Empowering yourself during the ‘Big Tech Layoffs’

The supposed dream companies everyone wants to work for

If you’ve been on LinkedIn recently, you’ve likely seen posts about lay-offs in ‘Big Tech.’

Imagine; working 16+ years at Google, and having your Google Home inform you of your fate. Apparently, this happened to a very senior employee there.

Despite this brutal method of dismissal, I would still be interested in working for a big tech company one day. The idea of impacting so many people’s lives through my work is an exciting idea. However, feeling any sort of ‘security’ because of a job, especially because of company branding, is incredibly naive.

Instead, I think we, as workers, need to have a more strategic and independent approach. I am more than the company I work for — I am a talented designer, who has skills needed across many industries. You, yes you, are also talented at your job and people need you. As much as capitalist society prioritises money, we need to prioritise ourselves — our well-being and our growth.

How this applies to you…

For those working at other companies (like myself) witnessing layoffs from the supposed ‘secure’ companies can be unsettling. If you’re a job-seeker, you’re now competing against the best people from Google for your new role. Not a job-seeker? You’re hoping you won’t get laid off too.

As bad as this situation is for everyone, I’ve spoken to a few other tech people I know, and here’s how we’re adjusting for the times…

1. Getting better at budgeting & investing: if anything happened to your job tomorrow, would you be able to pay your rent? Buy your groceries? Do you know anything about investing? Are you able to get alternate sources of income while in your current contract?
2. Up-skilling ourselves: whenever I’ve faced tough times, learning has always been empowering. Reading books, completing courses, having a few friends look at my portfolio reminds me that I’m a skilled creative — regardless of where I’m working. It’s empowering.
3. Always networking: when was the last time you met someone in your field from a different company? When was the last time you connected a friend with a new role? When was the last time you received mentorship?
4. Putting ourselves out there: when was the last time you went to a networking event? Updated your portfolio? Spoke at an event?

As the world of tech seemingly crumbles around us, people I know have been asking how we can up-level instead of getting down in the dumps. You could get hit by a bus tomorrow my friend, nothing is secure.

However, that’s just life. It’s not secure, it’s not fair. It’s unfortunate that these dismissals of such loyal employees are done in such a way, but all we can do is lift ourselves (and eachother) up.

This week…

I challenge you to think about one of the four points above — I know I will be. How can you put one into action? If you do, let me know how you get on.

Let’s continue the conversation over on LinkedIn 👋