Laid Off From My $240k Engineering Job - Here's Whats Next

In this candid video, I find myself discussing a topic I never thought I'd have to address - the sudden cancellation of my year-long contract just two weeks ago. As someone with over 15 years of experience in a volatile industry, layoffs unfortunately aren't unfamiliar territory for me. But each time feels like a new blow, especially when you have a family, a mortgage, and plans for the year.

Despite my initial reluctance, I believe it's crucial to shed light on the tough times as well. So, here I am, sharing my thoughts on how to tackle such situations and how I mentor younger engineers through similar challenges.

First and foremost, it's essential to take a breath. This is undoubtedly difficult, but your response matters. Remaining professional is key, even when emotions run high. I've learned that burning bridges or being confrontational serves no purpose. Preserving relationships and showcasing professionalism in your final days can make a lasting impression.

It's worth noting that management often grapples with these decisions too. While it's natural to feel slighted, focusing on the next step is paramount. Utilize connections within your network and explore potential leads. People are often willing to lend a hand during times of need.

Furthermore, reflecting on your tenure at the company is valuable. Identify areas for personal growth and understand the broader business dynamics that led to the decision. This introspection provides insights for future endeavors.

As I embark on my job hunt, I invite you to join me on this journey. Subscribe to follow my unconventional approach and witness firsthand the strategies I employ. It's bound to be a unique experience, and I promise to share all the details in my upcoming videos.

Thank you for your support, and here's to navigating uncertain waters together. Wish me luck!

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I've been a software engineer since 2008 and with over a decade of experience, the industry is as crazy and as varied as ever.

I continually get asked for career advice and how to navigate writing code for a living and I wanted to share everything I've learned in hopes that I can help someone who is just starting in software engineering, who has been in it for a while and is too afraid to ask, or the seasoned vet to either agree or argue with me.

The intent of this channel is to have multiple series that include the following topics:
💰 Compensation
📈 Negotiations
📚 Career advice and guidance
📈 Stocks, RSUs, Stock options, and ESPP plans
👨‍🏫 Engineering interviews

I've done just about everything in software from working for 3 person start ups, 300 person start ups, silicon valley companies, Fortune 500 companies, small teams, big teams, W2 employment and 1099 contracting, full time contracting and moonlight part time work, independent development, launching my own web apps and iphone app.

[StTrina]

Was laid off a few years ago. Ive got 23 yrs experience and was making 220k + profit sharing. I had plenty of savings so no fear at first. Then after applying for dozens and dozens of jobs, hearing that many employers would rather hire someome younger for half the salary. I was getting burnt out on the industry anyways so I decided to take control.

I really wanted to spend more time outside, so I spent some of my savings to buy the minimum to run a lawn mowing business. The first year was a little slow and I only brought in around 60k. Three months later I was having to turn away customers because I was too busy even after hiring some help. After paying for all operating cost and my one employee, I'm making almost what I did before I got laid off and I feel a lot better being outside and enjoying the sun all day.
I still enjoy writing code but now I get to do it on my own personal projects and never have to sit in another scrum meeting again lol.

All this to say, have you considered starting your own business and never having to be at the mercy of a corporation again? I certainly do sleep better knowing that I am in control of my bank account.

[BrunoAlbuquerqueBRQ]

I got laid off last December. It took more than 6 months but I managed to get an excellent new job. Don't give up!

[hatter]

Sorry to hear that you got laid off. As someone who also just got laid off last week, this is really great advice! Always be kind. Accept your fate and move on.

[thecowegg]

The bigger the pay, the bigger the company or the bigger the position, those are high possibilities of laying off when times are bad. Always side hustle when you are living comfortably.

[steinervision]

That’s the reason I’ve been self employed for over 40 years! I always wanted to wake up every morning knowing my destiny depended on my own work effort, not on some unknown bean counter.

[langhamp]

I feel that Linked In is nothing but former employees thanking their ex-employer for firing them while giving them "the opportunity".

[computer-training-for-seniors]

Cody I will give you a tip from an older person in his career. Many folks agree that when you reach your mid to late 40's, you really need to start working for yourself. This is easier to do if you have a job, even part time or casual for the income support. A layoff makes us realise how vulnerable we all are to working for someone else.

