Lessons from Being Laid Off

Introduction

• Speaker was laid off by Google on Valentine's Day.
• Initially felt devastated but now ready to share 5 harsh lessons learned.

Lesson 1: It's Not Your Fault

• Layoff decisions are company-focused and not performance-based.
• Friends and HR emphasized it was a cost-saving measure.
• If performance was an issue, firing would have been cheaper.

Lesson 2: Layoff Process is Not Fair

• Good performers can also be laid off.
• Unfairness grows when you see less experienced/essential employees retained.
• Example: Speaker was a promoted Singaporean man manager but was still laid off.
• CEO bonuses and manager promotions post-layoff can feel unfair.
• Best advice: Don't take it personally and move on.

Lesson 3: Be Kind to Yourself and Others

• Layoffs are out of your control.
• Give yourself time to grieve and recover.
• Being angry and bitter doesn’t help.
• Be kind to managers/HR—they’re just doing their job.

Lesson 4: Work Friends May Disappear

• Expect work friends to stop contacting you.
• Reasons:
  1. They don't know how to approach you.
  2. They're worried about their own job security.
  3. You no longer work there, so they move on.
• Importance of having friends outside of work for support.

Lesson 5: Finding Next Job Will Be Tough

• Job openings are few in tough times.
• Don't panic apply; it wastes energy.
• Follow the 30-60-90 day framework to evaluate skills, network, and reputation:
  • 90 days: Need to search for opportunities.
  • 60 days: Have skills and job knowledge; good network.
  • 30 days or fewer: Great reputation, skills, and network.

Bonus Lesson

• Sometimes in life, we don't jump—we get pushed.
• Stay hardworking and kind, and beautiful things will happen.

Conclusion

• Encourages viewers to subscribe to his YouTube channel.