Your job can’t love you back — but that doesn’t mean a layoff won’t hurt.

This week, I’m joined by Ilana Dunn, host of Seeing Other People and one of the most thoughtful voices on dating, self-worth, and navigating major life transitions online. Ilana went through a layoff herself, and together we unpack what happens when your career rug gets pulled out from under you.

We talk about the emotional whiplash of layoffs, why so many high performers get cut, and how to rethink your identity when the job you built your life around disappears. We also dig into career pivots — how to tell when one is a strategic move versus a fear-based reaction.

We get into:

• Why layoffs are rarely personal (even when they feel devastating)
• The grief, shame, and panic no one warns you about
• Rebuilding confidence after being “cut”
• When a career pivot is actually a power move
• Why tying your self-worth to your job will always backfire

Follow Ilana on Instagram and check out her podcast Seeing Other People for honest conversations about dating, identity, and becoming yourself again.

https://www.instagram.com/seeingotherpeople/

https://www.instagram.com/ilanadunn/

If you’ve ever stayed loyal to a company that wouldn’t hesitate to replace you, this episode is your reminder: your career should serve you, not the other way around.

Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

New year, new energy — but no pressure!

In this episode, I’m checking in on how I’m actually feeling heading into the new year, what I’m celebrating, what I’m leaving behind, and how I’m thinking about work, goals, and growth moving forward. We’re talking career ins and outs, realistic intentions, and setting the tone for the year ahead without burning yourself out. Consider this your friendly New Year career check-in.

Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

In this special holiday edition of What Would Emily Do, I’m answering your real career questions. We’re talking about what to do when your boss doesn’t care about your health, how to know when it’s actually time to quit your job, and how to think about taking a pay cut without blowing up your future.

If you’ve been rethinking your job going into the new year, this episode will help you get clear on your next move!

Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Standing up for yourself at work shouldn’t cost you trust, credibility, or future opportunities.

In this episode, we break down how to advocate for yourself, push back, set boundaries, and deliver hard messages without damaging relationships or burning bridges. Because clarity isn’t the issue—delivery is.

You’ll learn:

• How to say the hard thing without escalating the situation
• The difference between being direct and being reckless
• How to push back while staying respected and effective
• What tact actually looks like in real workplace conversations

Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.