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A layoff fundamentally changed how I perceive work

(mertbulan.com)
1041 points mertbio | 2 comments | 27 Jan 25 08:22 UTC | HN request time: 0.46s | source
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MeruMeru ◴[27 Jan 25 09:58 UTC] No.42839285[source]▶
Strongly agree with the author. I was laid off two years ago, and I am experiencing the same feelings he is describing: I no longer want to give my 100%, I no longer overcommit. I do the minimum required and feel emotionally detached from the company and my colleagues.

It's a waste that so many individual contributors who, as the author said, had good performance and were close to the users went through a laid off. Now a new generation of previously high achievers work force will get back in the market and no longer use all their potential for their job. Like it wasn't the fault of the new company that hired me, that now I do the bare minimum, they won't see the full potential I gave before. And I, I cannot prevent it. My work ethics and motivation died after the lay off.

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1. secondcoming ◴[27 Jan 25 10:56 UTC] No.42839641[source]▶
It's disappointing that you feel detached from your colleagues. They're in the same boat as you. Also, increasing your network doesn't hurt. There's a risk in being known as the quiet or moody guy who doesn't interact with anyone. It might make you enjoy your work more too.
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2. MeruMeru ◴[27 Jan 25 13:09 UTC] No.42840735[source]▶
Partially agree. I still network, and actually found my current job thanks to my network. I still interact with ma colleagues, help them, socialize. But I try to keep some emotional distance. When I got laid off, my colleagues were also my close friends, so on top of the laid off turmoil I was living, I was sad I would no longer work with them.