We all know how challenging layoffs can be for all involved, but especially for the folks who were surprisingly told they were being let go. This author’s wife had recently been on the receiving end of that conversation and felt totally blindsided by the whole experience. She thought she had been a valued member of the team. In fact, other coworkers (both senior and at her level) would frequently come to her seeking advice on how to get something done properly.
There are two possible explanations for what went into the decision to let her go. First, the author’s wife was not as valuable as she was meant to believe (clearly, that would end up being false based on how much they needed her down the road, but we’ll get there). Second, upper management vastly underestimated what they were giving up. Given what ended up transpiring following her departure, it’s hard not to believe that the latter scenario better reflects this situation.
Luckily, as the author mentioned, his wife had sensed that something was up and began putting out feelers elsewhere. Still, it hurt when her former coworker, who was too loyal to the company for her own good, reached out and asked for help.
Author: Kayitsi.com
