🔥 tech layoffs to lemonade

How tf is it the end of January? And how tf has so much happened already? Between the podcast rebrand, endless tech layoffs, dumbass jokes at the golden globes, 11 Bitcoin ETF approvals, and the ongoing conflicts around the world - it’s hard to keep your head on straight.

I hope you’re taking your vitamins and eating your veggies because if the last month is any indication of how 2024 will pan out - we’re gonna need ‘em.

While it would be easy to get dragged down by everything that could happen, I’m choosing to focus on what I know. For example, did you know I’m turning 30 in July 🤯. I could be scared sh**less, OR I could choose to see the positive, like interest rates might be lowering, spring is around the corner, and Jeremy Allen White just did an ad for Calvin Klein…

Last week in tech was a freaking mess. Google, Discord, Amazon, and Duolingo cut thousands of roles. But is tech doomed to repeat last year’s chaos? Probably not.

The industry is simply setting its sights on AI. But that doesn’t mean the layoffs didn’t come as an absolute shock to those let go last week. And whether or not you’re enjoying fun employment as we speak, I figured we could all brush up on what to do before breaking out the Ben&Jerrys.

First off. F**k. I’m so sorry. Maybe you made it through the god-awful conversation with HR or had to sit and watch your CEO give some PR jargon-infested speech that focused more on the company than the “family” they had to let go.

I won’t mince words: it sucks no matter which way you slice it.

Here’s what you should tackle first 👇

1. Figure out the details: What is your official last day? When will you receive your final paycheck? What does the severance look like? Will they write you a recommendation? How do you return any office equipment? Most companies will have these outlined for you, but off-boarding details are often focused on them rather than you. Ask all the hard questions you need & want answered.

2. Check your share exercise deadline: Many of us working in tech have shares built into our comp package, but if you’re working for a company that hasn’t IPO’ed yet - just because you’ve vested the shares doesn’t mean you own them. [a lesson I had to learn the hard way at my first job out of school]. This means that if you wanted to make some $$ down the line [and believe the company will make it], you’ll need to exercise all of your outstanding shares at the strike price in your contract. Chat with a tax advisor, though, as this will create some fun tax implications for you.

3. Let people know & grab contact details: Have a great relationship with a manager on another team? Is there someone else who might give you a recommendation? Make sure you let your key people know that you’re leaving. And grab their email, LinkedIn, or phone number - you’ll want to start following up on their offer to help asap.

4. Think hard about building your personal brand: Remember all those times you thought about posting on LinkedIn but chickened out? There’s no time like the present! While updating your profile and starting your new job search, why don’t you throw a little post out there? You know, get your feet wet.

5. Celebrate: Yes, you read that right! Celebrate your newfound freedom. Like any breakup, try to focus on what you’re happy to be free of, like that coworker who won’t stop microwaving last night’s fish or your micromanaging boss.

6. Take a break: You made it! Now, go and do something that’s just for you. Binge-watch your favorite show, nap, learn a new skill, pick up an old hobby - something that makes you reconnect with the old you. The one before the layoffs and the tech madness ensued. Remember, you and you alone have found every single job you’ve ever worked. And you can do it again.

Whatever you’re doing, take a deep breath 💜 you’ve got this.

And as a side note for all my leaders: if you are a leader in an organization facing layoffs, be a human. Don’t pretend like it didn’t happen. The world is hard enough right now, so give people space, lend an ear, and listen. It’ll help you be a better leader and bring your team back together.

And that’s a wrap!

xoxo, Regan