AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT CHIME

San Francisco, California-based Chime, a financial technology company that partners with regional banks to design and host fee-free mobile banking services, has announced a reduction in force as part of its cost containment strategy.

The personnel realignment will impact approximately 10% of the workforce, or about 135 employees, effective September 30, 2026.

Co-founder and CEO Chris Britt commented, “The world is changing quickly, and this means we need to keep evolving too. To continue to lead in the next era, we need to have the right structure, capabilities and approach to our work. AI is changing what’s possible but requires new skills. Smaller teams with fewer layers are moving faster than ever and getting more done. We’re making changes across the company to organize for this next chapter. In some areas, that means a flatter structure and smaller squads. In others, it means building more capabilities. As a public company, we must accelerate growth while continuing to demonstrate operating discipline to build an even stronger, more profitable business.”

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT AVAMERE HEALTH SERVICES

Wilsonville, Oregon-based Avamere Health Services, a post-acute health care manager of nursing homes and assisted living communities, announced that it will conduct a reduction in force prior to exiting the skilled nursing business and transitioning its Oregon long-term care facilities to other providers as it focuses future investment and growth on senior housing communities and home-based services.

The business exit will impact 129 employees with phased layoffs starting September 1, 2026 and continuing until its personnel goals are reached.

According to a company spokesperson, "The layoffs are part of Avamere’s plan to exit the skilled nursing business that provides around-the-clock medical and rehabilitation care. As other companies take over the facilities, Avamere will no longer need as many headquarters employees to handle payroll, accounting, human resources, and other back-office work"

This strategic shift will allow Avamere to expand and deepen investment in its senior housing portfolio. The company’s senior housing strategy will continue to center on choice, connection, wellness, and elevated resident experience, helping older adults age on their own terms with the support they need."

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT SMITH DRUG COMPANY

Spartanburg, South Carolina-based Smith Drug Company, a wholesale pharmaceutical and medical equipment distributor, has announced it will wind down its wholesale pharmaceutical division operations prior to a sale to an unnamed company.

The closure will impact 195 employees located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Milton, Vermont, and Paragould, Arkansas. Layoffs will begin on September 30, 2026, and continue until February 28, 2027.

According to Board Chair and CEO of parent of J.M. Smith, Paula Harper Bethea, "As our industry continues to evolve, this step allows us to honor that legacy by caring for our employees, customers, and vendors and fulfilling our obligations to our shareholders. We are committed to working alongside our employees through this transition and ensuring they are treated with the respect and support they deserve. It is the Smith way.”

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?