole communities become unstable. 📞 Take Action Now Political Action: 📣 Contact your elected officials: house.gov | senate.gov 📬 Tell them: “Protect SNAP and Medicare. People need help getting back to work—not punishment for being out of it.” 🗳️ Vote in every election. Share your story. Use your voice to make this visible. Personal Action: ✅ If you’re eligible for benefits, apply now—you paid into these systems. 📒 Document your job search and stay engaged in community support groups. 🎓 Take advantage of free training programs and upskilling opportunities while they’re available. 📚 Key Resources Congressional Budget Office – Nonpartisan analysis SNAP Information Medicare Resources [Find Your Representatives](https://www.house.gov | https://www.senate.gov) Local Food Banks [Advocacy & Policy Organizations](https://www.cbpp.org | https://www.nelp.org | https://www.frac.org) 🎯 Key Takeaway “These cuts don’t save money—they shift it to people who can least afford it.” No one plans to be unemployed. But when it happens, our support systems should be a runway—not a trap door. The economic evidence is clear: investing in people strengthens communities. It creates jobs. It fosters resilience. This isn’t about politics—it’s about building an economy that works for everyone. 🔥 Share This Episode Use and follow these hashtags to spread the word: #AgileUnemployment #JobSeekers #UnemploymentSupport #SNAPCuts #MedicareCuts #WorkersRights ⚠️ Disclaimer Agile Unemployment is produced independently and is not affiliated with any political party or organization. Views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of all listeners or community members. This episode provides information for educational purposes and encourages civic engagement.

    39 分鐘

  7. 5月13日

    Reasonable Expectations: The Expectations Game – Setting Realistic Standards for Your Job Search

    🎙️ Reasonable Expectations: The Expectations Game – Setting Realistic Standards for Your Job Search Hosted by Sabina Sulat Agile Unemployment Podcast  🙋‍♀️ Feeling like you're behind in your job search? Wondering why that application from three weeks ago hasn’t gone anywhere? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not failing. In this episode, Sabina Sulat takes a hard look at one of the biggest silent stressors in unemployment: misaligned expectations. We don’t talk enough about how long things actually take in a modern job search. Most job seekers are working off timelines that don’t match reality—and it’s taking a serious toll on their mental health, motivation, and self-worth. 💬 Whether you're feeling ghosted, stuck, or just exhausted, this episode will help you reset, reframe, and start seeing progress differently. 💡 In this episode, Sabina unpacks: 🎯 Why most traditional job search advice sets you up to feel like you're failing—even when you're not 🧠 How expectation mismatches create mental burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt 📆 What realistic hiring timelines actually look like from the employer’s side (3–6 weeks is NORMAL!) 🧩 Her Adaptive Expectations Framework for staying steady, focused, and mentally resilient throughout your job search 🗣️ How to communicate realistic timelines and financial expectations with the people in your life (especially spouses, partners, or family members) 🔍 Key Insight: "You’re not behind—you’re just using the wrong yardstick." This episode is about putting down the pressure and picking up a process that’s actually aligned with today’s job market. Because sustainable progress beats rushed panic every time. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: ✅ Realistic Job Search Timeline Calculator – A tool to help you set data-informed expectations based on your industry and level ✅ Monthly Job Market Reality Report (subscribe via newsletter) – Stay current on what’s happening in hiring, layoffs, and recruiter behavior 🎧 Tune in now and take back control of your job search timeline—with your sanity intact. Because at Agile Unemployment, we believe your strategy should support your mental health—not sabotage it. #AgileUnemployment #ReasonableExpectations #JobSearchRealTalk #SabinaSulat #CareerResilience #MindfulJobSearch #UnemploymentSupport #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #JobSearchStrategy 💼🧠

    25 分鐘

  8. 5月6日

    Recharging Your Motivation Battery: Why Powering Through Doesn't Work and What to Do Instead

    Recharging Your Motivation Battery: Why Powering Through Doesn't Work and What to Do Instead   EPISODE: "Rebuilding Motivation When Your Job Search Feels Impossible" SHOW NOTES: In this episode of Agile Unemployment, host Sabina Sulat explores practical strategies for rebuilding motivation during prolonged job searches. She shares evidence-based approaches to overcoming job search fatigue, explains the neuroscience of motivation, and provides tactical frameworks for maintaining momentum when enthusiasm wanes. Perfect for job seekers experiencing burnout or those supporting someone through career transition. Key topics covered: The psychological cycle of job search fatigue Neurological basis for motivation depletion during repeated rejections Strategic dopamine management for sustained job search effort Practical motivation rebuilding techniques that don't rely on "trying harder" Creating sustainable search habits that prevent burnout Resources mentioned: The Progress Principle (Teresa Amabile) Job Search Motivation Calculator (AgileUnemployment.com/tools) Virtual Job Search Accountability Groups (link in show notes)

    43 分鐘
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4.8
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簡介

It shouldn’t be awkward and uncomfortable to talk about being unemployed. Given that sooner or later most of us will experience being out of work, shouldn’t we start to have normal and healthy conversations about being unemployed? Agile Unemployment podcast host, employment expert, and author, Sabina Sulat creates a safe place to talk about all things unemployment. In each episode, Sabina will cover everything you need to know to not only survive, but thrive through being out of work.

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