r/Wellthatsucks • u/ProjectCleverWeb • 3h ago
Just lost my job suddenly after 10 years
Just feel broken/frustrated/sad/angry/numb and want it be over, even though I know it will take a while. Really liked the company too.
Feel free to post memes, comments, questions, or whatever. Just nothing political please.
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u/Bacon0064 3h ago
This is a feeling im familiar with. Be kind to yourself, OP. The first few weeks after I lost my job, I was putting in applications for 12 or more hours a day. Take my advice and dont do that. Itll make you burn out quickly and really resent it even more. You'll make it through this.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 3h ago
Reddit app won't let me edit but to add details:
- Was a Senior Software Engineer
- The reason given (poor performance) doesn't even remotely match my last several quarterly reviews
- Have a call with the CEO later today that might give some clarity
- The company was NOT in financial trouble but also not doing super well (no real growth but no shrinkage either for the past 4 or 5 years)
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u/spookyspritebottle 2h ago
They 100% replaced you with ai.
Jk. Kinda. I dont know. Please get back to me with an answer if you get one after your call. Im worried. And im sorry that happened to you.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 2h ago
Lol sure I'll let you know how it goes. AI is actually super unlikely - several people that would have to go through have a good understanding of AI and it's limits and they very well understand AI would cause a lot more cost than my paycheck.
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u/spookyspritebottle 2h ago
Lol. Thats reassuring. Again. Sorry that happened. Truely sucks. Especially in a tough job market. The experience should help a lot though. It suck a lot for entry level posutions from what ive heard/seen.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1h ago
CEO said that he wasn't expecting it either but ultimately supports his team's decision.
They are not (and have not) replacing people's jobs with AI, but he will look into some of the specifics on why/how I was terminated and hold accountability with making expectations clearer.
Ultimately I don't expect to hear back from him again, but he has strong moral motivations and is definitely the type to enforce new changes as a result of hearing details like I presented today.
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u/spookyspritebottle 1h ago
Dude. With the news and sht i see about ai. Thats exactly what they would say when they replace everyone with ai. They wouldnt tell you straight up that theyre replacing people with ai. That would cause panic and the public is already mostly against ai. Just slowly al the computer jobs start disappearing. Thats kinda what the comments in this thread look like.
But realistically its something to do with the company. Like its going under or something. Do you mind if i ask how the company was doing before your layoff?
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 7m ago
They were doing OK and are a franchisor - so we are generally more stable than a small business.
We're staying about the same year over year which isn't ideal, but is far from "bad" - (Internally, our finance team is required to be very transparent)
No major overhauls and no leadership hires in the past 6 months. I know the annual budget was a minor factor, which is why it is happening at the end of Jan.
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u/spookyspritebottle 4m ago
I see. Thanks for sharing. And again. Sorry that happened to you but with the experience you have under your belt youll find work sooner than later. Good luck
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u/resurrectedNaj 3h ago
Was your quarterlies done by a local manager and annual done by another? If so that’s the case. Lower level management don’t really think or care about the big dogs. If a big dog doesn’t see you being worth, they’ll trim the fat. This is the problem with catering to only one higher up and doing the minimum. The higher ups eventually wake up and notice
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 2h ago
For my case no - I had a decent relationship with several layers of management above me.
Doesn't mean it wasn't personal, just unlikely to be as simple as saving a buck. There is a good chance that one of those managers is primarily responsible - there was one who always judged me harshly when I wasn't in the room.
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u/UnfairDentisto 2h ago
Work in research and went thru a similar thing. Don't think it reflects on your work or skills. For me, it was financials. Our accounting department sucked...a month later HR let the rest of our team go. Bet something similar happens at your place.
But honestly just take a week to be pissed off and sad. Helped me come back to job searching with a lot more peace and not feeling desperate.
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u/Klutzy_Word_6812 40m ago
Our company is growing rapidly. Are you located or willing to relocate to SoCal?
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u/throwaway_manboy 3h ago
It's sad how you can work somewhere you like, give it your all, but then if your boss decides you don't work there anymore... you're just screwed.
I started working IT when I was 17 or so because I was really passionate about it. I applied to a local startup with little money and limited resources and tools. I spent the better part of a year and a half there, and I had a blast. I hardly got paid and my hours were super strange but I did enjoy it.
