Yesterday we started the day with a meeting with the CEO, by three pm 100 people lost their jobs. I waited with anxiety with my team. Each ping on our computers making us wince for the dreaded meeting. Talking down my junior co worker who was convinced it would be them since they were the last hired. There was sobbing in the restrooms. Quiet stares when whole teams would leave, not returning. Making jokes in the elevator about if the windows open how long would it take to hit the pavement.
I really haven’t grasped how traumatic it is. I was a lucky one. I’ve been laid off before during the pandemic, but being in the office and waiting….
The only bright side is my direct boss putting a pause on all projects. She said “Do what you feel you can” which I can respect. We are just fumbling through the rubble in this corporate disaster.