So, I just got fired.

[@_jared]

A bit more context for anyone interested. 

 For the last two years, I’ve worked at Indeed. It has been a good job, and I liked the work and my coworkers. The company laid off 15% of the workforce last year, and I thought we were through the worst of it. But on Monday, I was laid off with about 1,000 other people. That’s a further 8% of the company. About half of my team was laid off. My wife and I had bought our new house the previous Friday and moved in over the weekend. It’s not an ideal time to get laid off, but we will manage. For now, we’re thinking about this line from Epictetus: “Some things are in our control and others not.” And to add just two more notes. I am looking for more stable work too - I won’t pursue KZbin to the detriment of my family. And for those asking about a book: stay tuned.

[@joecarson3379]

Epictetus also said, "it is not the things that happen that disturbs us, but our opinion of of those things."

[@ricklundeen2722]

yes i read abotu the indeed cuts today

[@jonlittle5032]

Been through that myself, 'retired' IT, with family and mortgage. Won't belabor the experience, 'cept to say, the attitude is most important. And you got the right one, my friend.

[@LegalKimchi]

i got laid off from my job earlier this year right before my daugther was born. (i also applied to indeed last year. I had a friend at the domain office. did not end up there) I empathize. Austin is a rough market. best of luck to you.

[@mattzamora4463]

I feel it bro, my wife was let go from her job on Friday and we also just bought a house, but we also will manage. Love the content bro, keep it up.

[@clarkkegley]

Your vids are great, dude. No doubt you’ll blow up this year. Rooting for you 🙌

[@RealBamboo]

you're a good person

[@productivity6693]

Hey Clark Kegley :)

[@_jared]

Thank you so much, Clark! That means so much.

[@Finn959]

230k is pretty blown up already no?

[@My_trashtalking_account]

That's very cool of you!

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Went full-time myself a couple years ago. Happy to brainstorm if you want. Best of luck!

[@_jared]

I'm a big fan! I'd love to talk and brainstorm.

[@danielohare9440]

Worlds are colliding. . .

[@kapi_yakumo]

Yooooo the Dr sledge is in this. Very epic

[@Lizard1582]

You're my first substack subscription ever (I'm mostly an art guy so patreon is my thing and honestly didn't even know substack was a similar platform despite hearing about it). Students of humanities deserve to thrive. Stay strong, Jared.

[@cianmoriarty7345]

Humanities is the source of the rot that has gutted the west. Specifically Continental Philosophy.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Man, I'm sorry as hell to hear this.

[@_jared]

Thanks, Mike!

[@fitnesspoint2006]

@mikesbookreviews why do americans say this corny statement, "Im sorry..." it sounds so dumb! It's as if they say this nonsense because they have nothing more intelligent to say. Him being laid off is likely one of the best thing that has happened to him and he does not know it. Say something clever, say something witty or funny, anything but this jibberish of, "I'm so sorry..."

[@mrmanio4935]

I just got fired too :/

[@pamelahood]

A door closed, another now fully open. I appreciate your content & will see you over on substack, too. 👍

[@Ytacc123]

You're one of the only reasons I use youtube. Love your recommendations and the things you talk about. I picked up books on Stoicism based on your recs and it really helped me deal with the stuff in my life. Just wanted to say thanks and I wish you the best.

[@nobeld3458]

Go for it bro. God has a plan. You're about to do some of the best work of your life. I don't know you, but I can feel it.

[@acollierastro]

Sorry to hear about this---I really enjoy your book reviews!

[@carolvang4904]

Where are the book reviews?

[@JohnFoley]

Thanks for all your great advice and insights!

[@curtisgmchale]

I lost a bunch of my contracts when my 3rd kid was born and my other 2 were under 5. It was a stressful year but we got through it. I enjoy your content keep at it.

[@jlstrick1]

Love both of you @curtisgmchale!

[@BrunoMoreiraw]

Hi Jared! It ain't that much but I send you some Brazilian reais. I watched all of your videos and they're all amazing! Everything it's gonna be all right. You're talented and good in what you do, we love your videos, you'll be fine.

[@ajx9698]

Sorry to hear that. I hope it'll all work out for you!

