Navigating Tech Layoffs

6,000 people at Microsoft lost their jobs this week. Engineers who built critical features. People who sacrificed weekends. Teams that delivered consistently for years. Let's be clear about four harsh truths: First, no company is loyal to you. They can't be. Business decisions will always outweigh personal relationships. Don't love your company; love your work and the skills you develop. Second, you are just a row in a database. Your access card, email, and benefits can be deactivated in seconds, regardless of your years of service or achievements. Third, a single income stream is increasingly risky in today's economy. This is why I started building side projects while still at Microsoft. Not waiting until I needed options, but creating them in advance. Fourth, layoffs are often random and arbitrary. You can be a top performer, exceed every metric, and still find yourself on the list. It rarely comes down to just individual performance; it's about cost centers, strategic pivots, or AI replacing entire functions overnight. To those affected: Your skills are valuable beyond any single employer. Your worth isn't determined by a company that just labeled you as an "expense" to cut. To everyone else: Start building alternative income streams today. Create content. Develop marketable skills. Build a network that transcends your current employer. The best security isn't a big tech logo on your badge. it's having options when you suddenly need them. #TechLayoffs #CareerAdvice

Struggling with the job search? Stop submitting dozens of online apps and crossing your fingers. Try this instead: Start by setting aside 2-3 days. Use that time to research the heck out of companies in your target industry. Learn about their products, customers, finances, people, and culture. You’ll cross a lot of places off your list — that’s a good thing! Work to narrow down the list until you have 15 companies you really love. Now focus 100% of your time and energy on those companies. Invest time creating highly personalized resumes and cover letters, then apply. Begin building relationships with potential referrals. Start with people you know — can anyone in your circle introduce you? Then message decision makers (hiring managers, potential peers) directly. Finally, think about how you can go above and beyond to show how much you want to work there. Can you share potential solutions to a challenge? Can you help identify a new opportunity? Can you perform a competitive analysis? Can you gather feedback on a new initiative? Package that up in a deck and lead with it (I call these Value Validation Projects). Moral of the story? Stop going 100 miles wide and one mile deep. Instead, choose a small set of companies you’re genuinely excited about and invest 100% in them.

Getting laid off was one of the hardest experiences I've faced, and it has had a lasting impact on me. As someone whose top strength is Achiever, I get a huge sense of purpose from work. So when I lost my job, it wasn’t just about losing a paycheck. It felt like I had lost a piece of my identity. I couldn’t shake the feeling that if I had just been better, if I had worked harder, maybe I would still have a job. Cue the shame spiral of not being good enough. But looking back now, I can honestly say that my layoff taught me some invaluable lessons. 1. Your job doesn’t define your worth. It's easy to tie your identity to your role, especially when you’re passionate about your work. But being laid off wasn’t a reflection of my value — it was a business decision. 2. Being strategic makes all the difference. At first, I applied to anything and everything that seemed like a fit. When I shifted to focusing on newly posted roles, prioritizing local onsite and hybrid opportunities, and connecting with recruiters directly, things changed. 3. Networking is powerful. Some of my best leads came from conversations, not just applications. Reaching out felt intimidating at first, but most people genuinely want to help if you approach them authentically. 4. Resilience is key. Job searching can feel defeating at times, but celebrating small wins like getting a positive response or securing an interview kept me motivated. 5. Your next role might be better than the one you lost. At the time, I couldn’t see how things would work out. It was difficult to be positive and hopeful. But I ended up landing a role that aligned even more closely with my skills, career goals, and lifestyle. If you’re currently navigating a layoff, I know how hard it can be. But you are not alone, and there’s a path forward — one step at a time.

