Layoffs are not an indication of failure. Not on those who get laid off, those that remain, or senior leadership.
The universe is a dynamic, changing place. People [should] move in and out of jobs and industries in response to those changes in the world. This is a good thing, and much better than blindly doing the same thing forever, in the face of changes.
I don't know the specifics of Stripe's business at all, but they may have been correct to hire a lot early in the pandemic, and then correct again to lay off many people now.
> Layoffs are not an indication of failure. Not on those who get laid off, those that remain, or senior leadership.
I appreciate the sentiment, but think it is hard to believe when you are in it.
As someone who got laid off, it sure doesn't feel that way. I felt like a failure, and was angry. It took me about a year to get over it.
I've also been part of the "go forward" group (to use the parlance of our times) and that is difficult in a different way. I missed coworkers and worried about the long term stability of the company.
I've never been in a position to have to lay folks off, but have been in positions where reports departed. That's tough too.
On the other hand, I've survived several layoffs in my tenure in the industry, and for at least one of those was pissed off that I wasn't one of the laid off (would have gladly taken a paid vacation when I was burnt out on the job anyway)
Hahah, a while ago I was having dinner with some friends. One was at a company where there were layoffs happening and there was lots of speculation on the right way to get on the severance list.
It's hard to see colleagues who are good folks be laid off. It makes leadership seem out of touch.
I've seen three "mentors" get laid off in my career, and it really reinforced in me this idea that leadership doesn't necessarily care about your technical abilities. Sometimes the best people get cut.
The universe is a dynamic, changing place. People [should] move in and out of jobs and industries in response to those changes in the world. This is a good thing, and much better than blindly doing the same thing forever, in the face of changes.
I don't know the specifics of Stripe's business at all, but they may have been correct to hire a lot early in the pandemic, and then correct again to lay off many people now.