Hi, 29F here. Today I went into work and everybody on my team (including my boss) had received a random 1-on-1 meeting invite from my boss’ boss, Josie. My boss was first to go. She had her meeting at 9am. Then my other two colleagues (one was at 11am and the other was at 11:30am). They all had till 12:30pm to clear out their belongings and to return their badges. I had no idea until 10am ish when I came across one of my colleagues in the hallway while walking back to my desk. She had her head down and her eyes were red. I asked her if she was alright. That’s when she told me that people who had meetings with Josie today were all getting laid off, including our boss. After this interaction, I walked over to my boss’ desk and everything had already been cleared out and that she had already left.
Later that afternoon, the VP had a townhall meeting explaining the lay offs. We had a total of ~45 people laid off across groups and functions. He mentioned that he can’t promise that this won’t the last round of layoffs. I am scared. This is my first “big girl” job (only been here 2 years) and have never experienced anything like this before. I loved my team and admired and respected my boss very much. She was very skilled and a great mentor, and I didn’t even get to say good bye or wish her well.
I was the only one who didn’t get laid off because according to Josie, I am the only one within the bigger group who can do my job. I feel so bad and am mourning (I don’t even know if that’s the right word to use) the loss of my entire group. I feel like I’ve been stranded and am alone to fend for myself. This experience has also made me feel uneasy about the future and now I don’t know what to expect. I know it’s so selfish of me to even think/feel this way because at least I still have my job… but what if I show up one day and who knows, they decide that I’m no longer needed as well?
I don’t know how to feel. I am literally numb to the core. I’ve been crying all day and it doesn’t help that I’m also 7mo pregnant. Please give words of wisdoms and/or comfort. I would appreciate it!
Comments
It is grief. That’s horrible.
Remember hearing or reading somewhere that the sudden loss of coworkers you like and are close with can evoke similar feelings to the loss of a loved one. It triggers the same area of the brain or something.
Some shady shit; VP saying he can’t promise…blah, blah, blah. Sounds like your company might be in the middle of a mass layoff, and is skirting the reporting rules by doing a few here, a few there.
OP, update your resume and CV. Start putting out feelers on the down-low.
OP, you said this is your first “big girl job”. I’m happy for you, and at the same time, sad for you that you have to witness the ‘horror’ of someone losing their livelihood. Also, keep in mind that your company has ZERO loyalty to you, and as many fu*ks to give as well.
Get as much from them as you can (training/certification courses, continuing education credits, etc.), and when the time is right, you can give them the same loyalty in return.
Good luck in the future!
Stick with it, and hope the next one isn’t until you’re already taking your maternity leave. Prep your resume now, and get contact info from your boss and coworkers. Offer to be their references if needed and keep the info in ccase you need it yourself.
I’d be wary of that company, though they could wait until you’re back from maternity leave, it happens.
I have dodged mass layoffs (Black Thursdays they were referred to later) twice in one company, and another in a different company by getting a new job 3 days before my last day, then once, as a company slowly went bankrupt I was one of the last 7 or 8 people to be left before I got a different job again.
It sucks so hard every time. I always feel survivors guilt over it, and sad and scared for my friends. Usually everything settles and good people get new good jobs, but it damages my calm for weeks or months until.
I’m sorry you’re having to go through it. It’s a weird backhanded compliment that they kept you because you are very capable, but that won’t change your feelings on it. In my experience, only time will do that. Hang in there!
If look for a new job immediately. Sorry this happened to them.