Nobody wants to get laid off, that’s a fact. No matter how much we try to anticipate them there is always a big amount of stress, sock, losing self confidence etc. However, I think we should be aware that they had nothing to do with us or our work. Laying off is part of a bigger picture in which we are collateral damage. So maybe it’s time to pull our heads out of the sand and reevaluate our skills, update our resume and hit the job market. For the ones that are already laid off it’s the only option, but it may bring better employment. For the ones that are still here, this sounds a lot better than doing nothing and staying at a company in which layoffs are an every-day occurrence.
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Netflix in particular is famously for being tough on this...
" “Instead, let’s just tell the truth: Technology has changed, the company has changed, and Maria’s skills no longer apply. This won’t be a surprise to her: She’s been in the trenches, watching the work around her shift. Give her a great severance package—which, when she signs the documents, will dramatically reduce (if not eliminate) the chance of a lawsuit.” In my experience, people can handle anything as long as they’re told the truth—and this proved to be the case with Maria. "
https://hbr.org/2014/01/how-netflix-reinvented-hr
"AWS and Netflix, my examples, are experiencing growth --- but they will drop you in a heartbeat nevertheless."
Imagine what it will be like when the growth party ends.
"In my experience this is often true as long as there is fast growth."
AWS and Netflix, my examples, are experiencing growth --- but they will drop you in a heartbeat nevertheless.
"I hear all this xyz is such a better company; treats its employees well, etc."
In my experience this is often true as long as there is fast growth. When that levels off then the music stops and things change: Tiny or no raises, no bonuses, reduced benefits, increased workloads and layoffs. If you're in one of those places, enjoy it while it lasts.
Take charge of your own career. Don't depend on the company. Use it to achieve your goal.
You don't need to make peace with it; it doesn't care either way.
You just need to accept it and plan for it. It happens in every company, good or bad.
In fact, things are pretty lackadaisical at Oracle. I hear all this xyz is such a better company; treats its employees well, etc. Well, for example, AWS and Netflix will let you go immediately if they deem you unfit.