Layoffs don’t follow the rules you’d expect. High performers, long-timers, new hires, all were let go without clear reason. It seems decisions came down to spreadsheets, not people. The takeaway is that job security is an illusion. If your role gets flagged by the numbers, you’re out. No one is truly safe...
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Retaining your job in many workplaces often depends on who you know and who likes you rather than just your skills and dedication. Sycophants—those who constantly seek to please their superiors—tend to retain their jobs more easily than employees who prefer to work quietly and diligently without drawing attention to themselves. Those who avoid office politics and refrain from self-promotion may find themselves more vulnerable to layoffs. This dynamic is often referred to as "office politics", a more polite term for kissing the posteriors of managers to secure career stability.
I was part of a round 2 years ago. Came in from an acquisition. Closed a 10 million dollar deal 3 years prior with a small team. New logo. Did another million ARR with 2 new logos the following year. Still got the axe.
Told the decision was made by some other group based on cost savings. Litterally a spreadsheet decision.
Took a while for me to think through it all. People I worked with were great. The org and LOB was broken. Executive leadership was just entirely ineffective - very lazy. Take comfort that it's a failure of the people above your pay grade. Better off somewhere with strong leadership.