Meta, Amazon, Twitter, Stripe. For more than 20 years, the U.S. IT industry has consistently provided soaring stocks and cozy, well-paying employment. In a few of weeks, layoffs struck hard once the parties and benefits wore off. More than 24,000 software workers from 72 businesses have been laid off this month, according to layoffs.fyi, a website that tracks job losses in the computer sector, bringing the total number of computing jobs lost this year to 120,000. It’s logical to assume that a reckoning is beginning even though each firm is coping with its own particular issues.
So what should you do if you’ve been one of the unfortunate tech workers to be laid off? Take a deep breath, and plan your next steps. Here’s a quick guide.
Expect the worst.
Don’t count on the firm treating you fairly or within reason. Plan for the worst but always hope for the best. Before being informed that your employment with the firm is ending, you’ll probably lose access to all of its systems. Assume that everything you do on work computers and other devices is being tracked and logged.
This may be heartbreaking, but know that your manager is required and encouraged to comply with directives from leadership. Even if they want to, do not expect that your boss will be able or willing to assist you.
