A tech startup employee has shared their layoff experience on Reddit, describing it as a moment of both sting and relief. The user in the post said, “I just got laid off at a tech startup. They told me they no longer need my services. Last day will be mid October.”
Despite the setback, the employee admitted to feeling “a strange sense of peace,” noting that they had anticipated the move for some time.
“The Writing Was on the Wall”
The Reddit post revealed how workplace tensions had been mounting for weeks.
“Every morning felt heavy, and even though I tried my best to stay upbeat, I was getting ghosted multiple times, first by leadership, then colleagues who I thought we were a team. The writing was on the wall,” the user wrote.
While acknowledging that the decision “still stings,” the poster said they preferred leaving a toxic environment over dragging themselves through a job that had become miserable. “Anyone else feel more relieved than shocked when it finally happens?” they asked fellow Redditors.
Other Users Share Their Stories
The post drew responses from multiple users who had gone through similar situations. One Redditor wrote, “Yes — I was in the same boat when I got laid off. The corporation was toxic, and there was always a sense that our function was expendable. Management pushed a culture of overwork to justify our jobs, and there was a constant threat of layoffs. In hindsight, it was obvious it was going to happen.
I started interviewing, and it really helped me realize just how awful and toxic that workplace was. There are plenty of better opportunities out there, and honestly, I’m glad I got the push I needed to pursue them. The severance package was also a nice bonus.
They laid off all the experienced people, so it’s bound to be a complete mess going forward. I’m just relieved it’s not my mess anymore, and I’m no longer accountable for the massive fires that will inevitably happen without those key people.”
Another user echoed the sentiment: “Sounds like my situation. I knew they had treated people unfairly in my department, but the pay was good enough that I wasn’t actively searching. Plus, I hated filling out applications and interviewing, so that kept me from moving on. The way they let me go without any knowledge transfer was almost laughable. They really screwed over the next people who will have to take on my work.”
Looking Ahead
The original poster concluded their note with resilience, saying they were ready to move forward.
“Back on the grind from tomorrow. Got a battalion I’m supporting, and I can’t feel sorry for myself now,” they said, later editing the post to add, “Thank you all. I’m ready to pursue my next chapter.”