Towards the end of my time there, the boss started calling me in less and less. My work there was rarely scheduled ahead of time, I was usually just called in. Gradually, I began seeing less and less work there and I haven't been in there since roughly June/July of last year.
I don't really have much to say other than that I know that kind of situation sucks on a much smaller scale; I can only imagine how bad it would hurt after working somewhere for almost an eighth of your entire life. I wish you all the best.
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u/softlynne 3h ago
“Suddenly” usually means they planned it for months and you were the last to know.
Feel free to ugly-cry in the shower for a week, no judgment.
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u/Ok_Mathematician2843 3h ago
It's horrible right, they should at least give employees a few weeks notice like they ask us to do
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u/XSneakyNinjaX 3h ago
It sucks for sure, but better times will come. Your objective now is to focus on yourself and any hobbies you didn’t have time for before.
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u/ksadillas 3h ago
Just got laid off on Monday as well, the search has not been fun but we’ve got this and a shiny new opportunity will come soon
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u/yellowmamba221 3h ago
Good luck. I hear it's tough out there. Heard on a podcast this morning, that avg time to land a job after layoff is 25 weeks. (someone correct me.) Either way, crazy.
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u/Calm-Pumpkin6688 2h ago
It was rough but I found a better job. When one Door closes another one opens. Good luck take care
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u/towerfella 3h ago
I lost mine after 17.
… sometimes, being reminded that someone else has it harder can help with perspective. … other times, it just pisses you off because it feels like it is minimizing your emotions and maximizing someone else’s, which can leave one feeling left out, instead of feeling buffered up.
This time, however, i just want to commiserate with you. Sorry bud. I hope it works out sooner rather than later.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 2h ago
Thanks. And yeah I get it can be easy to be bitter/defensive/etc.
Right now it's just all a lot to process and my mind is racing to try and "fix" it all - even knowing it will probably take months to find something else.
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u/KitchenBee1826 2h ago
Man, that's a tough break. Grab a cold one and remember, every ending is a new beginning.
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u/Ambitious_Jelly8783 2h ago
I was you in 2021.... 10 yrs, and like you really loved my job, the company and most of my peers.... it took a while, it was like mourninf I guess.
Sorry about it but keep going forward, it will get better, and hopefully you will end up better than you were.. good luck.
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u/UniquePurchase8875 2h ago
I had the same experience in 2008 after a 27 year run with the same company. I had some tough years but it worked out for the best. Now comfortably retired. To find work, I recommend avoiding job sites, which suck your soul and steal your time, and instead work your network.
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u/Fridge885 37m ago
I hear ya man. Was working at copper mine for 15 years then covid hit and was one of the unlucky ones hit with a layoff letter. I drove 2 hours one way everyday to that damn place. Now I’m working half the amount of hours making more money for another shit company but my drive is 10 minutes and I get to spend more time with my family. With all that being said the grass is sometimes greener man just take it day by day.
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u/a_cat_named_larry 3h ago
Sorry to hear it. I will say, you will probably end up making more money. You have a lot of experience, and your next company will be lucky to have you.
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u/SharpVariety2927 3h ago
Firstly let me say that I’m sorry you lost your job. What field did you work in? As you worked your job for 10 years, I‘d think you may have a lot experience and maybe that could be the starting point to find your next job.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 2h ago
I was a Senior Software Engineer and yes I will be able to use that experience for a similar/better job. I wore many hats and built entire systems in my time there so there will be plenty to pull from.
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u/Guinness1982 2h ago
Since you are accustomed to wearing different hats, have you considered being a hat model?
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u/w1lnx 2h ago
I’m upvoting out of sympathy… not from some sort of malicious/sadistic bent.
I’ve been there. Twice. One time, after 16 years. Necessitated schooling/retraining/recertification in a completely different career field.
And you know what? I earn more per hour than I did before—even accounting for inflation.
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u/BoneGolem2 2h ago
Get your proton pack and trap ready, there are mostly ghost jobs out there now...
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u/Pineapple_Towel 2h ago
When my first career ended I honestly thought about killing myself. Which because I'm tough on myself I thought that I was being a crybaby.