A layoff breaks more than your career. Here's what they don't prepare you for: 1/ You’re valued, until you’re not. → Praise can turn to silence overnight. → Loyalty doesn’t guarantee protection. → Performance doesn’t make you untouchable. 2/ A job is income. → It’s how you fund your life. → It’s not supposed to be your life. → But too many people forget that. 3/ “Disposable” is a quiet word. → It’s spoken through exclusion. → Through skipped meetings and vague updates. → Through “realignment” and “restructuring.” 4/ Your title is temporary. → It’s rented, not owned. → Don’t wrap your identity in it. → Build a life that exists beyond the role. 5/ Resilience means separation. → Emotionally detach from the company narrative. → Define success outside the org chart. → Take the wins, but don’t take it personally. Today, you're a "valued employee". Tomorrow you're not. Remember: They can take your position. They can't take your future.

If I were laid off today, after taking a few days to process and feel all the feelings, I would: 1. Prioritize my finances - explore any flexibility around my severance package - cancel unnecessary subscriptions and services - apply for unemployment (takes weeks to come through!) - explore side hustles (or in my case, double down on the one I already have) or get a bridge job since I know searches often take 6+ months 2. Leverage my network - let my friends and former colleagues know exactly what I'm looking for - talk about my work and skills on LinkedIn - strengthen my networks through attending networking events - engage with content from companies of interest to me 3. Build my skills - I'd focus on skills that are in demand in my field (big one would be AI) - I might consider taking a relevant course 4. Strategically apply for jobs - I'd prioritize referrals (real ones from people who know my work) - I'd apply with really strong apps for jobs I'm a 90%+ match for - I'd leverage outreach and my networks to help with intros - I'd probably do some "extra" stuff - videos, decks, etc. to stand out from others 5. Protect myself - I'd minimize the number of "reach" jobs - too many rejections is bad for my mental health - I'd keep my content positive, and focused on highlighting what I bring to the table vs focused on challenges to avoid being seen as a risk - I'd familiarize myself with signals of scams since unemployed folks are often targets (though even being employed, I get 2-3 a day as it is!) And the last thing I'll say is that a number of the steps above become easier if you do them before you have to. No need to wait until you're unemployed to: - get familiar with the highest impact skills or tech in your field - connect with your network - build additional income streams - strengthen that resume and linkedin profile - start using content in ways that benefit you - cut unnecessary spending Any of us could face a layoff at any moment - planning ahead for it can position you to navigate it more effectively.

The job market right now is still brutal... If I lost (or decided to leave) my job tomorrow… Here's how I'd think about my time. Been doing this series since last year and it keeps growing because you all keep making it better. Ideas here sourced from the hundreds of comments across the previous posts from people who are actually living this right now. So here's Part 4. Entirely sourced from your suggestions. 1. I'd Take Care of Myself First. Exercise, walks, box breathing, time with family, a hobby that has nothing to do with work. Multiple people said their best ideas and breakthroughs came after stepping away from the screen. firm boundaries around healthy news consumption. Job searching is emotionally grueling. If you don't build in recovery, the rest of the list falls apart. 2. I'd Get Clear on My Values Before I Start Applying. Not just "what jobs are out there" but "what do I actually want?" write down 2-4 non-negotiable values... flexibility, trust, collaboration, whatever yours are... use those as a filter. 3. I'd Handle the Logistics Early. File for unemployment immediately, even if you think you won't qualify. Figure out your insurance situation. Negotiate severance if you can. These aren't glamorous steps but skipping them creates stress that bleeds into everything else. Take a full week to breathe before diving into the search. 4. I'd Volunteer or Join a Board. This came up again and again. Volunteering for a cause you care about, joining an advisory board, doing pro bono work in your sector. It builds community, creates structure, keeps your skills sharp, and puts you in rooms with people who might eventually hire you or refer you. Several people said their best leads came from volunteering, not from applications. 5. I'd Make It Easy for People to Help Me. be specific. What kind of role. What skills you bring. What sectors you're targeting. One commenter framed it as "help others help you". The more concrete you are, the more likely someone thinks of you when they hear about an opening. 6. I'd Build Something While I Search. A personal project. A newsletter. A small collaboration with a former colleague. Something that reminds you your value isn't defined by your employment status. Several people said this was what kept them sane during long searches... and a couple said the side project actually turned into their next thing. 7. I'd Stop Treating the Job Search Like a Full-Time Job. Spending 8+ hours a day applying doesn't work. Be strategic. Maybe 3-4 focused hours on search-related activity and then spend the rest on learning, connecting, volunteering, living your life. Stay strong out there, friends. I know it's still a hard time/ So much of this displacement is macro and political... not personal. You deserve a job. And you deserve support while you look for one. What else would you add? If you're currently in transition, what's one thing that's helped more than you expected? Sharing is CARING.

