Should I worry about layoffs at Google?

Google
YtcE47

Go to company page Google

YtcE47
Apr 9, 2020 42 Comments

I’m a new hire at Google, started this week, April 6th.

A friend at previous company got laid off, he’s a fellow Software Engineer. I was also shocked to hear that my former manager got laid off too... I mean, my previous company was at least a publicly traded company, and they were hiring like crazy just 6 months ago.

I’m worried that Google is startibg to layoff people as well. And when that happens, I’m sure I’d be the first to go, because I am still of no value to the company yet.

Should I be this paranoid?

TC 210K, 1 YOE, MTV, CA

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TOP 42 Comments
  • Oracle
    Lunchmeat

    Go to company page Oracle

    Lunchmeat
    yes, you should always have your eyes opened. always stay frosty.

    But in this case no. Google already has a list of irritants/low performers. whereas, as a newbie, you have the benefit of the doubt.
    Apr 9, 2020 4
  • Yup, start interviewing
    Apr 9, 2020 2
  • Rubrik
    mmnat

    Go to company page Rubrik

    mmnat
    no, google is a great company with enough cash in hand.
    Apr 9, 2020 6
    • Amazon / Eng
      quantish

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

      quantish
      Layoffs at G are unlikely unless the economic situation gets much worse - and then many, many companies would be equally affected. Also, higher level (read: more expensive) employees with a couple cycles of mediocre performance are more likely to get the chop first.
      Apr 9, 2020
    • Google
      YtcE47

      Go to company page Google

      YtcE47
      OP
      Thanks, I have calmed down a lot since this morning
      Apr 9, 2020
  • New
    sanguineha

    New

    sanguineha
    I agree with the two comments above. You sound relatively safe as a new hire. But keep your options open.

    A friend of mine recently joined Google a week ago remotely and has felt the same anxiety. But honestly, you both sound like you're in secure functions.

    But I'd inspect the success of the team you joined. The team they joined might actually flourish during this time. So I don't think they have much reason to worry.
    Apr 9, 2020 2
    • Google
      YtcE47

      Go to company page Google

      YtcE47
      OP
      Feel better when I hear that. I guess if I’m safe for another 3 months, when this is over, I should be quite safe for a long time
      Apr 9, 2020
    • New
      sanguineha

      New

      sanguineha
      Good luck and know that you're not alone in feeling this way. Perform as you normally would (or as best you can given the circumstances), and you'll do just fine. Might be worth chatting with your manager about this as well if you feel comfortable doing so.
      Apr 9, 2020
  • Cisco
    Ts843ve

    Go to company page Cisco

    Ts843ve
    You should not be timing the market and selecting a company to work for everyday. It is not like shorting a stock. If you made it to google you know that you have some skill. Stay the course give it time. A lot of times technically sharp people fail to see the realities of life and expect life to follow an algorithm
    Apr 9, 2020 0