I was one of those laid off last year. After years of declining mental health due to RTO, micromanaging, and “doing more with less,” I was freed. Getting that morning 1:1 was terrible. But almost immediately, I felt relief. Every day since, I have continued to feel overwhelming relief.
I don’t make as much money as I used to. I’m taking a break before I move into another corporate gig, if I ever do at all. I’m working for a small company now. One that really does feel like family, and does really care. But I chose a job that I’m passionate about, and I don’t even care about the pay cut for now. I kept my cost of living low and everything else fell into place.
I am so grateful to never have to sit through another hour-long slog of lies about how we’re becoming more efficient through some indeterminate means, or how AI is going to save us, or how we do totally care about our coworkers and clients. Sixty minutes of nothing, every time. I don’t think I could have written a single bullet of content gleaned from those Town Halls if I tried. It would have been less offensive if they just told me they loathed me.
I keep checking in on these threads. My heart breaks for those who haven’t been released. They are putting you through psychological torture. They know what they’re doing. You are livestock to them. I’m so sorry. My thoughts are with those who remain. Polish up those resumes, and I truly wish you all the best. An ISP with a fat severance is probably the happiest ending you can hope for at this point.