To anyone on an H-1B or L-1 visa who’s just been laid off: I see you. This moment feels heavy, uncertain, and urgent. But, you’re not powerless, there are steps you can take. ✅ First, know your window. H-1B holders have a 60-day grace period (or until your I-94 expires) to find a new role or adjust your status. L-1 holders often have a similar, though unofficial, 60-day window. ✅ Start the job search now. Update your resume, reach out to your network, and apply to companies that can sponsor H-1B transfers. You can begin working with a new employer as soon as your transfer petition is filed, no need to wait for approval. ✅ Talk to an immigration attorney. You may have more options than you realize: changing to a B-2 visitor visa, shifting to a dependent status (like H-4), or exploring study or extraordinary ability visas like the O-1. ✅ Stay in status. If you need more time, file a change of status. Even a B-2 application can buy you breathing room while you plan your next move. Overstaying isn’t worth the risk. ✅ And if you need to leave the U.S. temporarily, it’s not the end. You can absolutely return stronger. Many have walked this road and come back better equipped, with more clarity, purpose, and opportunity. If you’re going through this, remember—You’re not alone. You belong here. #theBOLDjourney

A couple of weeks ago I received a distressing call from an old colleague whose well-funded and well backed employer shutdown overnight. As she shared the news of over 350 stranded employees, it dawned on me that this is the same story across so many organisations & startups. God forbid, that this happens with anyone , here are some insights on what to do in the first few days after suddenly losing your job. Here are 9 essential points to consider: 🔥 TAKE A MOMENT TO ABSORB THE NEWS: It's natural to feel shaken and upset. Allow yourself time to process the situation and acknowledge your emotions before taking action. 🔥 ASSESS YOUR FINANCIAL STANDING: Sit down with your spouse/partner and evaluate your financial situation. Take stock of loans, EMIs, and your inflow of funds. Determine how much liquid savings you have and calculate your runway—knowing how long you can manage without income can alleviate some pressure. 🔥 COMPILE A LIST OF CONTACTS: Create an Excel sheet with the names and details of colleagues, bosses, and professional acquaintances who can provide referrals or job leads. Treat it as you would a sales prospect list—networking is crucial during this period. 🔥 AVOID IMPULSIVE DECISIONS: While the urgency to find a new job may be overwhelming, it's essential not to jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. Exercise patience and wait for the right opportunity that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 🔥 EVALUATE BUSINESS IDEAS: Use this transitional period to work on that business idea you've always wanted to pursue. Evaluate its feasibility and potential, and consider whether entrepreneurship is a path you'd like to explore further. 🔥 FREELANCING OR CONSULTING: While searching for a job, consider freelancing or offering consulting services to generate income in the meantime. Leverage your skills and expertise to provide value to clients and keep the cash flow steady. 🔥 EXPLORE UPSKILLING & ENHANCING YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Take advantage of the downtime to invest in self-improvement. Identify areas for professional development, enroll in online courses, attend webinars, or acquire certifications to bolster your skill set. 🔥 MAINTAIN A ROUTINE: Establish a daily routine that includes job searching, networking, skill-building, and self-care activities. Structure and consistency can help maintain focus and motivation during this challenging period. 🔥 SEEK GUIDANCE: Don't hesitate to seek professional career counseling or guidance from experts in your field. They can offer insights, strategies, and support to navigate the job market effectively. Remember, losing a job can be disheartening, but with the right mindset, resilience, and proactive approach, you can transform this setback into an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Stay positive, keep moving forward, and trust that new doors will open along the way. #SamparkSeSampark #JobLoss #Career #Resilience #startups #business

