Tech Layoffs
Do you know anyone who’s been impacted by a layoff recently?
Friday was a funky day as my previous employer, Google, announced they’re laying off many folks, reportedly 12,000, and I have a lot of friends there. Earlier, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft all went through layoffs too.
I felt sad and uneasy, then I felt almost guilty for feeling this way because I wasn’t one of the people impacted, so it almost felt like I was appropriating their emotions. But then I reminded myself my feelings are valid, and my right to explore. (This is your reminder your feelings are valid too!)
I wanted to offer sympathy and hold space for those who needed it, and I wanted to offer solutions for those who wanted those, so I got to work drafting this email.
Whether you’ve been impacted or not, here are three things within your control; even choosing just one action today can help in your career.
network
I know, I know. We probably all have a story about getting stuck in a 40-minute conversation at some awkward happy hour hearing about the pickle-making business Bob just started…no? Just me?
Anyway, people often wait to network until they NEED it, ie, when they’ve been laid off, or when they’re trying to sell you something.
And we all know how icky it feels to be on the receiving end, so I have a couple ideas below that make it a bit easier.
(BTW, if you DON’T feel the need to network now, it’s the perfect time to do it, so when you have the need, you’ll already have relationships!)
Networking ideas with less ick:
- Organize a brunch/dinner/happy hour where you invite a few friends and ask each of them to intentionally bring a co-worker or someone who isn’t in the smaller circle, so everyone meets someone new in an organic way. Bonus: Grab a deck of conversation cards, so people can ask more than just, “So…what do you do?”
- Join an organized speed-networking event (like the one below) where expectations are clear: “You sit at this table, and after 7 minutes, you rotate.” Everyone is there for the same reason, and the framework with a time limit helps.
If you’re in the Bay Area, check out this Bizwomen Mentoring Monday event happening next month. “The event will offer the opportunity to choose from 30 mentors who are the most influential women in the business community for one-on-one and group coaching sessions.”
I’m honored to be one of the Mentors, so if you join, please say hello!
update your resume
This is another one of those things we tend to push off until we have to. But I promise you’re going to thank yourself later if you block your schedule for two hours now and update your resume. Note all the accomplishments you’ve had since you last updated.
Bonus: Hire a resume writer/reviewer or interviewing coach to brush up on your interviewing skills.
don’t think about work!
Okay, this one might seem counterintuitive, but have you ever had a brilliant idea pop up in the shower? When you give your brain a break, you’re giving it space to make connections you might otherwise miss.
Maybe that break looks like walking out your front door right now and going for a 30-minute walk in your neighborhood (no music, no podcast, just walk).
Or maybe it looks like finally taking that European vacation you’ve been pushing off because you’ve always had too much going on at work. (If these layoffs have shown us anything, it’s that we’re all replaceable at work, so it’s up to you to prioritize your wellbeing.)
You can’t control your employer’s layoff decisions, but you can control what you do today.
So, which one feels right for you?
- Build your network.
- Update your resume.
- Take a break.
Have a friend who would benefit from these tips? Please forward this post, so we can support more people together.
BTW, joining my women’s retreat this April is the perfect way to build your network of women leaders AND take a break. You’ll walk away with tools to fight overwhelm and Imposter Syndrome, a camera roll full of stunning Swiss scenery, a renewed sense of purpose, and new friendships that just might impact your career forever.
The first 5 women who sign up will get $1000 off, so if you’re considering joining this epic getaway, be sure to fill out the interest form ASAP.
What you can expect from joining the Women’s Retreat in Switzerland?
- Mental wellbeing workshops (Imposter Syndrome, Strengths, Purpose)
- An expanded network of women
- Activities designed for rest, renewal, and rediscovery
Interested? Read more below!
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