Thread regarding Charles Schwab Corp. layoffs

Anxiety

How are you dealing with the stress and anxiety? Haven’t been able to sleep in a few days thinking we are expecting cuts any day now. Feel like I’m crazy, am I the only 1?

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Post ID: @OP+1nRsw8Hy

16 replies (most recent on top)

The key to happiness and balance in life is the fine art of I don give a sheeeet. Once you master this fine art, you will be a happier person. Some call this the on off capability to anxiety. I call it fine art of detachment. This helped me to get my phD in computer science during some very stressful periods of my life. I take care of what I can control, and filter out what I can't. Worrying about the things I can't control does me no good. I know that. I realize it. I move on and focus on what I can control. This helps me to have a happier and less stressful life. This technique is not meant to offend, but just sharing what I do.

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Post ID: @1uco+1nRsw8Hy

@1sib+1nRsw8Hy

@mqh+1nRsw8Hy posted "try to relax". How is this a realistic solution? And to your point "talking discreetly to collegues, networking, leaning on family/friends". None of this is going to pay the bills if you're laid off during a difficult job market. As for friends and family, not everyone has this support system. Some people are neurodivergent and have difficulty networking because that is not how they function and it's almost impossible to change that. This is so narrow-minded to be honest.

"finding ways to make what work you do meaningful"... This again, sounds like the "just focus on your work" narrative. It's boring and obvious.

People are anxious because of the unknown. Like the other poster said, you can't turn of anxiety like a light switch.

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Post ID: @1frk+1nRsw8Hy

1lot+1nRsw8Hy
You asked how people are dealing with the anxiety. Many of us also feel anxious and, like the other poster said, are sad but focusing on what we can control....and still being civil - imagine that. Were you seriously that offended by someone's realistic solution that wasn't your cup of tea? This isnt the first time many of us have gone through this. There isnt much you can do other than talking discreetly to collegues, networking, leaning on family/friends, finding ways to make what work you do meaningful, and set yourself up for success if you leave or stay. "Read the room" you're not a unique snowflake- most of us just have to hold ourselves together.

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Post ID: @1sib+1nRsw8Hy

@mqh+1nRsw8Hy

Yeah... no. I'm going to assume you meant well and not some Schwab lackey rephrasing the "just focus" narrative.

Tucking away anxiety is not akin to snapping your fingers. Anxiety is not something you can manage like a light switch. And tbh, this sounds like an incredibly privileged perspective.

Unless you can share some magic trick on how to relax during layoff announcement so that I can just "focus on my work", this is incredibly unhelpful.

Read the room.

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Post ID: @1lot+1nRsw8Hy

One upside for them to drag it out till after TG3 is to give some people enough time to interview for other jobs and others to get so numb to the situation that they don't care anymore. That said I hope we have closure before the end of next week. Dragging it out is the worst.

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Post ID: @qhr+1nRsw8Hy

I am so sorry some of you are are having so much anxiety over this. I know this is your livelihood, and each one of us have different worries and obligations. All I can say is try to relax. Worrying really won't help. For me, I just focus on my work for now and try not to think about it. Most of us will have a decent severance either way, whether from tenure or the default package for your grade. I know its hard, but try to let it go. If it happens, it happens, and then you can worry and plan accordingly. But for now, nothing is in stone yet, at least from our perspective. Good luck, and cheers.

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Post ID: @mqh+1nRsw8Hy

Well they have been toying with people for weeks and their plan to layoff has been in the works for months. So who knows if there will be multiple waves but it will occur before TG1 - could also continue after. Yes it does/HAS affected morale - not sure they care or they wouldn't keep dragging their feet

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Post ID: @ojl+1nRsw8Hy

Been through this many times. With the exception of some small groups, Schwab is not going to do layoffs in waves. They are going to to do it all at once which will lessen the effect on morale. It will happen sometime after TG1 but before RTO. Remember cream rises to the top. If you are a top notch performer, you will be able to find another role within Schwab. Maybe even a better one. I have watched many people be laid off at Schwab, and then find a different position within their 60 day pay period

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Post ID: @rou+1nRsw8Hy

Honestly, not handling it well. I have bad anxiety and am on anxiety meds, and they're the only thing that has kept me from entirely losing my sanity. I have been reading every night though, and focusing on my hobbies to try and stay distracted. This weekend I am relaxing and trying to finish a book. It's helping alot. Also, treat yourself to your favorite coffee or something Monday before you get to work. That's what I did Friday, with all these rumors going around. That way you start your day off good :) I hope you get some relief.

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Post ID: @owc+1nRsw8Hy

Does anyone have insight it will be Monday or even in August at all? Seemed like It would be post TD day 1

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Post ID: @xyz+1nRsw8Hy

I'm so sorry you're going through this - especially anyone with young families and single income home. This is understandably troublesome.

I've been in previous company where layoffs seemed like every 1.5 years and reorgs every 7-8 mos. If you've never been through one, it's understandable the anxiety it can produce. Focus on that which you can control - updating your resume/cover letter, networking, understanding resources available to you (severance & unemployment benefits) to help you plan a budget, go out on longs walks, ride a bike, or play sport to get built-up stress out of your system to help you sleep.

For the things that are out of my control, that's where I lean on God to open the heavy doors or show me doors that were not visible to me before. I can tell you that I don't know anyone, including myself, who've been laid off in the past that was not happy of the outcome and where it led them to. I pray and wish you the best in your situation!

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Post ID: @pxz+1nRsw8Hy

Why is it important to get them off the books in 4th quarter?

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Post ID: @fll+1nRsw8Hy

If you cut folks and leave time for a 60 day notice you can get them off the books for the 4th quarter.

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Post ID: @qhm+1nRsw8Hy

I must have missed this in other threads, so apologies ahead of time. But why are we so certain layoffs will begin this soon?

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Post ID: @uny+1nRsw8Hy

You’re not alone. I’m having shortness of breath and it’s anxiety related. Xanax helps but I hate taking it. Schwab does this to us over and over.

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Post ID: @rsn+1nRsw8Hy

Monday is going to be rough. That will be the start of the big layoffs. I have the same anxiety.

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Post ID: @upg+1nRsw8Hy

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