To immigrants who got laid off & are job hunting: an in-depth compilation of resources. Context: Over 22,500+ tech workers have been laid off in the past 2.5 months according to layoffs.fyi. Some estimates say it’s surpassed 30,000. Immigrants on visa face the additional stress of needing to leave the country in 60 days. Below is a compilation of resources to help you. 📌 Visa options to continue staying in America → Request "garden leave" from your employer (they keep you on payroll for an extra month or two) → Shift to a B-2 visitor visa temporarily via Change of Status. Check FileMyB2 website. → Shift to H-4 visa & get an EAD (if married to an H-1B holder with I-140 approved) → Return to school on an F-1 visa for a year (Change of Status) → Switch to a cap-exempt H-1B by working for a uni/hospital/non-profit research org → Apply for the O-1 visa through an agent (which has no cap or min. salary) (Link to a free guide on the O-1 I wrote with a lawyer: https://lnkd.in/d8fNeYUi 📌 Job boards for visa holders → ChicagoH1BConnect – Connects H1B visa holders with jobs in Chicago → AiTou Technology – Job listings & resources for tech professionals → MyVisaJobs.com – Visa sponsorship job listings → H1BVisaJobs.com – H1B visa job listings across industries → USponsor Me – Focuses on visa sponsorship jobs in the U.S. 📌 Platforms for mentors & mock interviews → adplist.org – Free mentorship opportunities → topmate.io – Connect with paid expert mentors → JobInterview.coach – AI-powered interview coaching 📌 Tools for resume optimization → Teal – Resume optimization & job search tools → Careerflow.ai – AI-powered resume improvement → Jobscan – ATS-friendly resume optimization 📌 Job search trackers → Simplify – Automates job applications → Huntr – Organizes job search efforts → Jackfruit – Tracks job applications 🌿 Please re-share this post so it helps more people. 🎁 Here’s a free guide on cracking your job interview: https://lnkd.in/g4U2QYWB :)

This week, 14,000 people were laid off at Amazon. Behind that number are 14,000 stories. The parents providing for families. The first-gen professionals who fought hard to get into corporate spaces. People who showed up early, stayed late, built products, supported teams, and gave their best. The dreamers who left everything behind to build a better future. My heart goes out to all of you. To help, here are some things you can do once you’re ready to start your new search: - Take a breath and grieve - Update your story: Refresh your resume and LinkedIn to highlight your wins and the awesome things you’ve done - Ask for help: Reach out to mentors, former coworkers, or this community. Nothing wrong in asking. - Focus on progress, not perfection. Whether it’s learning a new skill, networking weekly, or just staying consistent, small steps add up. - Take a side gig while you’re at it: Bills will need to be paid and so do what you can with what you have. Resources and places to save for your next opportunity: - LinkedIn Jobs – use the “Actively Hiring” filter to find companies still hiring - Levels.fyi – see listings across major companies with compensation insights - Layoffs.fyi – track layoffs and find companies currently hiring - Coursera Free Courses – career certificates from Google, Meta, and IBM - Grow with Google – free resources to learn digital skills and explore new career paths - LinkedIn Learning Free Trial – access thousands of professional development courses For everyone else: How can we can help? Here are some ways: 1. Share your network. If you know someone affected, tag them (with permission), connect them to recruiters, or share open roles. One introduction can truly change someone’s life. 2. Offer support. Help review a resume, offer LinkedIn feedback, or just be a listening ear. Sometimes, empathy matters more than advice. 3. Be empathetic. You never know what people are going through. To everyone impacted by the layoffs or that has been rejected recently, my heart is with you. If I can help review your profile, make an intro, or just listen, my DMs are open. Let’s do this. We’re in this, together. #StephSynergy