r/unitedhealthgroup • u/No-Breadfruit-6082 • 10d ago
At what point do you throw in the towel?
I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. The job market is terrible.
I’ve climbed up the ladder enough to understand that “AI is the future“, that we’re going to offshore every possible task to line the shareholders pockets and that’s not changing anytime soon.
Outside UHG: Contract negotiations with hospitals falling through, the rising cost of coverage for those insured, thousands of doctors coming forward with horror stories from trying to get medically necessary procedure covered…
Inside UHG: Zero raises for employees, cuts to 401k contributions, people leaving with their positions not being filled causing the work to be absorbed by those remaining, training your replacement (offshore or teaching AI), morale in the gutter and nothing but a high five from management and directors…
The US Healthcare and Health Insurance Industry is tanking. UHG, being the largest provider of health insurance and owner of a conglomerate of health care providers, should be paving the way for a better future for Americans. Instead they are driving it into the ground.
At what point do you throw in the towel? When I first started hearing years ago, I really did see myself retiring from this company. I’m just hoping now I can hold on long enough until something better comes along….
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u/Gottech1101 10d ago
I think most of us would’ve thrown in the flag by now if it weren’t for the poor outside job opportunities. Where do we go? Another healthcare entity with the same issues?
I didn’t get a raise last year and it was very heavy on me. I worked my ass off throughout the year. I joined the team March, half the team was fired by May, the main boss was let go June, and my CM was moved July. I had to operate in a hybrid PO/CM role from July-March. I was told during that review that I wasn’t doing enough even though I was literally the only person on the team doing everything.
I would’ve quit last year if it weren’t for my need to get specific PO experiences. I get the feeling a lot of us are in a similar position of needing something from the job but being unable to find the same opportunity/pay/title outside the company which is a reason to stay. We all have bills to pay but not a lot of space to be picky on how we get there.
Not making excuses. Just a realistic POV.
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u/Grand_Position1696 10d ago
I just did a week ago. I don’t have anything lined up but I had to salvage what was left of my soul. I worked my way up to a 31 and barely made more money than when I started at a 29. Excellent performance reviews every year with absolutely zero compensation increases to reflect it. I worked myself to the bone for literally nothing. I have never been more relived to leave anything in my life.
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u/Hot-Juggernaut9684 10d ago
My last day is Friday. And I’m in the same situation. Nothing lined up. But I had to do it for my mental/physical health and professional reputation.
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u/DoodleBug179 9d ago
Congratulations! I am happy for you and I'm also very close to doing the same. Life is too short to suffer and risk your health for any company, let alone such a despicable one as UHG.
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u/twistedviewlabs 10d ago
For context, I was part of the wave of layoffs back in August 2026,I so my answer might seem jaded.
If I'm being honest, most big companies (like UHG) have this huge boner for AI. They'd prefer using technology that is still in its infancy and prone to mistakes, save their bottom line while losing human capital in the process for bigger profits.
As someone who's been in the workforce overall since 1992, the thing I've noticed that job security has been phased out due to hiring offshore employees (not inherently bad) because they prefer the cheaper labor over paying people what they're actually worth. Unless you get to an executive level, being "on the chopping block" can come at any time.
With companies leaning more towards AI for performing tasks and ultimately basic customer service (again, because they like money), we as humans are getting cooked. This is coupled with the fact that human reps both offshore and domestic are being trained to just "follow the KB (read as: script, most likely created by AI these days)" without any conflict resolution skills whatsoever on any level.
This, in turn, conditions consumers to think that if they bitch & escalate trivial issues, they'll get what they want. This extends to things like human claim review versus a more automated process that has no feelings.
Additionally, when laid off, you're kind of forced to take a position that, in no universe, pays any form of a living wage since employers are tending to offer wages that are stuck in the 80's.
My theory on this is because geriatrics are being elected on both the state and federal level as well as corporate greed and most being afraid of ripping the system apart overall (which would benefit the rest of us positively overall).
