From teaching chemistry and mathematics in rural Iran to engineering chips at Intel, the last decade of Dr. Ehsan Fereyduni’s life has been full of dramatic change. After an unexpected layoff in July 2025, he shares what it was like to suddenly lose his job, the sleepless nights that followed, and the surprising second chance that came his way. Along the way, Ehsan walks through the daily habits and practical steps that keep him steady and insights that can help anyone prepare for the twists and turns of their own career.

Dr. Ehsan Fereyduni earned his PhD in chemistry at the University of Florida, where his research resulted in three high-impact publications and a U.S. patent. His journey then took him from lab to fab, moving from academic research into the world of semiconductor manufacturing. Today, he is a metrology engineer at Intel, specializing in advanced inspection and measurement techniques that improve chip yield, reliability, and efficiency.

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