[@s.davidcox7523]

Jared, this is such a terrible, stressful thing to go through. Your content is great. I'm rooting for you and your family.

[@arjunparthasarathy4341]

Thanks! I just found your channel. Enjoying your videos on books and attention. Good luck. I wish you the best.

[@alecwalter1236]

I'm a full-time psychology and philosophy student. I got laid off from my part-time job last winter and have been struggling to keep up with the bills since. Your videos are really entertaining and can help keep me motivated. You got this!

[@Iron_Snowflake]

That sounds like a fascinating combo to study, I really hope you're doing okay right now, friend!

[@akepamusic]

So sorry to hear! Horrible in the moment but in my experience being laid off leads to better things. Really hoping things land in a better place in the end and excited to follow your journey!

[@qussay]

Everyone can be positive in times of peace and comfort, but it takes true courage to maintain that in the rainy days and stand up again. You sir will survive and thrive. Life is rough, difficult, and ruthless. There will always be ups and downs. Tap on your legacy of all the people you've helped in your channel, take your time, rest and stand back up again, we're waiting for the new "You"

[@michaelmartin5995]

So sorry to hear that. I am a 30 year IT engineer who is also laid off. I can empathize for sure.

[@darklysm8345]

Not really seeing into it but does AI hurt the IT sector?

[@resnon]

@@darklysm8345nah, i think it will enable us to not worry about the idea of slaving for money but instead out of passion. There is some overlap

[@bobbypaycheque]

​@@darklysm8345 unfortunately, yes it does.

[@michaelmartin5995]

@@darklysm8345 I wouldn’t say “hurt” but more accurately AI has “fundamentally changed” the IT profession profoundly. One of my specialties is in automation and orchestration of cloud operations. Many years spent working on how to improve the code that makes cloud infrastructure function more efficiently under heavy workloads and high user demand. Now, an intelligent twelve year old can use ChatGPT, or any other AI program, to auto-generate Powershell and Python scripts that work out of the box. The challenge for people like me is to understand where I need to re-focus and up-skill to be marketable in terms of IT employment. When I left my last job our office secretary was handling M365 tasks on behalf of the company including playing with InTune policies. (Let that sink in for a moment.) I always welcome advancements in technology and have never felt threatened by any of it. 70% of my skills are now handled by AI. Scratching my head on trying to figure out where the next “need” is and how to be the kind of engineer to meet that need. I still have a lot of years to work.

[@skullchimes]

@@darklysm8345 I looked into it briefly, and I don't believe that it's just "helping people focus on higher-value tasks", since people still gotta work it. Bet a bunch are being laid off cuz with AI, IT work is supposed to be going quicker which means they would need less work force...

[@severine_aurelia]

I admire the leveheadedness with which you seem to be approaching this. When difficult news lands in my lap, I try to remember that it's only in those moments I truly have the opportunity to test my strength, resilience, and ability to maintain perspective in the face of challenge. You do not yet know how things will turn out, but if you remain determined to face what comes with integrity and intelligence, as I am sure you will, you'll be proud of how you conducted yourself and it'll make you a stronger person. I hope things fall into place for you, financially and professionally, as I think you add a lot of value to discussions of philosophy, books, etc. on KZbin and beyond.

[@Vanhelwig]

Man, your recommendations have so much overlap with my taste that you’re basically my go-to review guy now. That has effectively saved me hours of time and at least as much monetary investment as the donation. Thanks for the work that you do, and I’m genuinely sorry to hear that you’re facing the difficult uncertainty of being laid off. As a fellow academic turned engineer working in Austin’s tech scene, I can empathize with the position you’re in (although I was a cognitive science guy, not strictly philosophy). The uncertainty can be especially difficult to wrestle with as men who are fathers. Keep your head up and try not to mistakenly internalize factors outside of your control or assign them false senses of meaning. Here’s my genuine hope that you can have all the forces of the universe align to generate a platform for your successful career (KZbin or otherwise). Cheers.

[@AndrewGuckLeggett]

Thanks Jared! I'm new to philosophy and your videos have been very helpful.

