In 2015, when I embarked on my journey with American Express, I truly believed I had secured a stable future.
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The reputation of this esteemed company signaled financial security, and as a junior decisioning engineer—my first full-time position after college—I felt ready to conquer my career. My previous internship at JPMorgan had set a promising tone, suggesting I would find my niche within the tech sectors of major banks.
Yet, my dreams came crashing down one October afternoon in 2015. I was visiting my girlfriend in Atlanta when an unexpected call from my manager shattered my sense of security. As he delivered the staggering news of my layoff, my mind froze. It was as though I merely heard a distant murmur, punctuated by the weight of disbelief.
This sudden upheaval fundamentally changed my perspective on employment. No longer could I afford to take job security for granted. That experience compelled me to constantly strive for self-improvement, reminding me of the vital importance of investing in my skills and adaptability.
I often ponder: How might my life have unfolded differently if I hadn’t been haunted by the fear of future layoffs? Sure, life would have felt lighter, but I also feel better equipped now, should adversity arise again.
Navigating the Job Market After a Layoff
Fortunately, the layoff was communicated with enough advance notice to enable my job search. I was granted a severance package that provided me the financial cushion I desperately needed.
Remarkably, I secured a new position even before my last day. At that time, talent with a computer science degree was in demand; many graduates were stepping into roles as if they were handing out candy at a parade. I received two offers and ultimately accepted a role as a software engineer at Home Depot.
My adventure at Home Depot lasted about six years before I transitioned to my current role in 2022, continuing my journey in software engineering.
A Common Thread Among Software Engineers
That layoff stripped away my internal sense of job security. I had taken all the right steps—attending a reputable school, securing notable internships—yet that didn’t shield me from the unpredictable nature of the industry.
I remember questioning my own capabilities: Why was I let go? Did I lack the intelligence and skill necessary to succeed? But my journey illuminated a critical truth: layoffs are an unfortunate norm in this field. In conversations with fellow engineers—even those who have thrived for over a decade or more—layoffs have left their marks on all of us.
From my own vantage point, I began to notice the alarming prevalence of layoffs in tech. It has motivated me to focus on nurturing my side projects. I’ve found that having secondary ventures can serve as a safety net, preventing me from starting from square one if history were to repeat itself.
Reevaluating Job Security
Now, I make it a point to attend three job interviews each year—not necessarily with the ambition of changing jobs, but rather to keep my interview skills sharp. The pressure of preparing under duress is not something I want to experience again.
As I contemplate potential roles, I scrutinize how prospective companies generate revenue and assess their financial stability. This cautious approach broadens my awareness of opportunities and makes me more discerning with my choices.
Financial prudence has established itself as essential in my life. I am reticent about lavish spending, always on guard for that unpredictable moment when the rug may be pulled from under me. Thus, I actively contribute to my 401(k), maintain investments, and have set aside an emergency fund. My goal is to create a financial buffer capable of supporting me for at least six months should I find myself jobless.
While I can afford upscale experiences, I choose to travel frugally and avoid unnecessary extravagances. Just a few years ago, I began stepping outside the U.S., typically opting for destinations like the Caribbean, which are more budget-friendly. First-class tickets and luxurious accommodations are luxuries I now forgo.
The Growing Importance of Advanced Education
In 2018, I enrolled in a master’s program in computer science, which I completed in 2023. After all, the one aspect of my life I can control is the investment in my education, enabling me to pivot flexibly should any setbacks occur.
Additionally, I have channeled energy into side ventures, such as running a YouTube channel and freelancing for small businesses facing tech challenges. While these mostly supplement my income, they serve as potential springboards into new opportunities should I need to rely on them.
Along the journey, I’ve also learned to detach my identity from the organizations I work with. While once I felt immense pride in aligning with established brands like American Express or JPMorgan, I’ve since adopted a healthier perspective, one that maintains my sense of self, irrespective of my employer’s decisions.
Finding Strength in Loss
Navigating the turbulence of an unexpected layoff can be deeply painful. Yet, I’ve come to appreciate that experiencing such challenges early in my career has readied me for whatever lies ahead.
A layoff can serve as a catalyst for reflection and reinvention—a moment to realign with personal aspirations, rediscover one’s self-worth, and embrace opportunities previously overlooked.
Just as a breakup can sting initially but lead to eventual growth and self-discovery, layoffs can reveal paths previously shrouded.
At the end of the day, you can only invest in yourself, your education, and your skills. In a world where certainty is fleeting, self-investment remains the one constant you can rely on.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international – Monitoring.
