u/EveningSmall8199

I recently got the ax because of a round of layoffs at the company I worked for. I worked luxury retail and I know the space isn’t doing right now because of the economy. And also the job market is getting flooded because a lot of government employees got the act too, so they’re looking for other careers as well.

I was thinking of getting my phlebotomy license, but I wanted to know if that’s a viable option or if the market is already flooded in that area? I live in Atlanta Georgia. It wouldn’t take me long to become certified here, but I’m worried that I would just waste the money and not be able to find placement.

Would love to know your thoughts.

I’ve even thought of reaching out to some places to see if If I would be able to get placement with them prior to me getting my license, but I think that might be a little silly

I’m seeking some guidance as I try to shape my career in retail. I’m 35 and have extensive management experience. A while back, I decided that I wanted to work in the cosmetics industry.

I started freelancing for a major cosmetics company—one of the big ones, though I’d rather not name it. For months, I received consistently positive feedback. Senior leaders visited the store and told me that I should be prepared for bigger opportunities because they had their eye on me and were genuinely interested in helping me grow with the company.

There was nothing during my time there that would have led me to believe I would be laid off, especially not in the way it happened. In fact, I didn't even know I had been let go until I reached out to ask about my schedule. At first, they told me they didn't currently have the budget for my position, but that I should be prepared to return the following week because we had a major event coming up.

When I followed up again to ask about my future schedule, I received no response. Then, two days before the event, I reached out once more. That's when they finally informed me that my position had been eliminated—not just at my store, but across all department store locations.

I was completely blindsided, especially because, in the two months leading up to this, they had been actively discussing moving me into a higher-level role within the store.

I expressed my disappointment, but the decision had already been made. They explained that they were reducing costs and that it was simply the nature of retail.

What struck me most was the lack of communication. It felt incredibly unprofessional that I had to discover I had been laid off by asking about my schedule, rather than being formally notified with a conversation or termination letter.

Now, I’m scrambling to find another job. To be honest, I’m shaken. I’m left wondering whether this industry is truly right for me. I worked hard, went above and beyond, and received nothing but positive feedback, only for it to end so abruptly.

Does anyone here have experience working for cosmetics companies or in department store retail? Is this kind of instability common?

I have a mortgage and real financial responsibilities, so I can't afford to keep jumping from one career path to another. I need stability, and I want to make sure that my next move is the right one.

Maybe the economy is simply making things difficult for everyone right now, but I would really appreciate any insight or advice.