I Helped Information Meta Layoffs, Then I Bought Laid Off Too

This as-told-to essay relies on a dialog with Chikara Kennedy, a 42-year-old CEO of Chikara Energy Teaching who splits her time between Mexico and Washington, DC. Enterprise Insider has verified Kennedy’s employment with documentation and edited her phrases for size and readability.

I would been working in HR for almost 15 years after I was employed by Fb, now often called Meta, in 2018 as a senior HR supervisor.

I used to be figuring out of the Chicago workplace, after which turned a distant worker in 2020 throughout COVID. I moved to DC in 2022, nonetheless as a distant employee, to be nearer to household whereas going by means of a divorce.

At Meta, I labored carefully with leaders on issues like teaching, efficiency administration, recognition applications, morale-boosting, restructuring, and organizational growth.

When the corporate started implementing layoffs in 2023, a part of my position was serving to information the corporate by means of the method. I felt captivated with doing layoffs the best approach — a approach that was respectful to folks.

In the long run, I used to be shocked and devastated to be taught that this very Meta layoff would affect my position, too.

Regardless of being a excessive performer, I used to be laid off

Rising up, we’re taught that in the event you go to high school, get good grades, and do an excellent job, issues will prove the best way they’re alleged to. As a society, we make work an enormous a part of our identities.

I would labored for Meta for almost 5 years and was a excessive performer. I had obtained nice rankings, had good relationships, and was acknowledged for exceeding expectations.

However in 2023, the corporate laid off 10,000 staff and withdrew 5,000 open roles it had but to fill. I used to be a part of a staff that was very severely impacted.

Regardless of my intimate information of the method, the expertise was more difficult than I anticipated. I went by means of all of the phases of grief. I used to be mad, unhappy, embarrassed, and in disbelief. Following my divorce, I used to be anxious about funds, and with so many tech firms doing layoffs, I used to be frightened about not discovering one other job.

I bear in mind there was a second when these of us impacted had been all messaging one another on-line and saying issues like, “Who has the connections? What are the following jobs which might be hiring? Let me join you.”

It was encouraging, and I used to be pleased to be amongst a bunch of star gamers that had been serving to one another. However I needed to ask myself if leaping proper again into a brand new job was actually what was finest for me.

In the end, I made a decision to take a step again

I would at all times been empathetic in direction of folks experiencing layoffs, however dwelling by means of one in such a tricky economic system helped me perceive the transactional nature of employment. Issues can change at any time, anyplace, and a lot is not in our management.

Though it was devastating, I additionally started to tune into my very own voice. I wished to honor myself and never be influenced by different folks, so I made a decision to take a solo retreat.

I booked a visit alone to Bali from D.C. and went with no itinerary — simply the intention to get pleasure from myself, benefit from the sights, and look inward to determine what I really wished transferring ahead.

The journey felt like I used to be on a Black lady’s model of Eat, Pray, Love. I turned off my telephone and pc, related with strangers, and did issues like breath work and meditation, simply attempting to get my thoughts and ideas collectively.

These practices helped quiet the noise and worry of being laid off. It shifted the best way I seen myself, and the chances I may see for myself.

It was like I turned the primary character of my very own life. Earlier than the layoff, I’d usually ask: “What can I do to make this group higher?” However now I started to ask, “What are my objectives, my strengths? What would I like to be doing on a day-to-day foundation? If I am not reacting out of damage, embarrassment, or the necessity to show I am adequate to land one other job instantly, what do I really wish to do?”

For me, the reply was founding my firm, Energy Teaching and Consulting.

I am now a coach, and I plan to run retreats within the subsequent yr

Since my Meta layoff, I am at the moment dwelling between Washington, DC, and Playa del Carmen in Mexico.

I’ve taken on management roles at retreats in Croatia and South Africa and am internet hosting my very own energy retreat for the primary time in January at a personal retreat heart in Mexico.

The retreats contain girls from all professions and walks of life and embrace actions and classes like guided meditation, Temazcal and Cacao ceremonies, astrological and tarot readings, and wellness workshops. In a ravishing setting with like-minded girls, I assist shoppers discover their objectives and overcome obstacles to realize significant transformation of their careers and lives.

My recommendation for these going by means of a layoff

It is regular to have emotions of grief, however it’s additionally vital to recollect you are not alone. A layoff is not a mirrored image of you, your efficiency, or your worth as an individual; it would not should outline you.

If you happen to’re going by means of a layoff, use it as a chance to determine who you’re and what you need subsequent. The largest challenges in our lives can result in the most important breakthroughs if we’re prepared to do the work.

Do you could have a narrative to share about coping with a layoff? Contact this editor, Jane Zhang, at janezhang@businessinsider.com.