I got laid off from Meta as a low performer. I wish people told me to budget, downsize, and create a plan immediately.

Former Meta documentation engineer Brittney Ball underestimated the job market after her 2025 layoff and has been searching for full-time work for over a year.
She built and sold a startup and launched a Substack and podcast while unemployed, which generated income, visibility, and consulting opportunities.
Her advice: budget as if you'll be unemployed for a year, treat the job hunt like a full‑time job, build your personal brand, and lean on your community.