[@edgarmartindelcampo]

Thank you for sharing, this has inspired me to speak about my own career crisis from 2013.

[@beanboi6617]

Hey, I just want to say that your channel has inspired me a lot as I pursue my degree in Philosophy. Love the videos!

[@fratermoonguard]

It's not a setback, it's a set up! You're going to crush it.

[@TimdeWouter]

Thanks to your channel I discovered I wasn't the only person out there who loves philosophy AND science fiction / fantasy. Love your work and I wish you and your family the best of luck!

[@VicodinElmo]

I only dip in and out of your channel from time to time but definite always appreciate your content. I know this isn’t much, but may it contribute a small amount to something greater!

[@cienacres]

Thanks for your videos. This is your year 💙

[@jazzvalencia7949]

¡Gracias!

[@brandonc7172]

Sorry to hear about this. I really like your videos. Hope you continue to do what you are passionate about.

[@Pursuingthebetterway]

Hey Jared, I've always particularly enjoyed your style of content. From the books lists, to journaling, to the philosophical videos that often go over my head. I wanted to say that in the video "books that influenced my life" (or something like that), I was thrilled to find out you had the same faith background as me (Orthodox). I'd be highhhhhly interested in watching some version of apologetics and or analyses of the Orthodox Faith (and Christianity in general) from you. I think you'd put out phenomenal content, and doing round tables with the likes of What Do You Meme, Apologetics Roadshow, Apostate Prophet (often streams with David Wood/Apologetics Roadshow) would I think lead to some very interesting conversations. As someone that wishes they could write full time, I wish you all the best in this hopefully beneficial turn of events.

[@DavidWaldron]

Good luck, Jared. I love your videos!

[@neptuna7349]

I simply love your videos, and i hope to see more content. Good luck with giving youtube a shot, and in the mean time with finding a job on the side. You would probably be an inspiring teacher aswell

[@fragments6758]

Things will work out. Based on the things you share on this platform, I guess you won't be out of work in any sense of it, and there are hopefully plenty of folks out there who would be fools not to offer you an option back into employment in one of your areas of expertise. I defended my thesis almost exactly a year ago and am trying to shoulder the challenging role of a young academic in an uncertain world of temporary employment relationships and various restraints. Hope this channel can also serve as a showcase for how your experiences could be useful would you consider returning to academia.

[@BrendannKellyy]

Sorry, Jared. Times will improve and you'll be stronger because of these experiences. Hang in there.

[@brayd1778]

Thank you for making so great videos!

[@AJournalOfEverything]

You are an incredible mind. I am incredibly honored to have had you pop up in my feed the other day. My algorithm is such confirmation of the direction my path is moving into and damn did I hit the jackpot on being welcomed into your space and mind. We need more people like you-us here; projecting their voices. It’s so powerful. Im so glad to have stumbled here at a point where it’s clear you’re passion for what you love is giving back to you as well. Keep doing it. It’s paying off.

[@rylandines]

As a former union electrician, I know how scary it is to be laid off unexpectedly (especially when I lived in Alaska, and spent a large majority of last winter out of work), but I am so excited to see what you make with the time you have to dedicate to KZbin, and I cant wait to support you fully. I hope you consider you scenario as a blessing in disguise and make the best of the situation. Xx

[@bourdieufan7433]

your content is already better than a lot of full timers, you’ll do great

[@luiss4636]

Jared, maybe you could create some sort of Philosophy course that involves not only introducing people to the basics but also some deeper themes. I would pay for that type of experience, especially because I frankly cannot access this type of knowledge anywhere else. And man, I´m just some guy from Brazil. I say that just to show that you can reach the whole world with this platform. I hope you think of something, I will be the first one to sign up. Love your videos and your work as a whole.

[@JzCrIPtO]

I very much agree!

[@two-moonz2953]

Me too. I would definitely sign up❤ would love to start with Plato’s Allegory of the Cave.

[@kellyhealy734]

I just discovered your channel and I am super excited. Before I met my wonderful husband, I dated a philosophy PhD student for about six months. He was ABD. He left shortly before defending and actually pivoted to tech, where he is happy. He couldn't stand academia. Thank you for all you do!

