Laid Off, Not Left Behind
Reflections from my own journey through corporate layoffs
A few thoughts for my fellow professionals—especially those at Microsoft and others—who have recently been impacted by layoffs. I want to share my own experience getting laid off from Amazon back in 2023, in hopes that it brings some comfort, perspective, and resilience to anyone facing the same storm.
When the Dream Suddenly Ends
Amazon was a dream company for me. I had worked hard to land that job, and even harder to adjust, learn, and deliver. Within a year, I had already contributed to key projects. I felt proud, motivated, and hopeful.
During that period, Amazon had already gone through two rounds of layoffs. Naturally, I was concerned. In every one-on-one, every open meeting, I asked our leadership—“Are we at risk?” The answer was always reassuring. “You’re in one of the safest teams in AWS. This team would be the last to get hit.”
I believed them.
Until one morning around 9 AM. I was at my daughter’s doctor’s appointment when I saw an email land in my personal inbox. It was from Amazon. I realized I couldn’t log in to my work laptop anymore. Access revoked. Teams disabled. In just a few hours, I was out.
❝ Sometimes, the biggest shocks come not from the unknown, but from what we were told was safe. ❞
If you’ve just gone through a layoff, I know exactly how it feels.
It’s Not Your Fault
Let me say this clearly: do not blame yourself.
You could be a top performer. You could be loyal, consistent, and highly skilled. It often has nothing to do with any of that.
❝ You were not laid off because you weren't good enough. ❞
This is about metrics and margins. This is about decisions made in boardrooms, far removed from your contributions. In many cases, it's not even about how much profit companies make—it’s about how much more they could save, how much higher their stock price could climb. It’s about the cold machinery of corporate economics. And unfortunately, that machinery doesn’t stop to consider your loyalty or performance.
❝ Layoffs aren't a reflection of your value—they're a reflection of corporate priorities. ❞
It hurts. But it’s not on you.
📣 Have you ever felt like your hard work didn’t protect you from a layoff? What did you learn from that moment?
What Helped Me Get Through It
What helped me stay grounded during that time was something I had internalized many years earlier.
In my very first job, I watched a respected co-worker get terminated with just 30 minutes' notice, despite serving the company for over two years with a good reputation. I was shocked. But I also learned something powerful:
❝ Never attach your entire sense of worth to a job title or a badge. ❞
Every time I walked into the office afterward, I reminded myself of the Exit sign hanging above the emergency door:
❝ We all leave someday—today or tomorrow. ❞
That mindset helped me prepare emotionally. I saw my role as important, but temporary. And when the day came, I didn't break—I adapted.
What You Can Do Now
Reach out. To friends, to strangers, to your network. You don’t have to do this alone.
Ask for help. Emotional, professional, mental—whatever kind of support you need, seek it without hesitation.
Take care of yourself. Breathe. Walk. Sleep. Talk. Don’t try to “grind” through it.
Believe in your journey. If you’ve overcome things before—and you have—this too shall pass.
❝ You are allowed to pause, but not to give up. ❞
You are not finished. You are not broken. This is just a bend in the road.
A Closing Word of Hope
I was lucky to get into another team within the 60-day severance window. It wasn’t easy, but it happened. And I know—it will happen for you too.
Have faith—in yourself, in your purpose, in the unseen hand that guides your path. Whether you call it God, the universe, or simply your own strength, trust that it hasn’t abandoned you. You’re being reshaped, not erased.
❝ You are not finished. You are not broken. This is just a bend in the road. ❞
❝ You're not being discarded; you're being redirected. ❞
The world is still full of opportunities. And somewhere out there, something better is waiting for you. Don’t stop walking.
💬 Share Your Story
Have you been impacted by a layoff recently—or in the past? How did you cope?
I’d love to hear your story, your thoughts, or any words of encouragement you want to share with others going through this. Drop a comment below �
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