How Getting Laid Off From My First Tech Job Reshaped My Work Mindset

This as-told-to essay is predicated on a transcribed dialog with 39-year-old Edson Philippe, from Atlanta. The next has been edited for size and readability.

After I began working for American Specific in 2015, I assumed I used to be set for all times.

It appeared like a really safe firm that might all the time have cash flowing. I used to be a junior decisioning engineer, which was a software program engineering function, and it was my first full-time job after graduating. I would beforehand interned at JPMorgan, and it felt like these firms had been setting the tone for my profession — that I would be working in tech for giant banks.

In October 2015, I discovered American Specific was laying me off. I used to be visiting my girlfriend in Atlanta when my supervisor referred to as. I puzzled why he is likely to be calling me. When he advised me the unhealthy information, my mind shut down, and I simply heard mumbling.

That one layoff shifted my entire notion of labor. As an alternative of taking job safety without any consideration, it is compelled me to by no means get too comfy and all the time put money into myself and my abilities.

My life would in all probability have been extra enjoyable if I weren’t continuously interested by getting laid off, however I’m effectively ready if it occurs once more.

Discovering a brand new job after the layoff was fairly simple

Fortunately, when the layoff occurred, they gave me discover, so I had time to search for new jobs, in addition to eight weeks of severance pay.

I obtained a brand new job earlier than my final day. Discovering a brand new function was fairly simple. At the moment, pc science graduates from respected universities may virtually stroll into interviews and get jobs. I obtained two gives and selected a software program engineering job at Residence Depot.

I stayed at Residence Depot for about six years earlier than switching to my present firm in 2022. I am nonetheless in software program engineering.

Each veteran software program engineer I’ve met has misplaced a job earlier than

Getting laid off eliminated my inner sense of safety. As somebody who went to a great faculty and did the precise internship, I ready and labored arduous to get so far, however that does not assure a great outcome.

I questioned why I used to be let go or if I wasn’t sensible sufficient.

In actuality, layoffs are a part of life. I’ve but to satisfy a software program engineer who’s been within the trade for over 15 years who hasn’t skilled some form of job loss.

That stated, it nonetheless affected my mindset. Lately, I’ve seen the prevalence of layoffs in tech. It is made me need to put extra effort into rising my aspect ventures, in order that if one thing had been to occur to my job, I would not have to start out from scratch.

I do not really feel safe in a job anymore

I attempt to do three job interviews a yr, not essentially with the intention of getting a brand new job, however to maintain my interview abilities up-to-date. If I had been laid off, I would not need to begin making ready for interviews beneath strain.

After I’ve considered taking a brand new job, I’ve tried to think about how the corporate makes cash and the way financially safe they’re. I am extra cautious about what alternatives I say sure to.

I additionally strive to not spend an excessive amount of cash. I by no means know when the rug might be pulled from beneath my ft. I put effort into my 401(okay), investing, and I’ve an emergency fund. I need to have the ability to help myself for a minimum of six months if I lose a job.

I do not take extravagant journeys, regardless that I can afford them, as a result of I am attempting to play it secure financially. I solely began touring exterior the nation a few years in the past, and go to locations which can be cheaper to fly to, just like the Caribbean. I do not splurge on nicer issues, like first-class aircraft tickets or good accommodations.

I developed a concern that having a bachelor’s diploma is not sufficient

In 2018, I enrolled in a grasp’s program in pc science, graduating in 2023. The one factor I can management is to put money into my very own training and skillset, so I really feel that I’ve backup plans if one thing goes improper.

I’ve additionally been investing in aspect ventures. For instance, I run a YouTube channel and I work as a freelancer serving to small companies with tech issues. These aren’t my main supply of revenue, however they really feel like backup plans that I can put extra effort into if I had been to change into unemployed. I additionally attempt to reserve my disposable revenue for investing in these aspect ventures, versus in experiences.

One other shift is that I’ve indifferent myself from the businesses I work for. I used to really feel very proud about working for American Specific and JPMorgan Chase, however now, I do not align my identification with my firm as a lot, so I do not really feel like my world would crumble if my function had been impacted.

Layoffs may be painful, however they open new doorways

Being hit with one thing sudden, like a layoff, is de facto painful, however I am glad I discovered the lesson that layoffs occur early in my profession. I’ve put quite a lot of effort into being extra mentally ready for this eventuality.

A layoff can change into a strong second of reflection and redirection — an opportunity to realign your objectives, rediscover your value, or open doorways to alternatives chances are you’ll by no means have thought of earlier than.

A breakup is painful at first, however after some time, you would possibly notice it was the very best factor to occur to you.

All you are able to do is put money into your self, your training, and your abilities.

Do you may have a narrative to share about your layoff expertise? Contact this reporter at ccheong@businessinsider.com