[@JoeyMartz]

I just got fired yesterday..... 😢 I'm in shock and terrified. I'm a social worker and I fucked up regarding being on call.... Ty for a sliver of comfort with this content

[@ZackarySmigel]

Wishing you the best, Jared. You are a fantastic creator, and I'm sure this door closing will lead to great things!

[@bradlygray1974]

Prayers my friend, who knows the opportunity that may come. Amor Fati!

[@jacksondowney4327]

Sorry to hear about the job loss. I was laid off in 2014 with a child on the way. It's a brutal feeling. I appreciate your content and will subscribe tonight!

[@TheTrueRandomGamer]

Hope you'll be okay, Jared. I've never said this before but you're one of the only booktubers I don't have a major issue with. You're knowledgeable without being smug and positive without coming off as disingenuous. The variety of literature you cover is appreciated too. Stick around to show everyone else how to discuss books.

[@janehomeyer9516]

absolutely true.

[@LeftyLinda]

Yep. The smugness and disingenuousness plus the arrogance (Oh, the ARROGANCE. Ugh.) is exactly why I click "Dont' recommend channel" on most of those plain white guy booktubers. But not Jared. He's just real and has substance. Love that.

[@strawberryorange3755]

​@@LeftyLinda just out of curiosity, which booktuber are you talking about?

[@wildandshymoments]

My husband got laid off and it was the best thing for becoming a consultant. . . so much happier. You make great, engaging content so all the best to you. . .

[@davidg.stanfill4698]

So sorry to hear this! I love your channel! If you need anything, my wife and I have a ton of contacts in Austin as we lived there until 2021!

[@JNoonsie]

You got this ✊🏻

[@pawel8365]

Only in America can you be "fired at will", just before buying a house 🤣, what a third world country.

[@southerngirlsociety]

Oh yea - it's Dec. 3rd and I just got laid off after 90 days of probationary employment... right before the holidays, with no secondary income of any kind to fall back on. I feel you on this.

[@morningdewacademic]

Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear all of this. I hope everything works out. It will all work out for you, keep trying. I had to give up the field I loved teaching preschool due to chronic congestive heart failure (I'm only 47) but I created my company online promoting books for authors, I also opened an eBay shop to sell craft supplies and you know what I've put my whole being into it and slowly things are happening. Keep going, you have a lot of subscribers here and many of us are very interested in learning philosophy and what you have to share.

[@Johanna_reads]

I’m sorry to hear this, Jared! Your content is informative and inspiring. I hope this channel will continue to grow and be successful. Much support! ❤

[@Bethstr]

Thanks!

[@abbysweat9202]

Good luck to you Jared! My mom was one of the smartest ladies I've ever known and she always used to tell me this..."it's all going to be ok. I can't tell you HOW it will work out but I can promise you, it WILL work out." And she was right. Every single time I thought my world was ending or that I couldn't see a way out, I have figured it out eventually. You have gotten a great start by trying to focus only on what you can control. Just keep moving forward and working hard and I guarantee it'll all be ok.

[@maxmustermann-hx3fx]

I am sorry to hear that. About a month ago you really helped me with your videos on journaling when I had a bit of a hard time! I really hope things work out for you. Best of Luck!

[@One000turtles]

First off, do not, I repeat, do NOT think that this is your fault. I got laid off two weeks after I got married last year. I was doing a great job, but because of decisions that were made beyond my control, I was laid off. I took it really hard and fell into a dark place. But I was able to realize that I was gifted that time to spend with my wife. This time is a gift brother. Use it to spend time with your family. Keep those gears turning, your mind is the most powerful weapon on the planet. This moment in life does not define you, the way you handle it defines you (and it looks like you’re handling it extremely well). I wish you the best of luck brother. You have the rest of your life ahead of you. You’ve GOT THIS.

[@Go_Reala]

You're at 200k, and I hope that triples or quadruples very soon!!

[@KainUndAbelBooks]

Would be so inappropriate. ❤

[@katishines]

stay on! Love ur vids!❤

[@johannadobbinga8786]

So sorry to hear. It happened to me in october last year. Although very uncertain times, it was for me the "push" I needed to start my own company. I wish you the best of luck form the Netherlands.

