Navigating the Mindf&*k of Layoffs
/
Originally written in Oct 2025 in response to this news (Target announces plans for 2000 corporate layoffs).
This past long weekend was a complete mindf&*k. But thankfully I did not get laid off.
Last Thursday an all-hands email announced that my employer, Target, was laying off 8% of the HQ workforce. Suddenly, every single person in our organization was holding their breath. We were told the details would come out today (Tuesday).
I spent four full days wrestling with the fear of losing my job.
Having been laid off before, the PTSD was real. It brought back the brutal truth that these decisions are rarely about individual performance, team contribution, or how well you’ve met your goals. They are organizational decisions, and completely impersonal.
This collective experience, while deeply unsettling, taught me a few profound lessons I wanted to share:
The Power of Support: The number of colleagues and connections who reached out with supportive comments meant the world to me. Check in on your friends and colleagues.
The Necessity of Preparation: Always keep your resume ready. Do this by keeping a "Brag Doc." to regularly record your accomplishments. Future-you will thank you when it’s time to update your resume or prep for an interview. This information can be difficult to remember when you don’t have access to company resources.
Your Value is Not Negotiable: If you are laid off, or faced with the possibility, keep your head up and remember that you are valuable and your future is bright. This is incredibly hard to internalize, but it’s the truth.
Prioritize Mental Health: Going though this was hard. It helped to have colleagues to talk to and is a reminder that I need to get professional mental health support lined up.
To everyone else going through similar anxiety right now and particularly my colleagues who were effected today: I see you. Stay resilient.
#layoffs #mentalhealth #careertips #target #resilience