For those of you who have been part of the layoffs, in hindsight were there any clues that tipped you off? Or was this truly completely random?
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Blindsided. Especially knowing I've always had the highest CFE rating.
Quote from There's Something about Mary" "Exceptional my a-s!"
But already found something, and in a happier place by a long shot.
Also, it's good to get out your comfort zone, makes you feel alive again. I am now realizing I had been a zombie for a few years.
Initially it is all a shock to the system, but that will wear off and as humans you adapt.
BTW, the new gig pays less but you have to trade off personal circumstances.
I was heavily engaged up until the last minute. Even had an important conflict at the time of my layoff meeting. Had to ask someone else to cover.
But I always knew that it was a possibility so I was mentally prepared. Feeling no stress yet. If I don't figure something out by the fall, I might feel differently. I'm older (GenX); so I've lived through a lot; also very thankful for my life given the situations of others in the world today.
So, no, I didn't have advance warning, I had no clues. My boss was also surprised (yes, I believe him). I'm guessing that even my VP only found out the Thursday before layoff week.
Right now, I'm enjoying sleeping in. Had a meeting about a VP position last week (which is a significant jump for me). It was the first meeting and they politely declined yesterday. But, I'm feeling that this layoff might end up being a huge opportunity. Every setback that I've had in life has always led to something better. With difficulty comes ease.
Absolutely and utterly blindsided.
None! I had started my paternity leave the week prior. I decided to check my phone Monday and got an invite for same day 5pm. Asked for it to be moved up. Told no it should be quick. It was a 15min invite for 5pm. It took 5min with VP and HR. The VP is a remote employee and given the exception to stay remote. I was a remote employee as well.
as a remote employee. nada. literally just an invite the day of.
Yes. Look at the hard data. No better clue than looking at your tenure. If you have 20 or more years of it, assume your chances are high and increasing every RIF.
You become radioactive two weeks before.
People stop inviting you to key meetings or updates.
No one talks anymore to you or gives you any relevant work.
You feel isolated and worthless until you get your invite at 7ish Am, and a VP reading a script tells your employment is over. An HR person reads your severance, does not answer any questions and directs you to people solution.
Then you have 5 mins of time to say bye on Slack.
And after that, 98% of your “friends “ do not even reach out. A very few spend time sending referrals or recommendations.
Radioactive is the word.
I didn’t have a clue until the Wednesday before
People won't look you in the eye. They will keep their distance. You will notice that you may stop being invited to certain meetings etc.
Only speaking for myself but I could tell something was up on Friday. My normally Slack chatty Sr. Director didn’t respond to me at all. She knew by then and couldn’t risk tipping me off. I don’t blame her at all it’s not her fault and this whole fiasco was very rough on her as well.