[@timdemoss]

So sorry to hear. Thankful at the same time that I found your channel because of this video - loved everything you said. and now I'm going to go get some ice cream & look through the rest of your channel, because it sounds very much up my alley. Good luck to you & I really, genuinely appreciate your boldness in this step forward.

[@veronikav3126]

Very sorry to hear this. But I really hope that this may become a blessing i disguise, indeed. Keeping fingers crossed for you 🕊️

[@bellamills]

Sorry to hear your shock news, Jared. When I first found your channel I subscribed for the Journalling videos. Your content and style is highly intellectual, which I love. You’re a natural academic with a fabulous and accessible teaching style. I was sad when I heard your story about needing to leave academia. I spent 25 years in academia and loved it. Every blessing for a fabulously successful future. If Ryan Holliday can make it, so can you. You have a he talent to make it.

[@rayannestudios9635]

Wishing you all the best. We just got through a very similar situation. You will get through this and who knows… this may have been just the push you needed. 💛

[@michaelw8955]

Look forward to more new materials. Please do not give up. Thank you for sharing the ups and downs in life. Very courageous

[@arturofatturi9490]

I'm sorry to hear this. Don't lost your hope. Best wishes from Brazil.

[@johanna9936]

I love how honest you are and how you are confident to be yourself. Congrats on the house! Sorry for the job loss. Loving your optimism! My HS kids and I enjoy watching and learning from you. We are rooting for you!

[@AlexStewart-x9p]

Thank you for all of your thoughtful, high quality content. Rooting for ya!

[@PoetryFrequencybyAncaVlaicu]

I am grateful to witness your humanity and your genuine honesty and asking for support. Thank you for being an Inspiration.

[@IndyGuy65]

In the past I too have been laid off from a job and know you will find great new opportunities. I look forward to supporting your work here on You Tube.

[@Paigedh1776]

I’m so sorry this happened. You’re really gifted and I’m interested in what you have to say and I truly enjoy listening to you and learning from you. I would love to support you and will be happy to join your substack. Best of luck and good wishes. ❤

[@BMB57]

The amount of value your discord and videos have added to my life is high. I'll do what I can to help through these times Jared. Sorry to hear about all of this. I hope it's a blessing in disguise.

[@thenik77]

Stay strong man! You're on the rightest way now. Good luck for you and your family!

[@adprince011]

I'm sure you're feeling many things right now, but I can say that I'll support you through whatever comes. Not on this account, but my original account, I subscribed to you when you had 26K subscribers and I've seen you grow this much; it's been incredible. You've been one of my favorites since I started watching, along with Language Jones. You two have such incredible minds and an admirable motivation to just live life. I hope to be like you one day in that regard. On the other hand, I know you will figure out a way to support your family. I hope to see this channel grow tremendously. I'll try to share it to as many people as I can. And also, I'll see you on SubStack...once I figure it out lol. It won't be long though. I like learning new things, so a new platform should be cool too. Cheers, Jared!

[@alimohammad360]

I'm very sorry about that, something that I have learned with my recent job loss is that its an amazing time to explore your passions and try something you would never do with the bogging responsibility of a job! I wish you all the best and support my friend!

[@delvinotinto]

I'm so sorry Jared. I'm a philosopher too, and the past years have been a roller coster. I wish you the best with this channel. Things will get better 😊

[@The.Steeped.Planner]

I am so sorry to hear that - I feel so much for you as I am going through something very similar and got the notice yesterday. My fingers are crossed for you - you will rock!!!

[@sikwithin]

Sorry to hear that bro.

[@dhvandenb4208]

I am sorry to that this has happened Jared. It's extremely frustrating, especially when having a family. I'll be supporting you here as best as I can.

[@oquinnionated852]

As someone who has worked and lived in Austin, I know how brutal this must feel. Hope this all goes well - happy to support.

