A laid-off worker’s raw social media rant about executives’ “sad” LinkedIn posts is going viral on the internet – and it’s hitting a nerve with anyone who’s been through the this tough phase of job cuts.The breaking point? Right after getting the layoff email, this person scrolled LinkedIn and saw company leaders already posting teary-eyed updates, complete with heart emojis and lines like “Had to say goodbye to amazing people.” While the employee wrestled with real-life panic – his visa status, vanishing health insurance, mounting bills – the bosses were racking up likes and sympathy comments online. “The layoff email was bad. LinkedIn was worse,” they vented on Blind, the anonymous app where tech folks spill unfiltered truths about their work and company’s work environment.
Here’s how it unfolded in their own words: “I got the layoff email. Sat there for a bit. Didn’t tell anyone. For some reason, I opened LinkedIn. That was my mistake.” Spotting a VP’s post just minutes later felt like salt in the wound. “Sad tone. ‘Had to say goodbye to amazing people.’Heart emoji. Comments full of other execs saying how hard this must be for them.” The kicker? “Meanwhile, I’m sitting there thinking about my visa and how long my insurance lasts. What f***ed me up wasn’t the layoff… Leadership goes quiet internally, then they show up on LinkedIn to look human, they collect likes and condolences.
“They wrapped it with brutal advice for those who got laid off too: “I can’t believe this is what leadership looks like these days… it’s disgusting. Don’t open LinkedIn if you’ve been laid off, it will just make you more pi**ed.”Netizens react to the postThe post struck a chord with many people online, sparking a flood of stories from others who’ve lived it. One ex-Meta employee shared how he flipped the script “When I was laid off from Meta a few years ago, I drafted my LinkedIn post the night before… Posted it as soon as the 4am email hit. Was one of the first, so it trended. Got tons of ‘if you need referrals…’ messages. Highly recommend being prepared so you can game LinkedIn’s algorithm while you’re still sharp. Get in before the self-pitying survivors.”Another called out the ulterior motives: “Those managers don’t care about you. They want to signal to their network that they’re not getting axed – that they’re the survivors. It’s cunning. They’d sacrifice 10 of you for a good performance rating.
They don’t think you’re ‘amazing’ or care to say goodbye personally.”A third nailed the fake support vibe, and said, “I totally feel you. Hated seeing colleagues post how they were ‘lucky’ to stay and offering to ‘help.’ Help with what? Most can’t refer you, interview for you, or cover your rent.”This outpouring exposes a harsh reality in corporate layoffs.
It’s a reminder that in tough times, social media can amplify pain— or, if you’re savvy, you can turn the tables for your benefit.What about you – have you ever witnessed this post-layoff LinkedIn drama? Share in the comments section below.