There's a Better Way to Handle Layoffs (A Message to Leaders)

Yet another friend called me, saying they were laid off. Once again.

In fact, I’m currently discussing with another friend who was laid off last month. It’s not the first time. It won’t be the last. It will keep happening.

But I’m writing this as a venting session because it’s still unbelievable how humans—especially company owners—treat other humans.

Why I’m Qualified to Talk About This

Let me be clear about why I know this topic well:

1. I Was Laid Off

It was a complete disaster. They said I wasn’t able to do my job. But once I left, they kept doing exactly what I was doing.

In reality, it was a way to replace a non-American employee with an American one. The company changed their policy and stopped allowing European workers.

2. I Was a Business Owner

At some point, I needed to lay off people—even friends.

The Core Issue: It’s Not That You Let People Go, It’s How

I understand that from the company’s perspective, sometimes it’s necessary to:

• Shuffle teams
• Merge teams
• Let go of people who aren’t a good fit culturally or personally

That’s fine. If you’re a business owner, you have every right. It’s your business. It’s your decision.

What I believe is far from perfect is how it’s done.

It’s Not Rocket Science

You can even say: “Hey, we’re letting you go because I don’t like you.”

It’s brutal, sure. But if you explain it honestly—“Unfortunately, you’re not a good fit with your manager, with me, with the company. You’ll never be able to shine here. I believe it’s better for you to find somewhere else”—that’s actually more respectful.

Or provide them:

• A real reason
• Feedback over time (not just at the end)
• Time to process
• Help finding their next job

There are way better ways to do this.

A Message to Non-AI Leaders

Please do better when letting people go.

• Explain the real reason (the ugly truth)
• Give them time
• Help them find their next opportunity

A Message to Everyone Looking for a Job

I can promise you 100%—I’ve seen this over and over, myself included:

You will find a better place.

You’ll find a place where you’re allowed to shine. You’ll find a company that values your work.

Maybe not the first one. Maybe not the second. Maybe not the third. But at some point, you will find that company.

Treat Yourself Like a Solo Company

There’s a misconception that you need to “find a job at a company.” Maybe.

But maybe the best job is treating yourself as a company.

I’m not saying we should all be entrepreneurs. What I’m saying is: Treat your work as if you’re a solo company.

This means:

• Being open to new opportunities
• Being ready to embrace another challenge
• Proactively looking for better fits
• Accepting that changing jobs is a way to:
  • Improve yourself
  • Shift priorities
  • Find a better environment
  • Get a salary increase

The Company Should Be Good (But Not For Life)

In tech especially, we’re sometimes biased: “I need to find a good company.”

Yes, the company should be good. But not because it’s “the company for life.”

Companies should be good so they can retain good people. That’s the real reason.