Laid Off After Musk’s Takeover? My Advice for Federal Workers Cut by DOGE

• After Elon Musk assumed control of Twitter in late 2022, Amir Shevat was let go from his position at the firm.
• He mentions that Musk's extensive layoffs came as a surprise and had a disheartening effect on the staff.
• Shevat states that employees should not take job security for granted when interacting with Musk.

In 2019, I co-founded a company that was obtained by Twitter in 2021 As part of this agreement, I took on the role of head of product for the Twitter developer platform.

When Elon Musk acquired control of Twitter. In late 2022, I was one of many employees unexpectedly let go. As a senior leader overseeing over 200 individuals who depended on me, more than nine out of ten people in my position experienced the same fate. laid off overnight.

It turned out to be a chaotic and disorienting event that reverberated throughout the technology sector. Currently, with Musk’s expanding reach into the federal arena, DOGE-related budget cuts , government workers encounter comparable uncertainties.

Given my past experience with this, I'd like to share the insights I gained and offer guidance on how those impacted can manage their layoffs effectively.

No prediction can be made when Musk is in command.

The most significant lesson I took away from the Twitter layoffs was that nothing remains entirely foreseeable under Musk’s leadership.

From unexpected changes in policies to sudden large-scale layoffs, the unclear communication afterward has led to Musk took over rendered preparation unfeasible. Personally, I found it challenging to handle the unpredictability and complete lack of communication, particularly since I was accountable for a sizable team concerned about their jobs. I shared all the information I had with my team and attempted to calm their worries.

Based on my experiences, it's crucial to remain well-informed, take initiative, and not depend on presumptions regarding employment security.

Begin networking and evaluate your abilities

One of the smartest moves I made following my layoff was promptly reaching out to my contacts within my professional network. Tech workers are used to downsizing, with a strong emphasis on resilience and mutual aid within their community. The next day following the layoffs, I set up an online document listing firms that were hiring and linked many of the affected former Twitter employees to these companies, assisting them in securing job interviews and employment opportunities.

Federal employees might not benefit from the same inherent network effect, yet this is an opportune moment to begin establishing connections. Developing professional support system , whether via LinkedIn, industry groups, or alumni associations, can simplify the process of finding a new job.

Following my time at Twitter, I needed to reassess my direction moving forward. Should I remain within the tech giants, join a start-up, or perhaps launch my own endeavor? Although layoffs can be distressing, they offer a chance to recalibrate and investigate new possibilities. new paths For me, that journey resulted in becoming a startup investor.

Government employees might want to assess if their abilities align with opportunities in the private industry, contract positions, or updated governmental jobs. Additionally, acquiring new competencies via classes or credentials could prove to be a wise step.

Leaving your job can be disorganized, so get ready ahead of time.

A lot of us at Twitter, including me, thought that even under adverse circumstances, we would get some form of organized transition assistance. This belief turned out to be naïve.

Severance was inconsistent , and access to internal systems — such as critical financial and tax records — was severed almost instantly. For instance, prior to being let go, I managed to save copies of all my performance evaluations, information that certain employers may ask for when hiring new staff members. Following my layoff, I suddenly found myself unable to log into the performance management system with no advance notice. This affected many of us at Twitter. filed for arbitration Following the severe firing procedure.

Here’s my recommendation: Begin getting ready today. Establish an emergency savings account, keep detailed records of your entire employment journey, and make sure you have personal copies of essential documents, provided you get approval from your employer. Don’t take for granted that the exit procedure will be smooth and organized.

Look after your mental health.

The emotional impact of losing one’s job is significant. At Twitter, we transitioned from being part of an energetic, purposeful organization to suddenly feeling cast aside. This sudden change was demoralizing , and many grappled with a feeling of lost identity.

This entailed numerous sleepless nights for me, contemplating over my team and what more I could have done to assist them. I attempted to aid my colleagues in finding new employment opportunities since I continued to feel accountable for their well-being. It was only after approximately half a year that I gradually began to regain some sense of tranquility.

Federal workers impacted by DOGE reductions might face circumstances akin to this, particularly if they have devoted many years to serving the public sector. It’s crucial to distinguish one's self-worth from their job role. Reaching out for assistance from colleagues, professional mentors, or therapists could aid them in navigating through this change.

Avoid burning bridges, yet begin contemplating your choices.

Musk’s strategy at Twitter highlighted that loyalty isn’t always returned in the business world. It seemed as though his decisions disregarded employees' dedication, effort, contributions, and individual circumstances. Whole sections of Twitter, including my own venture, faced significant cuts.

If potential layoffs appear imminent, begin investigating options promptly instead of responding hastily afterward. However, it’s crucial not to sever ties—keeping professional connections intact might pave the way for upcoming chances.

After Musk acquired Twitter towards the end of October 2022, we might have ceased our work, yet we continued developing up until a few weeks later when we got let go, as we had a deep affection for the Twitter developer ecosystem.

Cultivating this trust within my developer network over the years guided me towards my subsequent move: backing developers and entrepreneurs globally.

Focus on the future

Getting let go from Twitter was quite shocking, but it pushed me to reassess my professional path and eventually guided me toward fresh opportunities. fulfilling opportunities Although the DOGE reductions pose difficulties for federal employees, there is a way ahead.

Individuals from Twitter who were let go have secured positions in top-tier organizations, and you can as well. Regardless of whether it’s within the public administration or corporate world, competent individuals are consistently sought after. Through maintaining an active approach, flexibility, and strong networking, I believe those impacted can successfully manage this change and come out even more resilient on the opposite end. Having gone through such transitions myself, I am confident that you possess the capability to achieve similar success.

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