[@dot1spot]

Thanks for this. I just got fired yesterday. I appreciate you emphasizing the positive on the situation. While I am disappointed the job didn’t ultimately work out after 6 months, I understand why. It was something completely new and I don’t know if I was entirely suited to the role. I made mistakes. I also didn’t like the company’s management style and no trust in their employees. Micromanaging. They did pay me more severance than they were legally required to. It was as “amicable” as a firing could be. It sucks with $$ but it also gives me a chance to write. That’s my dream and now I don’t have an excuse not to.

[@JoseRuiz-jo5qr]

I'm fairly new to your channel (I've seen a few videos here and there) But this video makes me want to watch your channel even more! The content I've seen from you has helped me when it came to writing my own book and I'm so happy to see your trying youtube full time! I can't wait to see a recap of this moment at your 1M video! Hope all is well and God bless you on this journey ✝

[@JeremyHelm]

Excellent, you've thrown your hat over the wall & so you're committed to figuring it out. I recommend familiarizing yourself with Jaron Lanier's ideas about data dignity, because at the rate at which you're contributing to peoples lives, you could be getting support back

[@BramTheStoic]

So sorry to hear that, Jared. Best of luck to you and your family!

[@billmilstead1473]

Holy cow man! I stumbled upon your page today and kept watching videos until I stumbled upon this one. I'm very sorry you're going through this!

[@sam15482]

Putting your philosophy to the test. I can't afford the substack subscription right now but I can definitely watch a bunch of your youtube videos!

[@chadbailey7038]

Best of luck. I just discovered your channel 2 months ago. I look forward to seeing you grow. Bring great value and your subscribers will continue growing 🙌🏾 ⚡️

[@cat_pb]

Since I reached 30, I have been thinking about this. And it makes me worried so much for myself and others! This thought was one of the reasons I started to save as much of my salary as I possibly could! I hope you find a good job soon! Keep trying 💪

[@LisaGrigorashvili]

Sorry to hear that! I was fired several years ago and that felt awful. Still, now I don't feel sorry because it kicked me off for a better path. Wish you much luck to handle this!

[@marthaduganne99]

Sorry, Jared. Wanted you to know I was recently at an independent bookstore looking for some of the “beginning philosophy” books you have recommended. While looking, 2 other people came up and were looking in the same section. We were all strangers to one another,and got a good chuckle. The philosophy section had the most people looking at its shelves! Keep up with your desire to do more on KZbin! I look forward to learning more from you through the venues you find more lucrative.

[@dimitridoroshko]

I'm sorry to hear that, man. I usually don't write comments, but right now it's one of the few choices I can make to improve the KZbin's algorithm, so that your video will reach out more people. Thanks for being with us and making videos. I hope that everything will be good for you man. Keep up the good work!

[@mrwi]

Count me in! I really appreciate your videos and look forward to your Substack, Jared. Best of luck to you and your family.

[@michaelcoffey8669]

So sorry to hear your news. As a fellow Austinite, I see a lot of people facing this recently. Glad to support your channel and will check out your substack.

[@hatethenewyou]

Sorry to hear it man, but moving forward I have so much confidence in your ability to turn this into a career. Been a huge supporter of you for the past year and I will continue to support. Wishing you nothing but the best.

[@lucidberry]

As a new subscriber of yours who loves learning about philosophy.. you got this!!! Now is your opportunity. ✊🏼 Best of luck to you friend!

[@oldforestroad]

Hey Jared, sorry to hear, it is tough news to receive indeed, no pun intended. Turning crisis into opportunity is the heart of a warrior. Strength and honor. "At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” ~ Lao Tzu

[@PhinnOz]

So sorry to hear this Jared, push on here on YT, hope youre able to find success and keep making cool stuff

[@bensharp4851]

I'm really sad to hear this, man. Wishing you the best of luck with the KZbin channel and getting back to a point of financial comfortability. You'll always have a crowd of people here to watch and support your very valuable videos. I've actually used some of your videos on note taking in my online college course.

[@rengsn4655]

i so wish i could afford your substack! will be looking forward to any free content you put up there. Indeed lost a good one. all the very best, Jared!

[@BRC_311]

I’m sorry to hear that. I experienced something very similar at the very tail end of 2022, I was laid off from my remote job I had for several years when the first rounds of layoffs in the industry had started back then. It was brutal and I’m still recovering. Praying. 🙏🏻