[JuniorShepherd]

I too was laid off back in early April. Job market is absolutely terrible. Nonetheless now is the time to study, learn new skills, and work on different areas of our personal lives.

[JamesMCrutchley]

Found out I was laid off after they reset phone, laptop and build PC. I worked remote. They sent email laying off everyone while IT started started remote wiping devices. They then systematically reported all company hardware stolen to individual police departments which resulted at least in my case with the police raiding my home and charging me with possession of stolen property. That happened hours after they failed to notify me of being fired. The police were not sympathetic and were openly hostile. Found out they did this to everyone. Company does not exist anymore. They made sure anyone applying for assistance would be screwed too. Lucky no one I knew had to worry about that. But remember it can always be worse. Everyone worked out and this was years ago now but I thought I would mention it.

[BlackMan]

Wow... 35 years as a software engineer and never laid off. Hoping to retire but my company doesn't want me to go... so I went part-time when I turned 60. I LOVE IT. Working 20 hours per week is perfect once you hit late 50s. I also left high-stress/high-pay job at corporate US and went to a small company at 55 which was also a great move. No more midnight calls when an application goes down.

[intothebeyond]

It's hard to stay clam when they lay you off and then the CEO gets a bonus of 40-80 million dollars . What I think the best strategy is to be the competition of the companies that laid you off . Companies like Google, Apple, Amazon have gotten way to big and need to be disrupted .

[qatarworldcupwinnermessi]

Brother, this is normal. Same thing happened to me twice. Just look for next job. None of these companies have loyalty, it is what it is. You are just an asset.

[GeorgiaMade]

Same thing happened to me. It’s crazy out here. I’m taking a job outside of tech just to not be unemployed for too long. Currently I’m at the 2 month mark. Good luck!

[jrknsOFF]

I just wanna say thanks for saying this, because I was laid off earlier this year: got told in March, finished in mid April. Kinda been looking for a new job now for two months, but my first resume draft wasn't all that good and didn't tell people much. I revamped it a couple of weeks ago to a much better effect, but the last two weeks have been the holiday weeks for my country, so it was a slower time again. I've already heard many words of support and wisdom from people at this point, and hearing a seasoned professional now saying all the same things is just reassuring, and helps me accept the reality of the industry I love and want to keep working in.

Also, to everyone in the comments and reading this, hang in there, we can persevere. Last time I got laid off I managed to get into a place that taught me great things that become a very solid basics for the next level of my career. It certainly isn't easy, especially if you're early in your career or it's your first layoff, and there's no "buts" about that; I just hope that you all find a place you're truly happy with after.

[CLF]

Job hunting is always frustrating. We expect immediate results, and it generally takes months to find a job. Something will come along. Remember, at the end of every storm, the clouds part, and the sun shines through again—it always does.

[themasterrogerdelgado]

Contract work was always super stressful to me and I was single and 26. I can't imagine how much worse it would be with a family that depends on you.

[sethrose]

My dad is a lawyer who left his law firm and worked for himself for a long time. He saw some ups but also a lot of hardship and serious downs. Being self employed doesn’t necessarily make all problems dissolve but this video is very inspiring to me. Thank you for taking your difficult time and just showing your confidence and calmness.

I just turned 30, single and no kids yet, and about to start looking at homes. I do 130k in pharma building design as a controls engineer. I’m doing well but I feel the pressure of the industry, lack of security, and confusion about what my ceiling really is. I want to start a business but I have no clue. I’m terrified of being in your position but you seem like you are handling it with poise and grace. I look up to you in that regard. Thank you for this video. I don’t know what to do but I hope I find the balls to start a business, show some work ethic, and get lucky in the end.

[cfg]

You are confronting the layoff with the utmost class and attitude possible. Speaking as a fellow programmer, I know how you feel. Sharing the journey to your next job will help someone else, so THANK YOU.

[langsor]

Ouch! It's never fun to get laid off, even if you see it coming. I was laid off (a non-tech job for a non-renewed contract) nearly a year ago. All the advice you're giving here is great. I would say keeping a positive frame of mind and optimistic outlook are key to landing your next gig smoothly. That is sometimes easier said than done. I'm sure you will be alright--and good luck.

[pym]

Have alot of savings. Never stay stagnant. Keep looking for next opportunity before the layoff came. Have a side gig.