Layoffs suck — how to use your new advantage
A message to my Spotifam.
"A wise leader always considers both advantages and disadvantages equally. By pausing to consider the disadvantages of an advantageous situation, he can be sure of achieving his aims; by considering the potential advantages of a perilous situation, he can find a way of resolving his difficulties."
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Layoffs suck.
I can't imagine the emotions being felt right now from my former Spotify colleagues this week and also my colleagues who had to leave earlier in 2023.. Right now, emotions are raw. Even as someone not laid off, I feel survivor's guilt, anger, frustration, loss, confusion, instability. One of the greatest managers I have ever experienced in my design career was let go. Leaders were let go. Researchers, designers, experts were all let go. It's hard to get a job at Spotify. These people did it — and thrived. They should be proud. It sucks to see them go.
The hopeful thing about these kinds of painful moments is the emotions will eventually fade. Eventually, it will be time to get back to work. And as I do my best to get back to the closest version of my “normal,” I've been thinking about how I can help, and I want to share a perspective from the other side. A perspective you may not have considered yet, but I hope you will.
You may think being laid off is a disadvantage from others who are still employed. From my point of view, I believe it's the opposite.
Turning a disadvantage into your advantage
Right now, the Ukrainian army is outnumbered, outgunned, and facing tanks worth $2MM. They are at a disadvantage. How do they respond? By fighting back for as little as $400.
Facing an enemy with superior numbers of troops and armor, the Ukrainian defenders are holding on with the help of tiny drones flown by operators like Firsov that, for a few hundred dollars, can deliver an explosive charge capable of destroying a Russian tank worth more than $2 million.
Instead of buying tanks to fight tanks or ask for help from other countries, they are being resourceful and have flipped their disadvantage into an advantage.
Your new advantages
As someone newly laid-off, here are some things that, from here, look like advantages. I hope they make your transition faster and less terrible. Use them when you’re ready. In order of what I believe is important:
1. People want to help you right now.
Use this to your advantage and do not feel bad — feel good. You have a wellspring of social capital to use right now, don't wait. Imagine you left Spotify under different circumstances or you just wanted to reach out to someone for a referral in normal times. It's a pain to reach out and ask: People are busy, balls get dropped, good intentions are left unfulfilled. But now, today, people are there for you. Use this time.
How to use your advantage:
Get a recommendation in writing from a colleague, manager, or peer.
Get connected to people on LinkedIn and use their network to help you land your next adventure.
Get a review of your portfolio or resume.
Get connected with other Spotifiers who were also laid off. They may know of opportunities or have someone in their network who does.
Ask people for referrals to open positions you find.
Reach out to recruiters who have sent you messages in the past. Turn the tables. Ask for open opportunities or roles. Your inbox is your new rolodex.
Ask for discounts or offers on Professional Developments, Coaching, or other services you might want to use.
2. You have more time to do what matters most to you
I still need to show up to an office Monday-Friday 9-to-5 with limited vacation or time with family and friends. If I want to update my portfolio, work on a side-project, network, or explore a hobby, I need to use my nights and weekends. Use your lack of corporate-imposed structure to build a schedule that suits you (as much as you can with your continued obligations to family, job searching, etc.).
How to use your advantage:
Spend extra time with your family, kids, or friends over the holidays.
Take the time to update your portfolio, resume, website, LinkedIn, or Github.
Take a vacation. Explore somewhere new. Visit a museum.
Get healthy. Get outside. Treat yourself. Invest in you.
Help others. Volunteer. Use your time to give back.
Reflect on your core values and what you really want in your next opportunity. (Example)
Read a book, magazine, or online articles you've been putting off.
Book a coffee, fika, drink, or meal with someone you've missed.
3. You get to start something new.
Whether that's a new job, a new project, or just a new outlook on life, it's all ✨new✨. New can be exciting, nerve-wracking, but also fun if you approach it with a beginner's mindset. Trying new things has benefits. Trying something new summons courage, opens the possibility for new enjoyment, prevents boredom, and forces personal growth. And it can make you feel good, too.
How to use your advantage:
Spend a little more time with a hobby, passion-project, or side-hustle. These open more opportunities than you think.
Explore an opportunity outside your direct experience. Worked for B2C companies? Try B2B. Worked in tech? Try working in nonprofits. Been at big companies? Try a startup.
Start a business. The only way to protect yourself from layoffs is by owning the company.
Start a newsletter, podcast, daily habit, or joyful activity.
Teach. Mentor. Coach.
Play a video game. Learn a new skill. Reignite an old passion.
I am sure there are many more ways to use your advantages —and many more advantages. Sometimes, it can help to take a step outside the awfulness of the now. I hope I did that, and I hope this perspective helps.And if you need anything from me I am here for you.
P.S. I've tagged a few of you I’ve spoken with in person, but the list of talented people is too long to mention everyone. Please share with them if you think this helps. Careers are long and evolving. I loved working with you, and I hope we get the chance to work together again soon. ❤️
I’ll leave you with this…