Let’s Talk About Layoffs
by Paige Cohen, Senior Editor
In my mid-20s, I was laid off from a job in the tech industry. We were called into work for a 9 am meeting, and as soon as I saw the room, I knew. My peers, my boss, and I sat across from the senior managers of our department. Years later, my memory of the conversation is murky, but there was something about cutting back on resources, leaving everything at our desks, and being escorted out of the building by security.
I remember walking out of the office and feeling the shock of cold air hitting my face, the bright Times Square lights flashing in my periphery. My first thought was: I need to buy less coffee, cancel my gym membership, and unsubscribe from Apple TV.
Immediately, I moved into action. I walked two blocks to the fancy fitness center that my company was basically paying for and asked to leave. I took the subway home and turned off every unnecessary electronic. Then I hopped on LinkedIn and started looking for jobs at companies where I had at least one connection. I never stopped to process what had just happened. I never paused to think about what I really wanted to do next.
Two weeks later, warm with red wine and watching a sad scene from Rent, I began to cry and I didn’t stop for almost an hour. All the emotions I hadn’t acknowledged were still living in me. The case I had so carefully locked them inside cracked. Every fear I had about the future — and every doubt I had about my own competence — rushed to the surface.
It was difficult, but it was also cathartic. I needed to let myself feel the hard feelings to move forward in a productive way. After that moment, I was able to take a deep breath, pause, admit that something was wrong, and think more patiently and thoughtfully about my next steps.
I’ve been thinking about my experience as I read the headlines about the recent waves of layoffs in tech. Two months into the new year, thousands of employees have been let go. Thousands of people’s lives have unexpectedly changed directions.
If you’ve been impacted by a layoff, I want you to know that I see you, and to some extent, I understand. In my experience, it’s useful to give yourself the space to grieve what you’ve lost, even if you’re excited about what comes next. Acknowledge that this is hard. Remind yourself that layoffs are almost never about people. (They are about companies.) And give yourself time to reflect so that you can move forward in a fulfilling way.
This is temporary, and I promise, another adventure is coming.
Recommended Reads
What You Should Know About Layoffs (Before, During, and After)
Most of the time, company-wide layoffs are out of our control as employees. That doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Here are four things you should know about layoffs, how to prepare for them, and what to do after.
What to Do When You’re Laid Off During a Recession
If you’ve recently found yourself out of work and you’re not sure where to turn next, that’s okay. This moment is hard, but it won’t last forever, and there are steps you can take to move forward.
Christine vs. Work: How to Be Ready for a Layoff, Even If Your Job Feels Secure for Now
The transition after a layoff is never easy, but preparing responsibly — even if your job feels secure — can make the process less painful.
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Customer Service Representative/ESL Teacher
2 年When you give your blood sweat and tears look me in the eyes and tell me it is not me.
Operations and Strategy Leader | Digital Healthcare | Commercial Growth Strategist | Medical Device | Career and Life Coach | Process Improvement | Market Analysis |
2 年My job was eliminated last week after spending the last 2.5 years working as hard as I have at any point ever in my career. I lost my job of 15 years in 2020 amidst layoffs during the pandemic as well. I have 20ish years of experience in operations, in strategy and growth, in sales enablement, and so much more. I WILL find a new job, and I will make sure my new company finds success with me in it It IS hard. It IS stressful. It IS devastating. But it does NOT define who you are, and what you are capable of. Yes, one door opens and one closes blah blah.. all the stuff we don't want to hear that well meaning people say. But I say this.. feel the feels. Embrace the suck. Have a pity party. and then realize you have so much to offer and get out there. Yes, networking is key. Even if you hate it. It just is. Find ways to connect. Comment on posts. Find companies who have recently received funding so you can follow them and see if they're hiring. Apply for jobs. It IS a numbers game, I've always believed this. Most of all, ask for help. Never be too proud (I know how hard it is for me to ask) and always always believe In yourself. No one will ever be a better advocate for you than you.
Critical Environmental Equipment. Fan Filter Units-Controls and Cleanroom Components. Sales Channel Development.
2 年Always be prepared. Keep an up todate resume. Network Network Network. Always talk to companies and listen well.The best jobs never hit the streets.