# Uncertainty and Anxiety About the Notification Process
Many posters expressed deep anxiety and confusion around how layoff notifications were being delivered. There was a widely shared sense that the method of communication was a key indicator of one's fate.
“So is it safety assume if I have a meeting invite originating from HR for 15 min, I'll likely get the bad news?” — "@bq+1jxwfgrnz"
“Feels like I’m waiting on death row. Just tell me already so I can put this behind me. This may be a blockade but it’s not the end.” — "@by+1jxwfgrnz"
“The dread is really getting to me. I've been sitting in front of my laptop waiting for a call for the past 5 hours and I have no response. My anxiety is out of control.” — "@bf+1jxwfgrnz"
Employees interpreted phone calls from job owners without HR present as good news, while meetings involving HR were often viewed as a sign of being “left standing” (i.e., laid off). However, inconsistencies in how notifications were handled added to the stress and fear.
# Emotional Impact of Being Laid Off or Spared
The emotional toll of the layoff process was a major thread theme, with users opening up about everything from grief to relief. Some expressed devastation after long careers, while others welcomed the chance for change.
“Got my notice today. 15 years ending not with a bang, but a whimper. I am shattered and humiliated.” — "@dq+1jxwfgrnz"
“I got laid off even though I have had decade of high performance, and even LTIP recently.” — "@am+1jxwfgrnz"
“I’ve officially been left standing but I didn’t cry or get sad. I was actually excited lol. Better things are ahead.” — "@ck+1jxwfgrnz"
“IT - got a call that I am going to keep my existing job. Good luck everyone” — "@cb+1jxwfgrnz"
“Got the job I applied for. My selection rep notified me.” — "@cc+1jxwfgrnz"
# Frustration Over Perceived Favoritism and Inequity
Several users voiced frustration about how decisions were made and who was spared, especially referencing “cliques,” expat privileges, and offshoring.
“I’m a longstanding member of the ‘Friends and Family’ clique in my business unit. I kept my current job.” — "@db+1jxwfgrnz"
“What a sad day in the Permian. Heartbreaking to see experienced good performers being let go, a big loss. CBU expats making it through though keeping all their expat benefits.” — "@de+1jxwfgrnz"
“Left standing. Given to some ‘low cost geography’ guy. Good luck. Lmao.” — "@da+1jxwfgrnz"
There was also a sense that internal politics played a role in job retention, and some felt the process lacked transparency and fairness.
# Logistics, Severance, and Redeployment Concerns
Many participants discussed the technical and procedural aspects of being laid off, including timelines for losing access, final pay dates, and severance eligibility.
“You can accept a new role or job at another place AFTER your last day on payroll... But if you start a new job during your deployment phase then it might affect your severance payout.” — "@f1+1jxwfgrnz"
“JUST FYI if you're left standing... Network access shuts off June 20th at 5pm... You're in redeployment from that point on.” — "@cq+1jxwfgrnz"
“They said I’d lose access this Friday and the last payroll day is July 17th so no clue why it’s gone now.” — "@bb+1jxwfgrnz"
“I received a phone call from my selection rep at around 10am stating I was left standing. I did EOI and it was granted. No transition role offered.” — "@b4+1jxwfgrnz"
# Layoff Fatigue and Resignation to Future Cuts
Several posters noted that layoffs had become part of the company culture and expressed resignation to this being a regular occurrence.
“Alright boys and girls. Only five more years until the next one. Start getting ready.” — "@d7+1jxwfgrnz"
“It will be less than 5 years when the next one occurs. The business plans all say 3 years.” — "@df+1jxwfgrnz"
This sentiment suggests long-standing internal expectations that reorganizations are inevitable and cyclical.
# Peer Support and Resilience
Despite the tension, many participants offered encouragement and shared their own stories of career recovery post-layoff. This reinforced a collective sense of community amid the chaos.
“Hang in there. I was laid off from a previous company... Looking back it was the best thing to push me to change careers.” — "@em+1jxwfgrnz"
“Check out the post on next steps and complete them before you lose access. There will be a good outcome in the end, just hang in there.” — "@ea+1jxwfgrnz"
# Uncommon Views and Outliers
A few comments stood out for their unique tone or perspective, diverging from the more dominant emotional and practical themes.
“I’m good with 3 years. I’ll be 34 and will have the exact amount of experience needed. Anymore more than 3 years to get the fu-k out of Houston is torture. They are doing me a favor...” — "@dg+1jxwfgrnz"
“lol, the call was the confirmation! I can’t be the only one this is happening to.” — "@d0+1jxwfgrnz"
“It was a surprise, but not at all unexpected. No complaints, I’m grateful to have a role that will be both challenging and interesting.” — "@cy+1jxwfgrnz"
“Confused by some of the comments here. So are the announcements happening via meeting invites ( Team? In person? ) or phone call or Teams call?” — "@as+1jxwfgrnz"