💔 I was impacted by the tech layoffs 😭😭

Can’t say I got laid off so you won’t (lol)... anyone could get laid off.

Everyone knows by now that the economy isn't doing well and we can get laid off anytime. I recently got laid off, so you know what to do if (touch wood) you get laid off too.

👉🏻FULL DISCLOSURE👈🏻

I spent 2 full months grieving over the loss of my job upon getting notified by the company. I was given 1 month notice, and spent the time doing handovers. In the 2nd month, I found solace with my loved ones and had dinner with my close friends on my last day as a distraction. I’m lucky to have a great support system and blessed with many colleagues who reached out to provide career advice and opened up their network to me too.

Org restructures are common during economic downturns and it's super important you pick up new skills to keep yourself relevant. Upskilling is crucial for everyone because layoffs can happen to ANYONE!!

Now, back to what you need to do.

During your grieving period, there are some very important admin tasks. You may or may not get notice period... So if you don’t (meaning the notification date is your last day), you need to ACT FAST. Personally I rather have notice period because this gives me time to sort out all my admin stuff and do everything listed below. Not that we’re given a choice though 🥲

FYI these tasks are very time sensitive so it’s likely you won’t complete all of them if you’re asked to leave immediately.

If you read till this far… SAVE THIS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE 🫣🥸 you’ll never know if you (or a friend) will need this!

🌟🌟🌟 FIND OUT 🌟🌟🌟

1️⃣ Insurance coverage

When does the company insurance end? Is there coverage during notice period? Do you have your own personal coverage? Maximise your insurance & all flex benefits if possible.

Dental? Check ✅

Optical? Check ✅

Stock up on antihistamines? Check ✅

2️⃣ Retrenchment benefit

In Singapore, employers are obligated to pay retrenchment benefits for employees over 2 years of service. Typically 2 weeks or 1 month salary compensated for every year of employment. For those lesser than 2 years of service, a benefit called ex-gracia may be given out of the company's goodwill too.

📎 MOM’s retrenchment benefit guideline

https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/retrenchment/responsible-retrenchment

Also don’t forget to maximise or encash all benefits part of your package:

- unused annual leaves (I would personally encash this if possible, no point taking leave anymore!!)

- flex/WFH benefits

Check... Check... Check!! Ask HR about the package calculation, how many months of compensation you're given, which portions are CPF payable, and whether it’s income taxable.

3️⃣ Internal transfers

Find out if you can apply for internal roles for a transfer. Would you be prioritised as an impacted employee? How will the compensation and role levelling work? Any caveats to your severance pay if you manage to get an internal role? Can you relocate for a role? Will a relocation package be given?

4️⃣ Contractual obligations

Read the separation contracts carefully. Are there any caveats to signing the agreement? Can you apply back into the company again? What are your responsibilities? Most companies have non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that you will need to adhere. What can you say, and not say? I would think this is quite common sense - remember you’re still an employee and be professional. Please don't go spilling trade secrets. The world is small, don't do anything you will regret! 🥸

🌟🌟🌟THINGS YOU MUST DO 🌟🌟🌟

📩 Save all your important docs

This includes your payslips, past performance reviews, peer reviews, results from past projects and all your achievements. You’ll need this for your future job hunting.

🍻Network!!!!

I can't stress this enough. It's extremely crucial for you to leverage on all existing network you have now for future opportunities. Ideally, please don’t wait till you’re laid off to network with people 🫣

🧎🏻‍♀️Ask for referrals

If you're keen to continue working (unless you have a sustainable side hustle / business or lucky you if you were born rich!!), reach out to your colleagues and other managers. Let them know you've been impacted and will benefit from a referral in their network.

🪢 Leave on a good note

Don't 👏🏻burn 👏🏻 bridges 👏🏻 !!!!

Remember, the world is small. Doing anything stupid will impact your reputation and future employability! Whatever you feel about getting laid off, keep it to yourself or tell your close friends. Nobody in the company needs to hear that, because they're still working here. The reason why most companies put laid off employees on gardening leave is because they don't want impacted employees to spread negativity and unnecessary anxiety.

Last but not least...

🌟 Mental Health Support 🌟

I highly recommend you speak to your close friends and family for support during this trying time. I adored my job, so it was extremely hard for me to accept that I was impacted.

“why me? why my team?" came to my mind all the time. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions from horrified to sad to anger to disappointment… it is normal. If you are unfortunately impacted too, keep your chin up and remember things happen for a reason.

You’ll eventually understand that it's not you, but a business decision. I’m guilty of attaching my identity to my job. I was dedicated and put in 101% into my job and loved being part of the company. So.. honestly it really crushed me when I got the news. My advice is having an identity outside of work. I know it’s easier said than done (I’m a work-in-progress) 💔

If you need help, please speak up. Talk to someone professional and equipped with the right skills to help you. I was in a dark place for a long time but with the help of my support system I was able to get back up again. Everyone’s journey is different. You are not alone! And you’re gnna be ok ❤️

📎 Resources for mental health support

HealthHub offers self-assessment tools, helplines, and mental health services I highly recommend you check out. Anyone can access mental wellness support - just like seeing a doctor for a flu 😷

Whatever it is that you’re going through, you got this! 🌟

📌Related posts:

👉🏻 How not to be the office OUTCAST 👉🏻👈🏻

👉🏻 I got bullied & fined by a toxic manager 🚩😭

👉🏻 This is why I’m staying unemployed… 🫨🥵

👉🏻 Working at my ex-company altered my brain chemistry 🧠

#Lemon8SG #Adulting101 #CorporateGirlie #AdultingWoes #MyLemon8Diary #MyCareerJourney #MyPOV #careeradvice #Adulting101 #selfdevelopment