Last week, I posted an article in my consulting newsletter, Experience Evolved, that helped organizations manage the aftermath of layoffs. But if you’ve recently been laid off, you might be reading that article with some cynicism. I get it—because I’ve been there before.
This blog is more personal, but I hope it helps others navigate the emotional and professional challenges of layoffs.
I’ve seen a wave of posts from connections announcing their layoffs and searching for new opportunities. It’s the start of the fiscal year for many companies, and tough decisions are being made for the business to survive. While organizations may view layoffs as a financial necessity, for those impacted, it’s deeply personal.
My Experience with Layoffs
In my 23-year corporate career, I’ve witnessed 11 layoffs across six of the ten organizations I worked for. That’s an average of a layoff every two years—whether as someone affected directly or as a “survivor.” Each one made me question my value and self-worth.
So, I know a thing or two about layoffs and the emotional toll they take.
A Brief History of My Layoff and Survivor Journey
- 2005: Survived a major reduction from 95 employees to 25, with the remaining team taking on the workload of 95. It was brutal.
- 2006: Survived another cut—this time from 25 to 17. Efficiency and effectiveness became the name of the game.
- 2009: Laid off, but quickly transitioned into a new role in Project Management.
- 2012: Laid off again, but moved into a Change Management role.
- 2013: Laid off but accepted a new position as part of a Chief of Staff team.
- 2015: Survived a major company split and workforce reduction.
- 2016: Laid off, lost my sense of worth, spiraled emotionally, and found a new job three months later.
- 2017: Survived another round of layoffs and helped the organization rebuild its culture and employee engagement.
- 2020: Survived layoffs again and focused on building sustainable employee experience programs.
- 2023: Laid off but embraced the opportunity for self-discovery, taking two long road trips before finding a new role six months later.
- 2024: Survived layoffs but left voluntarily a few months later to pursue my own business (read about it in my blog post, Not Working from 9-5: My Journey from Corporate to Solopreneurship).
The Reality of Layoffs—Beyond the Name
Layoffs come in many forms: downsizing, redundancy, early retirement, Reduction in Workforce (RIF), reorganization, Workforce Reduction (WFR).
Whatever term is used, the result is the same—losing your job, questioning your worth, and wondering what’s next. You can be a top performer, making what you think is a huge impact, and still find yourself on the layoff list. Sometimes, it has nothing to do with you—it’s about the company’s financials or shifting priorities. But other times, it is you.
When I Survived
As a survivor, I felt both lucky and guilty. Lucky that I still had a job, and guilty that incredible colleagues were let go. Survivor’s guilt is real, and it can easily turn into imposter syndrome.
The challenge as a survivor is to find balance—acknowledging the loss, supporting those affected, and figuring out the new normal with the team that remains.
When It Was Me
I’m going to be extremely vulnerable here: When I was laid off in 2016, it was me.
At the time, I was an Employee Experience Manager overseeing a global team of 26, impacting 4,500 employees. But my personal life was in turmoil, and it began affecting my work. I had my first panic attack at work—on a critical business day—showing weakness to my leadership. My manager said they understood, but I could see the doubt in their eyes.
Fearing I would be seen as incapable, I stopped asking for help and pretended everything was fine. I shifted my focus to building up those around me, giving all credit to my team instead of myself. When my manager handed me my layoff paperwork, they genuinely questioned what impact I had made—because I had erased myself from the equation.
That layoff broke me. I had tied my entire sense of worth to my job, and when it was taken away, I felt like I had nothing.
Navigating Corporate Musical Chairs
Layoffs feel a lot like corporate musical chairs. The music starts, and everyone scrambles for a seat, hoping not to be the one left standing when it stops. Sometimes, layoffs are about timing, budget cuts, or reorganization. Other times, it’s about performance, politics, or perception.
The reality is, no one is immune—not even top performers or those who have given their all to a company. That’s why the best thing you can do is prepare before the music stops.
Here’s how:
- Make Yourself Visible: Ensure leadership sees your contributions and understands the value you bring to the organization.
- Document Your Achievements: Keep a record of your impact, accomplishments, and key projects to reinforce your value.
- Maintain Your Network: Build strong relationships both inside and outside your organization—your next opportunity often comes from connections.
- Develop Your Skills: Continue learning and upskilling so you remain competitive and adaptable.
- Have a Backup Plan: Whether it’s exploring side gigs, certifications, or entrepreneurship, create options for yourself outside of your current role.
Most importantly, remember that your job is not your identity. Whether you survive a layoff or become one of the affected, you are more than your title, company, or role. What defines you is how you navigate the change, adapt, and move forward.
This blog is personal, but I hope it helps others who are navigating layoffs—whether as a survivor or someone looking for their next opportunity. If you’ve been laid off, know this: you are still valuable, capable, and worthy of success.
And if you’re playing corporate musical chairs right now, keep moving, stay prepared, and remember—there’s always another seat waiting for you somewhere.
