Industry vet’s take on layoffs

Apr 26 16 Comments

Yes I’m at RH, no I’m not affected. I’m just a concerned eng in their early career seeking guidance.

Industry vets, are there any tell tale signs of layoffs incoming? How did you manage your career when you were affected by a lay off? How did you manage your managers during these times? Did you immediately starting to interview (I’m a recent hire too lol)? Any wisdom/exp would be nice.

TC 310
YOE 3.5

16

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
  1. TOP
  2. RECENT
  3. OLD
 TOP 16 Comments
  • Gopuff
    ITfu05

    Go to company page Gopuff

    ITfu05
    When outside activities like company parties get canceled or trimmed down. When hiring is put on hold.
    Apr 26 2
  • Amazon
    algore 🌍

    Go to company page Amazon

    algore 🌍
    Not that much of a vet but from what other wiser people told me:
    - hiring freeze is supposed to be a precautionary measure before doing layoffs

    - I learned on Blind and from others that tech companies move fast. Many live and die quickly. It wasn’t that long ago when Yahoo was seen as invincible. So if you never got laid off in tech, you were either really lucky or didn’t venture out much. Change is constant; as long as we keep our skills sharp, we will land somewhere. There are many IT professionals who don’t work in high tech like most people on here do and their employment prospects are more precarious than ours
    Apr 26 1
  • Google
    PelosiCap

    Go to company page Google

    PelosiCap
    You just find a new place... How else would you "manage your career" lol
    Apr 26 2
  • Meta
    cs76cty

    Go to company page Meta

    cs76cty
    Years ago I was an a company that IPOd and proceeded to implode shortly thereafter. I had about 30+ folks and while they had not announced layoffs I was hearing various weird things: abrupt cancellations of projects and plans, etc. Then started getting meeting invites to stack rank Devs, even though they still hadn’t said there would be major layoffs. I told all my people it wouldn’t be bad to have their resumes up to date and to be interviewing. I focused on that as well. No secret wisdom but once the writing is on the wall, make finding your next position something you treat urgently. I had an offer in hand when I found out essentially 90% of the company was being laid off. Others were suddenly called in by HR and found out they had no job. I was laughing as HR apologized (because it got severance and had a plan) but others left crying. It wasn’t fun.
    Apr 26 1
    • OP
      Damn. I hope all manager can be like you, supporting your engs like that. 😭😭

      I think the best scenario is getting severance while having your next role ready. That’s the best of both worlds. Thanks for sharing.
      Apr 26
  • Apple
    Monsieur 🎩

    Go to company page Apple

    Monsieur 🎩
    Look for cost-cutting efforts. Usually, this involves getting rid of contractors/contingent workers first. But when it’s done en masse, it’s usually a sign that layoffs are following.

    Also, if you’re affected by a layoff, it doesn’t hurt to see if you can negotiate the severance offer.
    Apr 26 0