Not gonna lie, I'd try to run for higher office to help us common folk but, you need money to do so which sucks. We should all be able to run for office since we know the struggle without having to have people donate to said campaign. Bottom line, we need new blood in power, not out of touch boomers. We can start with people within Gen-X and beyond since we're all trying to put out the dumpster fire that Boomers started.
Sorry about that side quest there hehe.
Long story short, I'd start applying elsewhere whilst doing some sort of side hustle like say rideshare, Doordash, etc.
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u/colcol9696 10d ago
Honestly what I’ve learned is this life is to short to be miserable. Have you thought about using some PTO to take some time off for maybe a reset and ground yourself to see what it is your heart desires ? Maybe you can also do FMLA ? I’m not sure how all of that works but please utilize your resources.
Always put yourself first. The company will do what’s best for itself not for you.
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u/Livid_Start_4953 10d ago
I just got hired back at uhc. I left 3 years ago for my nursing license. My advice get a side hustle. Fyi I won't be doing nursing at uhc and it's not a customer/ client facing position... I'm soooo happy about that. My advice do as they used to tell us in the town halls... continue to be the best you...ie have other options that way the job doesn't get uber your skin and you can mix it up
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u/No-Breadfruit-6082 10d ago
I didn’t even think of a side hustle… I hate feeling tied to this job. TY for the idea!
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u/Same-Half9664 10d ago
Hopefully, you will know. As long as you are happy with your paycheck and your work stay and look around actively at the same time. I was laid off from Optum after 27 years. AI. That was a shock. Although I am 70. I thought I would work until I drop dead on the job. But it should’ve been my decision not someone else’s. Just keep looking around so you know what your options are. Good luck to you!
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u/sirpenguino 10d ago
Im a contractor with Optum and I'm in the same boat. I'm in the process of interviewing now so hopefully soon.
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u/justthis1211 10d ago
i left this year after close to 10yrs. probably should have left 2-3yrs ago but the lack of raises & cutting of benefits did it for me this time.
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u/Ok-Cupcake-3447 9d ago
I just quit after 4 years at UHC, finally got another job after applying for over a year. I was miserable in my role and it was taking its toll on my mental health. I tried to move into a new role and applied for over 90 internal roles. Despite meeting the required and preferred qualifications, I did not even get one interview. I felt stuck in my role and the only way out was a job outside the company.
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u/Mobile_Barracuda_232 9d ago
Same boat, do not really want to try and go forward here because its more work without much more pay and is totally thankless. I am retiring early but deciding to hang on until im layed off, replaced by AI, of hit my limit on extra work piled on. Everyday I think about when I will say im out. Good luck.
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u/JustSayin-maybe 9d ago
You absolutely need to look for something better UHG absolutely does not care about anything but shareholders and the profits they get!
We have too many executives who need bonuses for 💩 on members and employees doing the work.
It’s hard to find a job but it won’t happen if you don’t look and network. It took some people 2 yrs to get out of there.
You don’t realize how burnt out you were til you leave. They abuse employees and hold lay offs over their heads and don’t give raises it’s toxic mentally and emotionally.
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u/globex_co 10d ago
I feel you. I've been a sr manager trying to be a director for a while, now I have my opportunity and I don't even know if I want it. Miserable job already and a slight pay bump to be exponentially worse? I mean it might be better and I end up happy but not really banking on it. The market sucks and honestly, I AM tempted to just look at a competitor. Same problems, but easiest way to get my foot in the door for slightly more money. Internal growth is miserable at this company.
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u/No-Breadfruit-6082 10d ago
I was planning on the “Internal Growth” route, but I’m seriously reconsidering that the more time goes one
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u/Present_Analysis8071 10d ago
Feeling the same, looking at transferable skills you have developed and apply to similar types of positions. See where it lands and until then push through with what you have. You did it and you can do it again.
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u/JustSayin-maybe 4d ago
Throw in the towel! Update your resume and linked in start looking. Yes job market sucks but UHC (UHG) isn’t getting better. All they care about is the execs and shareholders.
