Man Moves Home After Layoff, Finds Happiness Despite Job Search Struggles

Alex English, 38, has been unemployed for over a year and a half after being laid off from his marketing job in LA.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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After being laid off from his $125,000 marketing job in Los Angeles in 2024, Alex English moved back to his hometown of Tampa, Florida. Despite the challenges of a prolonged job search and making significantly less money, English says he's happier in Tampa surrounded by family and friends, rather than the loneliness and high cost of living in LA.

Why it matters

English's story highlights the emotional and financial toll of long-term unemployment, even for those previously well-compensated. His experience also shows how moving to a lower cost-of-living area can improve one's quality of life, even if the job market is more limited.

The details

English, 38, worked in marketing and communications at a startup in LA for five years before being laid off in 2024. Unable to find a new full-time job in the LA market, he moved back to Tampa to live with family. While the job search has been difficult in Florida, English says he's happier there, citing the support of his family and friends, as well as the lower cost of living compared to LA.

  • English was laid off from his $125,000 job in LA in June 2024.
  • By September 2024, English's financial situation had become an emergency.
  • English's lease in LA was up in May 2025, at which point he decided to move back to Tampa.

The players

Alex English

A 38-year-old marketing and communications professional who has been unemployed for over a year and a half after being laid off from his job in LA.

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What they’re saying

“I've been forcing myself to write down things that I'm grateful for and absorb content, whether it's podcasts or other things that help me feel better and less alone. I take these steps, instead of living on Instagram and looking at what everybody else is doing.”

— Alex English (businessinsider.com)

“If I found a job that paid $65,000, was something I'd enjoy doing, and felt meaningful, I'd probably be like, "Praise the Lord.”

— Alex English (businessinsider.com)

The takeaway

English's story underscores the emotional and financial challenges of long-term unemployment, even for those previously well-compensated. However, his decision to move to a lower cost-of-living area and focus on his personal well-being rather than social media comparisons shows the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during difficult times.