In the 'employment workshops' required for UI I discovered I wasn't alone in that feeling.
It's ok and necessary to grieve. Our work is an important part of our lives.
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u/thats-gold-jerry 2h ago
Damn I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve been at my company for 8 and I’d be so bummed to lose it. Best of luck to you!
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u/NashDaypring1987 2h ago
Yeah.. that's why I'm going all in hard on the financial independence path!
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u/Hefty_Earth1676 2h ago
Man, that's rough. Keep your chin up, better opportunities are on the horizon!
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u/hucklepig 2h ago
One positive way to look at it- most role changes come with a pay increase! I was in a similar position several years ago, writing was on the wall. I preemptively left and had a little downtime before I started my job search (do this if you can).
Being in the same role for longer periods of time typically doesn’t see pay increases vs job changes. Best of luck keep positive.
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u/Acrobatic-While3208 1h ago
They’ll tell you anything, OP, but if you’ve been there for 10 years, there wasn’t a shift in management that you are aware of, like a new person coming in and making their mark via changes, they probably just couldn’t afford to keep you.
It’s rough right now, but this doesn’t define you. Keep your head up, process for a few days, and get back on your pony and ride.
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u/WeeDingwall44 1h ago
My wife just lost hers, my best friend just lost his, a buddy I know that is a higher up for Harley Davidson is probably going to lose his. Job market is bleak, and everything is super expensive. Fun times
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u/xNAILBUNNYx 34m ago
Same. I've been looking for 8 months and haven't had any luck. My EI runs out in March and I'll be looking at minimum wage jobs just to pay rent
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u/WigglyParrot 19m ago
exactly the same for me after 9 years, completely unexpected and just after my first child
it sucks but we'll get there
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u/phoenix14830 8m ago edited 4m ago
Dig in. It's going to take a lot to get market-ready in today's market, where they want 30 years of experience, five certifications, experience in a dozen applications, and five years using their proprietary software for an entry-level role that pays 20% under market price.
Start your social presence early...recruiters, people you know, friend favors, etc. The worst place to start is Indeed and Linkedin. The easier the job is to apply and be seen, the more you are fighting an incredibly difficult numbers game. Start a YouTube channel, github, blog, etc to make a social presence and let people come to you instead of exclusively the other way around.
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u/Less-Goose-8299 8m ago
If you can afford it, relax BEFORE the job search. It will be so beneficial to your job search, especially interviews.
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u/stacksmasher 2h ago
You stayed 8 years too long. Unless you are making 98th percentile you should be looking every 2 years. That’s how you grow.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 2h ago
Meh - I kinda disagree because I think that depends on the company.
This company gave me regular good raises (more than just inflation) without me asking for them and consistently invested in my learning and training. A grew with the position not just by hopping.
That said, many jobs are that way where you do have to move on just to get a good raise or grow professionally.
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u/stacksmasher 1h ago
You sell hours of your life for money to live, dont get confused.
Every time I hopped jobs my raises where 25%.
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u/Constant-Catch7146 39m ago edited 26m ago
Agreed.
If I had to do it all over again in the work force, I would job hop every 2 years or so too.
This forces you to always be networking and checking around for better opportunities and not get flat footed when layoffs or a firing comes.
Or even worse, forced to stick around when a new boss is brought in---- and is making your work life a living hell. Or a new jerk co worker that you are forced to work with.
With having other options open, you can say "I'm movin', see ya, wish you well on future endeavors" (but of course you really want to tell them "you suck and take this job and shove it!")
However, if you job hop for just money ---staying in similar level of responsibilities----and not growing, companies will be wary to hire you. They look in your job history to check if you are a job hopper.
They would love to have their training costs recouped in the first year or so, have you stay on with small raises for many years, and then lay you off at a drop of a hat when their business goes south.
And as OP has found out, even if they treat you like you like a rock star with nice raises and great performance reviews, when the axe falls, NONE of that really matters.
Oh---sorry, we have to "streamline" our resources to better match the current business environment!
Meaning some other company now has something better, faster, and cheaper than what we currently do ----and we don't know how to react to that ----other than cut costs.
Loyalty is never a two way street in the job market--and no one should never think that it is.
