Working Conversations Episode 98:

How to Get Laid Off

• [Disclaimer: The title of this episode is definitely meant to be tongue-in-cheek! I know that being laid off can come with serious economic and emotional hardships for many people.]

  Do you have a layoff story? Most people do.  More than you might think.

  I have a layoff story and I share part of it in this episode.
  
  If you’ve never been laid off, you might not be taking enough risk in your career. Now, if you are highly risk averse, not to worry.  No need to take more risk than you are comfortable with. But if you are a bit more adventurous and like working on new, cutting edge things, you will likely be laid off – or come close to it – at some point in the future.
  
  And with the economic climate we have now, there is uncertainty about whether you’ll still have a job the next day or not – especially if you are in the tech industry. This is the future of work.
  
  In fact, now that the pandemic has turned endemic and people are by and large going about their business as usual, the market is correcting itself and more than 70,000 tech workers have been laid off during the past 12 months.
  
  And if you’re thinking that you’re safe because you don’t work in a tech industry, I’d like to remind you that layoffs can happen in any industry. Your time will come. What’s happening now in the tech sector is simply a course correction from a very big burst of growth.
  
  In this episode, I analyze the substantial layoffs in tech industry and offer some fresh insights. I also share examples of companies that got the process of laying off people right and those who got it terribly wrong, such as Twitter.
  
  If you are among the affected, this episode is for you. As a futurist speaker, I’ve got some advice ranging from what you should do, to what you shouldn’t do, and when to ignore other people’s feedback. You will get some mindset coaching as well as some practical tips.
  
  And if you’re on the other side of the desk and you have to lay people off, you’ll also get insights on how to plan and initiate layoffs for others, and how to share the news with humility, integrity, and respect.
  
  Moreover, I distill some business lessons of rapid growth and the course correction that invariably happens at some point after rapid growth.
  
  Remember, a layoff is not a reflection of your worth or abilities. It’s a temporary setback and an opportunity to make a fresh start. With the right mindset and a solid plan, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. No need to panic, whether you are in the tech industry or not.
  
  Listen and catch the full episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also watch it and replay it on my YouTube channel, JanelAndersonPhD.
  
  If you’ve found this episode helpful, spread the word! Share this podcast episode with a friend whom you might think needs to hear this. Don’t forget to leave a review and 5-star rating, it would mean the world to me.