Reflections on being laid off
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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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