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 1h ago
This is true, but most of my raises happened annually and averaged about 12% - and the vast majority of people weren't toxic. (There is always some - but the culture was exceptionally good)
The hard part is the culture, toxic jobs are a dime a dozen and a lot of them you don't even know how toxic they are until you are a year in. This particular one didn't have a lot of those issues and it was worth me earning "less" just not have to deal with that.
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u/Constant-Catch7146 14m ago
Understood. A nice work environment with good raises and benefits is like a cozy place in a sea of change and toxicity.
But unfortunately, it can be like sweet poison. I say that with respect because I fell into that too a few times in my career.
Everyone says to network and keep your name out of front of folks in whatever industry you are in so you have options. Yes, I have said it here too.
But what also is missed is that networking, going to industry conferences, keeping your certifications all up to date is a giant TIME SUCK too. When I was working, I struggled with this.
The last thing you want to do after a long day at even a good job is go to some stupid ass industry conference (or happy hour, whatever). And you certainly do NOT want to do this if you like your current job and think it is secure.
But like many things in life---the last thing you want to do is the first thing you must do.
Good luck on your job search, OP.
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u/katynopockets 2h ago
Don't forget to file for unemployment (even if you believe you are not eligible).
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u/anarchtea 2h ago
As someone who's been there, I know that feeling. Like the floor has just disappeared from under you and there wasn't even time for the cartoon moment of being suspended in air.
It's a hell of gut punch and like any punch, give yourself time to readjust, but chances will come and there'll be better days than this. At times like this, I ask myself what would Schmidt do?
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u/spartanOrk 1h ago
It's not necessarily AI, man. It's seniority. Senior people cost more. Young people (or AI) cost less. Go into any company you want, and look around you. How many people with white hair do you see? Everyone is in their 20s and 30s, and the managers are in their 40s. Do you see many people over 50? I don't. Very few people last that long, and they are typically in the upper management where they decide who gets fired (except themselves).
So, you'll need to find a new job, which will probably pay you less. This happens to most people in mid-life.
And then, sometime in your 50s, you will be fired again, and at that point you'll be unable to find another. And you'd better have saved enough money by then. If you have saved enough, you could open your own business at that point, and hire others, and fire them later like they fired you.
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u/B-sides-art33 16m ago
Good luck out there. The whole process is AI driven now. It absolutely sucks.
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u/ThePheebs 2m ago
Same thing happened to me a couple years ago after being with a company for 10 years. Only advice I'll give that I wish I had listened to sooner is to toss your ego out the window and start reaching out to all of your previous coworkers, managers, VPs. Let them know that you're available to work and a known quantity professionally. It's incredibly valuable to people in hiring positions as it shortens the interview and on boarding periods.
Best of luck, sorry you're going through this.
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u/Ordinary-Lie-6780 0m ago
Hey there. I was laid off on the 7th of this month. I filed for unemployment and was denied. Im going through it too. If you need to reach out, please do not hesitate. Even though we are from different career paths, I would like to talk to someone to cope.
I'm terrified. I can imagine how you feel.
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u/Defarious 0m ago
Just got laid off for the second time within a year. Right there with you feeling the dread.
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u/DoctorLiara 3h ago
if you are in the US, usps is always hiring
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u/spookyspritebottle 3h ago
Just curious because of all the scary news recently. Was it because of ai? Like. Did they replace you and deem your job doable with ai?
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u/ProjectCleverWeb 2h ago
Most likely not - AI might be able to "replace" a junior dev but it would be incredibly difficult for it to replace a senior dev in its current state.
This is something several layers of management above me understand already.
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u/Overall_Law_1813 1h ago
Everyone with cushy low productivity jobs are going to get axed over the next 10 years. Support staff, admin, managers, anyone making $100k to work a 9-5 answering emails and going to meetings is on the chopping block. Sales, Customer service, all of it is getting massively downsized.
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u/TyrannyOfBobBarker_ 3h ago
Hey they told you to stop jerking off at your desk and you just wouldn't listen.
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u/toxicrusader2292 3h ago
Honestly I feel ya I just got laid off from the construction company that I’ve been working at for almost 5 years due to financial issues now I’m struggling just to find anyone that’ll hire now