In a recent wave of layoffs that swept through Google’s global recruitment team, one ex-employee decided to share her perspective on LinkedIn. Her post reflects on the profound realization that losing her job at the tech giant taught her that her identity extends far beyond her affiliation with the company.
With Google’s parent company, Alphabet, wielding the layoff axe once again, it’s a stark reminder that the tech industry’s restructuring is far from over. Throughout the year, tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and others have been in the headlines for large-scale layoffs, affecting thousands of employees globally.
The ex-Google employee, who penned her thoughts on LinkedIn, began by recounting her journey within the company—a six-year tenure that saw her occupying five different positions, working across four teams in two different states. She emphasized that during those six years, life unfolded with its myriad experiences—personal growth, learning, and love.
Tragically, she revealed that her husband had passed away during this time, reshaping her perspective on life. She embraced new hobbies, supported friends through their challenges, embarked on solo travels to five continents, rediscovered her faith, and found a passion for leadership.
Reflecting on her reaction upon receiving the layoff email, she candidly shared, “As I saw the email last week that I was impacted by Google layoffs, I am reminded that growth still happens outside of the professional world. Growth right now won’t look like logging into my email, having 1:1s, or creating strategic plans. But, it will force me to grow in other ways – to fully embrace the idea that my identity is not in my job, and my worth isn’t determined by what company I work at. It’s humbling, it’s sad to leave people I spent 6 years with, but I also know that this time of forced self-refinement will be good in the long run.”
Ending her post on an optimistic note, she expressed her intent to channel her newfound time into personal growth and embracing life’s unexpected turns.
The layoffs at Google’s recruitment team follow earlier announcements this year. In January, Google disclosed plans to let go of 12,000 employees. Subsequently, layoffs affected the Waze mapping app department as integration into Google Maps products commenced. Chris Philips, head of Google’s Geo unit, communicated the decision to employees via email.
This former Google employee’s story serves as a poignant reminder that while professional identities may evolve, personal growth and resilience remain constants in life’s journey.
