A former employee at the US financial technology firm PayPal described the emotional and financial strain after losing his position and how a referral from a past coworker led to a new role. John Huân Vũ, now a senior consultant at Visa in San Jose, told Business Insider he was surprised by the layoff from PayPal in July 2024.
Vũ said he spent one week processing the news before starting an intense search. Over the next 16 months he sent more than 6,000 applications to over 2,000 companies and took part in many interviews, logging every submission in a spreadsheet.
He noted that hiring practices had shifted markedly since his previous search more than ten years earlier. Some firms used AI tools for interviews, and many postings vanished within 48 hours or after only a few hundred applications.
Vũ monitored LinkedIn and HiringCafe while revising his resume to match current expectations. These steps increased his interviews but did not quickly produce an offer.
Financial pressure led to tough choices. As the search continued, Vũ and his husband, who owns an interior design business, examined their budget and considered selling their home without new income.
To cut costs the couple used Buy Nothing groups, coupons, SNAP benefits and local food pantries. Vũ remembered reaching pantries hours early to gather food before returning for interviews.
He thanked his church, Buy Nothing groups and pantry volunteers for support during the hardship.
While sharing his search on Facebook, Vũ was contacted by a former colleague from PayPal and Visa. The colleague told him in October 2025 about a senior consultant opening at Visa and urged him to apply despite his doubts.
Vũ later learned the colleague had recommended him to recruiters and interviewers for his work ethic, communication and results.
His final interview occurred on his 40th birthday in November 2025, and he received an offer soon after, ending 16 months without work.
Looking back, Vũ advised job seekers to update and modernize resumes. He also highlighted the importance of professional networks, noting that personal connections still matter. Updating his resume brought interviews, but the colleague’s endorsement proved decisive.
