For years, the pattern has been clear: a series of questionable decisions, declining product quality, and ultimately, a corporate culture that champions a "family-like" atmosphere—until the moment tough choices need to be made. I’ve personally experienced the tension of putting work ahead of family during critical periods in tech, where go-lives and system downtimes strategically align with company priorities, often at the expense of personal time during holidays. The reward? A cold round of layoffs, often with little warning.
I’ve witnessed long-serving employees—some with over 30 years at the company—ushered out with little more than a walk to the exit, as if their loyalty and contributions counted for nothing. In many cases, alternative approaches could have been just as effective in achieving the company’s goals without sacrificing employee trust and morale. The rise of remote work (WFH) now gives companies the option to "exit" an employee without the drama of a face-to-face conversation, where the awkwardness of the prepared script is replaced with the impersonality of a virtual door.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember: a job is a place to apply your talents. It’s not a family, and it’s certainly not a place where you should sacrifice your well-being for the sake of loyalty. When employees start to value themselves above the company—when they recognize that their job is just a means to a fulfilled life—these events become less emotionally taxing. You’ll find greater joy in life, knowing that employment is a tool for your personal growth, not your entire identity.