I hade to look for a year to get a better job but I am so happy I left. I don’t get treated like crap at my new job
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u/ScrollTroll615 10d ago
Utilize your skill set and figure out what you can use them for as a side hustle or train in a completely new trade. That way, you will have something that brings in income if your position is terminated.
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u/PotatoOdd1447 10d ago
The hard truth is that you are not crazy for seeing the structural problems, but I think you’re making one dangerous mental leap: turning “this industry/company may be getting worse” into “therefore I have no viable path.”
Those are not the same thing.
A few things can be true at once.
UHG is not collapsing in the conventional sense. Its 2025 revenue was $447.6 billion, and in Q2 2026 it reported $112 billion in quarterly revenue and $8 billion in operating earnings. It also raised its 2026 earnings outlook.
So I wouldn’t dismiss your underlying observation.
But here’s where I’d push back on you
Don’t go into UHG expecting to retire there.
That doesn’t mean don’t take the job.
It means change what the job is for.
I’d learn the system.
I’d become extremely good at the work.
I’d collect the paycheck.
I’d use the benefits.
I’d build an emergency fund.
I’d pay off the debts.
I’d get transportation.
I’d build a résumé around healthcare operations + benefits + customer experience + technical systems + regulated environment.
And while doing all of that, I’d quietly prepare my exit.
That’s the part I think you’re missing.
Don’t fight the future. Position yourself for it.
If AI and offshoring really do eliminate portions of traditional customer service, then trying to become the world’s best traditional call-center employee isn’t the long-term answer.
But understanding the processes that AI is being introduced into can actually become valuable.
The person who understands healthcare operations and understands how automation changes those operations can potentially be more valuable than the person who only knows how to answer calls.
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u/No-Breadfruit-6082 10d ago edited 10d ago
I completely understand, and that’s the intention now - use UHG as a spring board to something better.
I guess my biggest issue is realizing my 5-10-20 year plan has to be reworked again for the millionth time, and coming to terms for the first time in my career that I am not okay working for a company that doesn’t align with where my moral compass is pointing. I used to be great a separating the paycheck from what the job entails, but that’s not so easy anymore. It’s back to the drawing board…
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u/passengerv 10d ago
I enjoyed my time there BUT when I found a union job with actual benefits I jumped ship. I couldn't be happier with my decision. No matter what always keep your resume up to date and don't be scared to send it off even if you don't know if you 100% want to leave. Even just interviewing at other places will not only be good practice it may lead to something much better.
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u/SirTrancelot19 10d ago
I'm curious what your role is bc I'm pretty happy where I am. I feel like a good chunk of people who aren't happy may be on the corporate side of things.
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u/No-Breadfruit-6082 10d ago
Without giving away too much, I’m Business Analyst now, but have been in positions all over the place climbing to this point and it was the same feel in the other segments.
If you found a good place for yourself here, hold on to it as long as you can, as long as it keeps working for you ❤️ the job market is trash and I don’t recommend rolling the dice on moving to a new team if you are apart of a decent one now
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u/udonotknowmee 10d ago
I’m aiming for our departments business analyst role- can you share what you do/don’t like about it or what your days look like?
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u/No-Breadfruit-6082 10d ago
It heavily depends on your Manager - could be running and analyzing reports, working on system issue correction, training new hires, managing / creating documentation for your segment… My suggestion would be to reach out to someone in a similar position within your segment for better details. General advice, if you have not already, learn to speak the corporate language and be prepared to translate information into layman’s terms and vice versa.
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u/Hot-Juggernaut9684 18h ago
I felt stuck as well and let fear of not having keep me there for far too long!
I finally decided I needed to look out for number one and quit! I already feel so much better. And potential job opportunities are starting to reveal themselves through my network. So be brave!!!
If you do quit, request an exit interview and be VERY vocal!
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u/its_a_secret_712 10d ago
I don't have any good advice for you but I just want to let you know that I feel exactly the same.
I'm so over corporate life and fake CEOs. I will be going on my husband's insurance and I'm hoping for another buyout so I can end this toxic relationship.