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Laid off on Zoom
I've just lost my job, but perhaps one of the worst parts (at least right now, in the moment) was that it happened over Zoom. I've been adjusting to remote meetings for the past few months, so this last-minute meeting didn't really strike me as odd. Yet I was completely caught off guard, and I didn't have the time to think through next steps or the questions I should be asking.
I'm upset by how cold the lay off felt particularly over Zoom. I've read that this is now a common occurrence, and I wanted to see if anyone in this community had some insight and how they proceeded with next steps.
Jennifer Warren
Life Coach. HR Specialist. Roadtrip Junkie.
21
08/29/20 at 7:13PM UTC
Second to all of the previous comments. I'm so sorry for the pain and shock you're in right now - I've been there a few times - from both sides of the HR desk. (You know it's bad when you're looking forward to printing out your own exit letter! )
You will find a point where this becomes less painful and hurtful - but that's probably still a bit down the road. In the immediate meantime, some self-care, self-kindness and possibly triage are in order:
1. Be sure to go through that packet and make note of any instructions for continuing your health insurance or other benefits. Check for deadlines, requirements, etc... that may place conditions or restrictions, so you know what you're dealing with.
EMAIL to ask for more information if you need it. And if you discuss by phone, keep at least basic notes of date, time, contact names. It never hurts to have that kind of documentation for backup... just in case.
2. Apply for unemployment. Just do it. If you've been working, you've probably been paying into your state unemployment fund without realizing it, and it is a benefit you are entitled to.
Every state has different requirements and potential waiting periods, so check their website, and read carefully so you complete your application correctly the first time - and call them if you are unsure about how to file your initial claim. Hopefully, there will be reinstatement of additional federal support to help out, but you will only be eligible if you're receiving unemployment.
Note: Make sure to have them take out state and federal withholding - and let them know if you received any severance or other payout. I opted out of the withholding option once - and trust me, you don't want that catching up with you later. It's not illegal to opt out in the moment - but there's just never a good time to have to pay taxes, and those withholdings will eventually be applied.
3. On a personal note: Give yourself permission to grieve and acknowledge your feelings. Losing your job SUCKS - and it hurts, every day of the week. It doesn't matter how long you are in a job... you make connections and friends at work, and you give your best time, energy, heart and effort... so being let go will always feel like a betrayal. Always.
It also can feel like a bunch of other negative stuff that you need to honor and acknowledge so you can move on. If not, it will tear you up.
4. While you're grieving, you also need to find something to keep you looking forward and hopeful - so find sources for positive, fulfilling energy. This is not the woo-woo stuff... and just personally, I don't recommend looking for sites where you just have other people in the same situation, because well-meaning folks in the same boat... are in the same boat. You need encouragement from people who've already made it through - or give you other positive ways to focus your attention.
I really encourage you to look for Facebook groups, blogs, etc... that feed your soul. Do you have hobbies or interests you might not have had time for -or issues that are close to your heart? Look for those groups to connect with and bring you joy, confidence and balance while you plan for your next steps.
4. It will be a contingency of unemployment anyway, but when you're ready - if you are looking for a new job, I really recommend looking for new positions through staffing agencies, if your work falls into any of those categories.
First, it will give you good context for updating your resume by looking at your skills and experience from other perspectives. Second, at some point, you'll get call backs from recruiters, who can also give you good pointers on how to frame your experience and polish up your resume.
I hope this helps - and sorry for the long post! I know it stings right now (I really have been there) - but I promise it will get better.
Be ready for it to take awhile - but hang in there. Never forget that you have experience, skills and purpose that are needed. Someone is looking for you.
Anonymous
08/28/20 at 3:40PM UTC
There is no easy way to break the news to someone that they are losing their job. Regardless if its over Zoom or in-person, it does not make it any easier for the receiving party. One person may feel that it is cold and impersonal while another might be relieved that they don't have to meet face to face with their Manager and HR. It is impossible to gauge how employees are going to react to this painful situation and the employer always looks like the bad guy. In this time of furloughs and layoffs, HR and Managers are focused on breaking this news with dignity and the utmost respect. In our company, a lot of thought is put into the notification process and what would be best for the employee. It is a soul crushing experience for everyone involved.
Anita IskenderianAdministrative Assistant
112
08/28/20 at 3:19PM UTC
Some of these things are cowardly ways to fire someone. It really is callous and impersonal and I'm sorry it happened to anyone. I'm sure it's hard to do in person. I've been on the receiving end of it and it's not easy for anyone. Sometimes people hide behind things now. Remember breaking up by Post-it?
barbg
373
08/28/20 at 3:15PM UTC
Back in the 90s I saw a worker at an IBM facility learn she'd been let go by trying to go through the turnstile from the parking lot to the building grounds, and her card no longer worked. She had to call security for help and they told her it was deactivated.
Meg McCormickI help people write resumes that get noticed.
19
08/28/20 at 2:49PM UTC
Potentially even more awkward was a friend of mine whose boss invited him on Tuesday to meet him in the office on a Friday afternoon in late May, after 2.5 months of telework. It was pretty obvious what was coming, and my friend had 3 days to stew about it. Honestly not sure whether that's better, but to the boss's credit, he did handle the situation with dignity and grace.
Anna C AdamsCertified Training Specialist
499
08/28/20 at 2:44PM UTC
I was put on furlough back in April over video chat. It was really hard. I was absolutely gutted. But in retrospect, I think my feelings would have been exactly the same in person.
Adjusting to what initially feels like impersonal interactions is a challenge, to say the least.
With next steps, as mentioned in another comment, don't hesitate to reach out to your HR folks if you have follow-up questions. And, personally, I wouldn't hold it against your supervisor. In the times we're in, there probably wasn't a better way to do it. As far as being so caught off guard, you could ask HR to clarify the reasons for your layoff.
So sorry this happened to you. It's a punch in the gut, I know. Take some time to re-center yourself!
Vtrip
16
08/28/20 at 1:27PM UTC
I’m sorry this happened. I’ve worked from home for years so the only time I’ve been laid off was over the phone. Make sure you transition the conversation to your personal email account because the thing that shocked me most was that I got locked out of my email within a couple of hours. Good luck. ?
Bobbi Elston Andreatta
16
08/28/20 at 1:27PM UTC
HR expects follow up questions, so don’t hesitate to contact them. I’d like to frame the conversation a little bit differently. Given the current situation, how do you feel this could have been handled better? Would you have preferred to of been asked to come into the office specifically to be laid off? Would you have preferred a telephone call? I was laid off during a phone call. I actually appreciated that I was at home and could process the news privately.
Nikki Jones Making a difference by adding value to people!
62
08/28/20 at 12:29PM UTC
I hate to hear that you were laid off and the way it was done. Honestly, I would contact your HR team and ask all of the questions you didn't get an opportunity to ask.
Motta
132
08/27/20 at 3:58PM UTC
It sucks being laid off. Sucks even more when it is via virtual means.
However, given the present corona situation, this is the new reality... Until covid goes away, this situation is here to stay.
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