Name: Don't Freak Out
Uploaded: 2026-01-04T11:59:49+00:00
Duration: 5 min 37 s
Description: We emphasize the mindset shift that matters most when facing the reality of layoffs and uncertainty in tech

Don't Freak Out

We emphasize the mindset shift that matters most when facing the reality of layoffs and uncertainty in tech.

- The most important first step is not to freak out, even though layoffs can feel shocking and destabilizing, especially for people who assumed big tech jobs were inherently safe.
- Acceptance is key: layoffs are a normal part of professional life, often driven by factors far outside an individual contributor’s control, including executive decisions and market conditions.
- Obsessing over layoffs or drastically changing your behavior can actually backfire, while staying steady and focused on your work is usually the healthier and more effective approach.
- If a layoff is going to happen, the decision is typically already made, so recognizing what you cannot control can be freeing and allows you to focus your energy on what you actually can control.

We emphasize the mindset shift that matters most when facing the reality of layoffs and uncertainty in tech