Microsoft, Google, Facebook and the world's biggest technology companies are announcing layoffs one after the other. Due to the economic crisis, many companies have already laid off a large number of employees. Last February 6, the American computer company Dell announced the layoff of 5 percent of its total workforce or 6,650 workers.
According to data from Laoffs.fi, a specialized organization on layoffs, more than 95,000 workers lost their jobs in technology companies around the world in January this year.
While many people are upset with the news of job loss, many employees are spending their time well after being retrenched due to various reasons. Basically, they are gaining new experiences and being able to evaluate themselves. And because of this you are getting better job opportunities than before.
Suki Lan worked at a financial-technology startup. When he heard in July 2022 that he was among 20 employees to be laid off, he was shocked by the unknown. He was troubled by the thought of what would happen if he quit his job.
Suki, 31, from Tampa, Florida in the United States, worked as a copywriter and social media creative producer at the technology company for over a year. He said, 'Initially I was horrified to see that employees are being retrenched in technical institutes. I was very worried that I might have to remain unemployed for a few months.
However, a few days after he lost his job, his feelings began to turn positive. He sought a different path to freedom with former allies and friends. He said, "After losing my job, I was able to talk more openly with my former colleagues and friends. I feel more empowered. I was very excited about it.
Shortly after the incident, Suki used her videography skills to make a 40-second video. He used to do this in his spare time after leaving his job. He posted the video highlighting his new hobby on his LinkedIn profile, which is a popular social networking site for professionals.
However, a few days after he lost his job, his feelings began to turn positive. He sought a different path to freedom with former allies and friends. He said, "After losing my job, I was able to talk more openly with my former colleagues and friends. I feel more empowered. I was very excited about it.
Shortly after the incident, Suki used her videography skills to make a 40-second video. He used to do this in his spare time after leaving his job. He posted the video highlighting his new hobby on his LinkedIn profile, which is a popular social networking site for professionals.
Losing her job marked a major turning point in Sookie's career. These opportunities would not have come if he had not lost his job, he said. I like to proceed methodically to achieve my goals. This sudden change in life has taught me that a lot happens in life – there is never a right moment for it.
Many big companies of the world have been announcing layoffs for the last few months. Because of this the global job market is now volatile. Employees employed for decades are also facing retrenchment. These include pregnant women and highly paid employees. For many, this layoff is a major life blow. As a result, they also suffer from financial stability, health insurance, self-confidence or professional identity.
LinkedIn conducted a survey of more than 2,000 US workers last year. The survey found that 27 per cent said losing their job was the best thing that ever happened to them. Some have started their own business; Others have found a job they love or have taken advantage of opportunities to re-evaluate their work-life balance.
Those who lost their jobs said that they got opportunities in life that they would not have got had they not been fired. This will also inspire the newly retired employees to be happy.
'Existential Reconfiguration'
Few, however, can directly see the potential positive side of layoffs. UK-based career development coach Jenna Clark says that people are attracted to the negative. Changes that people don't like, such as layoffs, have a higher negative bias. This is new and dangerous. There is danger of disaster.
That's why when New York-based Lance Gold learned he was one of 500 employees fired by AOL in 2016, he initially feared losing financial security and health insurance. Despite having served as an executive editor at the Huffington Post for more than five years, she questioned how easy it would be for someone in her 50s to get a second job at the top publication.
To remove these apprehensions, he applied for the job. After this he gave several interviews for two different posts but did not get the job. He said, 'When I did not get a job, I thought that I will do something myself.'
Lance Gould said he never seriously thought about starting his own business before he lost his job. Due to the loss of job, the idea of doing something new came in his mind. He later co-founded a content firm called Silicon Valley Story Lab.
London-based psychiatrist Eloise Skinner said Lance Gould's experience was not unusual. Layoffs give people an opportunity to re-evaluate their careers and themselves.
Eloise Skinner says, 'Retrenchment in the workplace helps employees to go deep within themselves. This period can be described as a period of "existential reconstruction". Because it can allow us to understand ourselves on a deeper, more meaningful level. When it comes to looking for another job, we can evaluate ourselves. These things can eventually lead to a more fulfilling career.
looking forward to new opportunities
For those who enjoy their work at work, the experience of layoffs can open up new avenues.
Sarah Goulding voluntarily resigned from British Airways in July 2020 when the aircraft industry was suspended. He has worked in this airways for 32 years. He later worked as a cabin manager. During the Corona crisis, about 12 thousand employees were laid off from this organization.
Sarah, a Welsh mother of two, said: 'I loved this job. I fell in love with airplane travel. I thought this would be my only job until I retired. I never imagined doing anything else.'
Sara is now 55 years old. After leaving aviation he applied for a job as an urgent care assistant with the Welsh Ambulance Service. He was initially shocked to get the job. Instead of flying in an ambulance job! But this job has given him some of the best experiences in his life. He has learned many new things and is helping many people.
Meanwhile, Sara's mother suddenly passed away. Father with Parkinson's disease at home. Sara did this work herself without looking for outside employees for her services. Within three months his father also died. Sara would not have got this opportunity if she had worked in the previous company.
Sara said, "Joining the ambulance service has helped my father in his time of need."
It's been two years since I left my first job. British Airways once again hired Sarah on a part-time basis. He is also working in the ambulance service. He is now balancing between both the jobs. Sara is also very happy.
creative learning experiences
Lance Gould is 57 years old now. Even today he cannot forget the bad experience of losing his job. After the success of his first business, he launched another business in 2021 called Brooklyn Story Lab.
Lance Gould said, 'I was forced to take on this new job. Every day this work is strange and exciting. I am grateful that this is happening in life. The work is so meaningful that I am personally and professionally satisfied.
Suki Lan also gained many creative experiences after being fired. 'I can share advice with others who are facing a similar situation,' he added. A mentor told me, layoffs always lead to good things and I strongly believe in it.
Suki's position has changed since the layoffs last July. This month his new employer gave him 30 days off during a contract review. Still, he says, "I'm open to the opportunity to discover something new." But losing a job won't be a positive experience for everyone. It causes a lot of financial and emotional stress, which can be difficult to deal with at times. Still have to learn from this.
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