Don’t ghost people after layoffs
Getting laid off can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions—fear, uncertainty, and worry for both yourself and your family. When you lose your job, the support of those around you makes all the difference. So, if we all know how much support matters, why do we so often ghost or get ghosted by our former colleagues?
The truth is, your last day is often filled with empathy and promises of keeping in touch, but what follows is usually silence. It's as if a switch gets flipped, and the support that seemed so certain disappears overnight.
When layoffs happen, there’s often this unspoken rule that we have to choose sides—stay loyal to your employer or extend your support to laid-off colleagues. But what if it’s possible to do both? And if your employer demands loyalty to the point where you can't reach out to a friend in need, it's worth questioning their values.
This got me thinking about how we can truly support one another during tough times, especially when our work is such a significant part of our lives. Here are a few simple, human ways to show support when someone you know is going through a layoff:
1. Just Say Something
A single message can mean everything. When a former colleague reached out to me with a simple text—"Hey, I heard about the company's decision. I'm really sorry. Here if you want to talk or vent"—it lifted my spirits more than they probably realized. That small act of reaching out showed that I mattered beyond my job title.
2. Share Opportunities
Another colleague has been consistently sending me job leads he thinks I might be interested in. He doesn't have to do this, but it shows he genuinely cares about my future. Sharing opportunities is a powerful way to remind someone that they still have a community cheering them on.
3. Check in Regularly
An occasional check-in makes a world of difference. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about letting the person know they haven’t been forgotten. A simple "How are you doing this week?" can go a long way toward making someone feel seen and supported.
4. Offer Specific Help
Instead of the vague "Let me know if I can help," try offering something tangible. Whether it's reviewing a resume, practicing interview questions, or making an introduction to a contact, these specific gestures mean so much more.
5. Be a Listener
Sometimes, all we need is someone to listen. One of my colleagues has been that person for me, listening to my job search frustrations and life challenges without trying to fix them. Just being there, holding space for someone’s feelings, can be incredibly powerful.
To everyone facing a layoff right now: it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Lean into your support network, whether it’s friends, family, or professional contacts. This moment does not define your career or your worth—you are so much more than your job title.
Let’s make a promise to be kinder to each other in our professional circles. Small acts of compassion can make a world of difference when someone is going through a tough time.