Quiet Reflections on My Latest Work Experience

Suffering redundancy due to cuts is a painful experience, but one that can help refocus your career.

Anyone who’s seen people getting laid off on TikTok will quickly recognise the pattern: an unexpected meeting with HR, followed by a lightning-quick meeting where all ties (and access) is cut off in a single blow. Though I myself have seen this type of content several times, I was still totally blindsided when it happened to me. The reason? I was only in my third week of the job.

Now, it’s true that my meeting didn’t follow all the telltale signs. I did have an unexpected meeting scheduled, with no explanations given. But it wasn’t with HR. I (perhaps naively) thought the person in question simply wanted to meet me. I didn’t get past the opening pleasantries before the head of HR joined us; the same woman who had so joyfully welcomed me just days before. The reality of this surprise meeting became painfully apparent.

But… It couldn’t be, could it? Not on my 11th day of work. My work had been publicly and privately commended, and I’d already been given freedom to complete my tasks alone. But there we were; I was getting laid off.

“How am I going to explain this?” I asked my helpless partner, dutifully giving consoling back pats. The fact is that only the management at my previous employer can explain the whys and wherefores. There’s nothing more to it: I’ll simply have to accept the classic and all-encompassing “business reasons” as the force behind my redundancy. 

I later found out that around 20 employees out of 70 were laid off that week; an almost 30% cull of the workforce. Only time willl tell how this radical change will impact the business.

The evolution of grief

Grief may strike you as a pretty extreme reaction to getting laid off. But the days between the event and now have felt like a grief journey. It started with shock, disbelief, and crushing devastation. It soon turned into anger, before returning to a calmer version of resigned acceptance. This came with a firm resolve to pick myself up and channel my energy into taking the next step. I’ve always fancied myself as somewhat of a stoic after all; this is my chance to shine! My shining letter of recommendation will act as my armour as I reimmerse myself in the hustle of finding my next rewarding role. 

Reset and refocus

Most people will agree that finding positives in unemployment is like finding a needle in a haystack. However, needs must. The time I’ve been given will be an invaluable chance to reinvest in myself and dedicate time to self-improvement, refocus my aims, and prepare myself for my next role. I know my worth, and this setback won’t define or scale back my dreams and ambitions. Though this week does signal the end of one (short) chapter, it also starts another. I can’t wait to see what’s next.