Hired Then Screwed: When the Safety Net Disappears and You're Left to Drown

As we move forward into an uncertain future, one thing remains painfully clear: layoffs are still a harsh reality for many. It's horrifying to think that something once so shocking has become like a ‘standard business practice’ in a matter of months. As someone who has experienced the sudden loss of a job due to Pollen falling into administration, I know all too well the impact it can have. The shock, fear, and uncertainty can leave you reeling and struggling to make sense of what just happened. Unfortunately, it seems that unless you've gone through this experience yourself, it can be difficult to truly understand the magnitude of its effect. That's why I’ve written this article to surface some of that, to help you better understand and support some of your contacts who will inevitably face layoffs in the coming months. I only say "will" because the reality is, we will all encounter someone we know who will unfortunately go through this.

As usual, I’ve collaborated with AI for this article. Incorporating Jasper, ChatGPT and let’s not forget Dall.E 2 for images, which has been rather amusingly hit and miss!

From Optimism to Insensitivity: My Experience with Layoffs at Pollen

Layoffs are a brutal and insensitive process that can leave lasting emotional scars. For me, it was the news of Pollen's administration that came as a gut-punch via The Telegraph, followed by an email from the CEO denying the facts. It's not just the sudden loss of income that's crushing; it's the feeling of being left in the lurch without any warning or consultation. The emotional toll is immense - starting with shock, frustration, hurt, and confusion. The impact of losing your job is felt in every aspect of your life, from paying bills to questioning your worth. It's a grieving process for the opportunity that's been lost and the uncertain future ahead. Fear sets in as you contemplate the unknown. The truth is, layoffs don't just impact your finances - they have a profound effect on your mental health. It's high time companies showed some empathy and treated their employees with dignity and respect, recognizing the real people behind the job titles.

From Sympathy to Action: Practical Ways to Help a Friend Who Has Lost Their Job

Supporting someone who has lost their job can make a huge difference in their recovery process. There are practical things you can do to help, such as

1. Engaging with their LinkedIn post about their job loss by reacting & commenting, re-posting, and tagging people in your network who may be able to help. This visibility can be invaluable in connecting them with a new opportunity.
2. Additionally, ask about the kind of role they are looking for and reach out to your network to see if anyone knows of a suitable position. If you’re going to engage with them at all, do something tangible in your power that increases their probability of landing the next opportunity. Their inbox will be overwhelmed with messages expressing sympathy. As well-meaning as they may be, sympathy alone is not going to get them the next role. Be someone who puts that sympathy to action!
3. It's important to remember to listen actively and empathetically to their story, rather than bombarding them with unsolicited advice. Remember they are talking to a LOT of people every day, and you may be the 10th person that day to dispense that piece of ‘helpful’ advice. This can be a difficult and traumatic time, and they will appreciate someone who can provide a supportive ear without judgement.
4. If you worked with them previously, and genuinely gained value from your working relationship, write them a recommendation, and endorse their skills. Especially valuable if you were a direct report and enjoyed working for someone, or if you directly managed them.

If you do any of the four things above, you will stand out, and it’ll be deeply appreciated. My experience is sadly, that most people just observe. I’ll remain eternally thankful for the few people who stepped forward and genuinely went out of their way to help me. Although I’ve landed in a different opportunity than their assistance opened, I will never run out of gratitude for three people especially. Interestingly, all of whom, I hadn’t met face-to-face… I digress…there is absolutely no bitterness whatsoever here! My point is, any small gesture can go a long way in helping someone get back on their feet.

Think before you speak: What NOT to say to someone who's just been laid off

When it comes to talking to someone who has lost their job suddenly, it's important to be mindful of what not to say. For instance, avoid cliches like "You'll get snapped up just like that!" Or “Don’t rush into anything!” Which can be as helpful as telling someone to calm down when they're having a panic attack. And please, please don't say "Use your network" unless you plan on passing along their resume to your CEO friend who's hiring for their dream job. “Use your network” started to get on my nerves. I was hearing it from between six and fourteen people a day. My internal frustration wanted to shout out in response, “You ARE my f**king network!” That remark came across as, “Make someone else help you now. Not me though!”?

I will emphasise, when someone is in crisis mode, they need practical help, not just general advice.

Interview with Empathy: Why Hostility towards Laid-Off Candidates will Leave a Lasting Impression

Interviewers, listen up! When interviewing a candidate who has just suffered a layoff, it's not the time to display hostility or make presumptuous assumptions about their situation. I remember one interviewer who had the audacity to accuse me of being likely to return to my previous company. This was rude, insulting, and showed a complete lack of sensitivity towards my situation. Remember, you could be talking to someone who has hit rock bottom emotionally, financially, and personally. Take a moment to really hear them and put yourself in their shoes. Consider how you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed. Remember, we will remember how you treated us during these challenging times. Show some compassion and respect.

The Myth of Job Security

We are in a very scary time and need to be able to show-up for one another. Back in Summer 2022, layoffs were frowned-upon as a ‘Tech thing’ but it’s spreading fast to other industries. The future is very uncertain, and the idea of a secure job is fading near to the point of non-existence.

To increase my popularity, I have some homework for you:

• Come up with a plan for how you’ll tangibly support one friend who suddenly finds themselves jobless in the coming months. Really flesh-out the plan. What exactly are you willing to do to help? What are your boundaries?
• Understand what it would mean for you, if you lose your job suddenly. How would you feel? What would you do? Have you calculated for how long you can stay afloat without your income? An exercise I thoroughly recommend doing.

I’ll end on that upbeat note! I’m super keen, as always, to hear your thoughts about this. Stay sane!?

Authors: Kudzayi Chakahwata, ChatGPT, Jasper AI

Images: Dall.E 2