When I was laid off, I kept it pretty cool.

I planned everything, but when it actually happens, it hits you harder: the life you leave behind, and the biggest question: WHAT NOW? 

How often do you get to speak about all the challenges around being laid off? 

This was finally addressed. In the pouring rain, 11 people showed up to my first outdoor meetup for laid-off folks in Berlin.

There’s always a chance no one shows up – pouring rain, life, etc etc… For that case I have a mantra: if no one shows up, no one will know. And I do it anyway.

But 11 people showed up! And I noticed three patterns you never hear at a “normal” networking event.

→ Companies’ layoff playbooks are dreadful. Finally unpacked in a group setting, not only in 1:1s… we talked about all the undignified ways companies lay people off. I am actually creating a mock guide for companies on how to lay people off like a jerk – this topic keeps on giving. Hopefully my “jerk move” vs “decent thing to do” guide will create more visibility around this and will be create a positive change.

→ Being laid off is systemic, but society still treats it as a personal flaw. Like if you don’t have a job, you’re not a “full” human. How far did we all get brainwashed into thinking we’re only worthy if we bring value to the economy – don’t get me started… But anyway. That’s why reviews for my layoff work are anonymous, and why I decided not to take pictures at this first event. People need help but don’t want to show up as “I needed help but if I say so, this might backfire.” 

The closer I get to my mission of detabooing being laid off, the more pictures and people showing up there will be.

→ The traits that put you on the “to fire” list in one company will secure your spot on the “to keep” list in another. Same person, different circumstances. That’s my other work angle in my mentorship. How to become irreplaceable? The answer is more in the soft skills area, and we need to distinguish where you simply were in the wrong place, and what traits can actually be worked on. 

And one thing I didn’t expect or strategise around: the people who showed up asked for a way to stay connected.

So I guess this is the beginning of a community.

Go laid off & fabulous!