i got laid off... (as a software engineer) | Full Layoff Story

This is my story of tech layoffs early in 2024. As a software engineer, this is something that happens, and so I wanted to reflect on my time spent post-layoff, and some of the challenges that I faced during this time.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:05 The layoff day itself
06:04 Day to Day while unemployed
13:18 What I would do differently

[KevinInPhoenix]

I spent a 45 year career in IT, worked for 8 different companies, went through many reorganizations, and faced two layoffs. Stay strong, believe in yourself, and take some time to "smell the roses" along the way. IT has never been an easy road but there are many personal and financial rewards along the way. Save 10-15% of your income for your future.

[MongoLolz]

23+ years as a software engineer. It had it's good times, but pretty much everything after the 15th year was miserable. I've since walked away from the field, although I still enjoy watching videos about it and keeping up with latest frameworks for personal projects. I own two businesses now; landscaping and dog grooming. I wish I had done it years ago. Money is good, set my own schedule, and never have to set foot into another office again.

[danacarmen]

Being laid off is very traumatic, people don't understand that. Also be prepared to get through a few layoffs during your life.

[lewisburton]

Imagen all of these laid off super talented devs just getting together to build something great! Even, if they had to get mundane work outside of tech while building their side projects. Big corps exist because of you guys YOU guys are the talent.

[RkForeverSlayer]

I’ve been ignoring this video on my feed because I knew I would get triggered. I felt every word of this video.

[tecsmith_info]

Been going through this myself, but I'm now developing my own software and looking to start a new business. These companies don't deserve us!

[rockpadstudios]

I was terminated in the early 2000's and I was out of work for almost 8 months. It was right after a divorce which drained my savings. I was months away from living in my car. It was scary and I understand how it feels. That was the best thing that happened because I started getting serious about saving. Make each day, 8 hours of it looking for another job, practicing interview questions, and watching job related video's.

[randyriley]

Thanks for sharing your story. Some good reminders there, especially regarding self worth. I am applying and getting turned down for Junior roles, despite having over 2 years professional full-stack experience. The emails contain wording such as "We encourage you to apply again, once you gain the necessary skills!". If that doesn't make you want to reevaluate your life, I don't know what will. Glad you found something quickly! The constant grind trying to get back in before you have to start from square 1 financially can really start to wear you down.

[grimm_gen]

I got laid off 2 weeks ago, it's hard man!

[MilMike]

at my company about 50 out of 300 people were laid off in 2024. Even people that were middle in a critical project and only them knew the project by core.. they even didn't have the time to say good bye (instant blocked accounts).
I recommend connecting with important people outside of the job. At least to say a good bye or ask them about something important.
Because so many coworkers were laid off, and I basically needed to do their job now, I also started to apply for a new job. After 5 months I finally got an offer.

[denissartisskis]

got laid off today (Nov 15). have 20+ years of experience. looks scary out there as i see so many talented devs here on your channel. It reminds me 2009 when i also was laid off and was without a job 14 month. Seems to me i might have similar experience this time. Problem is that i am 50 now and i know that I might be out of luck because of my age as well.

[devsquaredTV]

I got laid off in mid august. it really blows. Then i found your devlog series and was really inspired to make my own thing and vlog about it.

[yvonnewalker]

You did the opposite of what was done by me. These people are just too inconsiderate. I was called in the office with two HR employees and told it was my last day. Not only that, one of them walked me to my desk to gather up my belongs. She wanted to call a cab, but no I just wanted to catch the bus. Once off the elevator the receptionist was called and given the information. She was a busy body and within 5 minutes everyone in the company would know. It would no longer be a secret. On the bus, everyone I knew was phone during that 30 minute trip. Once home, the wall was starred at. Then unemployment was filed. I stayed on unemployment for two (2) years and took classes. My advice to anyone is always have a second income - in the event it happens again. Lord bless

[Mw-odsd]

Wow, brutal, brutal, brutal. Your words are my experience, except mine was even worse. I was a Software Engineer intern and was told over ten times, "You are being hired." Finally, on the last day of the internship, they told me we are not hiring you. Maybe I messed up a bit here and there, but I was given no slack. I think they couldn't afford to bring me on so they used me for three months and lied to me so i would stay..

I have never forgotten and plan to take revenge one day. I have many avenues for it. I hope G-d punishes them one day with a sharp blow. Everyone talks about layoffs. To me, the word has more meaning, and it is a very bitter pill today.

[tobyvestal]

It’s nice to see that it’s not just me who’s frustrated with how swe interviews are conducted, and (I mean this in the nicest way possible) that I’m not the only one having issues with the job search.

[cazu]

Yeah the tech industry is brutal now and I don’t see it getting better anytime soon

[DistractedDaisy]

Dude there is always something better! I was so happy after my last layoff! Now I can’t wait for the next one!

[Gooner]

After watching your videos it seems like any company would be really lucky to have you on their team. Way to get through it, Gino!

[ianbrown]

I got laid off on exactly the same day you did... Crazy. I am still unemployed. I can relate to the mental state you went through and that feeling of self worth. The job hunting and interview process is insane.

[jMichaels]

Got laid off as well a month ago now. It sucks- endless applications and so far ghosted by every single one. Haven't gotten even a single response at all. I have 3 years YoE. I thought it would be easier this time around, since last time I was out of school and had no hands-on experience, but it's been much worse somehow.