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Reflections on being laid off

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Reflections on being laid off

How it felt, and 5 lessons for the future

May 22, 2023
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(If you’re a paying subscriber, I recommend skipping this and reading the full article below unless you’re in a pinch for time.)

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On May 5, 2023, Shopify laid off 20% of its workforce, including me. In this post, 16 days after the layoff, I share my experience.

Stage 1: Confused

At 1pm on my last day, I received the news that my position was “impacted.” I was taken aback, and joining a Google Meet call with my colleagues only added to the overwhelm. Lesson learned: Take private time to process bad news before discussing it with others.

Stage 2: Upset

Initially upset at Shopify, I realized layoffs are a business necessity. This led me to question the system that normalizes such actions. Lesson learned: Employers prioritize self-preservation, so take care of yourself.

Stage 3: Worried

Financially, I was relatively secure thanks to severance, my partner's income, and the safety net in Germany. However, I worried about our stay in the country due to visa limitations. Lesson learned: Practice prioritizing the most important tasks, like securing a job and permanent residency.

Stage 4: Determined

I signed the severance package, accepted the situation, and decided to take control. Lesson learned: Protect your income stream by either building a business or continuously developing in-demand skills.

In my case, starting a business wasn't feasible, so I focused on improving my skill set, particularly in AI.

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