I’ve been laid off twice in my career. Both times I had an inkling it was coming. Both times it dinged my ego.  Both times it worked out for the best.

The first time I was a new manager at a small company. It had been a bumpy ride. One notable bump was when the company could not make payroll for several months.  Shockingly only one person left.  The rest of us were all in, working for (eventually worthless) stock and the occasional small check.  

Looking back It sounds crazy to have stayed but I was so invested in the company and the people that my logic was overruled by a sense of loyalty.

The company eventually received more funding. We hired a terrific VP of Engineering and I thought we had turned a corner. But the funds dwindled and the business did not generate enough revenue.  We had to lay people off.  The thought of letting someone go who had stayed through the hard times was gut wrenching. Our VP led his managers through a difficult but thoughtful process to identify whom to let go. 

The layoff was a shock to everyone.  Unfortunately it had to be repeated multiple times as the company continued to flounder.  Again, I should have recognized that this company was not a place to build my career but I hung in there.  

One day I said to my manager, “At some point you’re not going to need so many managers.”

He said, “I know, Sue.”  and just looked at me.

We sat there quietly.  I nodded.  I was unofficially being laid off.

I don’t think he was planning to tell me that day but I was thankful he did.  Now, with no choice, I jumped into looking for a new job. Within weeks I found a great one closer to home for more money working for another amazing VP of Engineering.  

At the time, being laid off felt terrible.  Why was I the manager he chose to let go?  I thought I was doing a good job. It shook my  confidence.  But in hindsight, it worked out for the best. I learned so much at my next job and I worked with another great group of people whom I stay in touch with to this day.  And believe it or not, I’m still in touch with the manager who laid me off and I consider him a mentor and a friend.

A career is an interesting thing.  You’re in control of how you show up for it each day but you’re not necessarily in control of the outcome.  So many outside influences can impact your career trajectory.  I’m not recommending you get laid off!  But if it happens to you, realize that you can recover and thrive.  There is no shame in being laid off. If you’re around long enough chances are pretty good it will happen to you at some point. 

I said that I was laid off twice.  The second story is a good one too, but one for another day.