Editor's Note: In this compelling narrative, we delve into the personal journey of Shawn Wong, a seasoned recruiter based in Singapore, navigating the unexpected layoff at Meta. From the initial shock to the resilience found in community support, this story encapsulates the human side of corporate transitions.

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Navigating the Metapocalypse: My Layoff Story and Beyond

10th November 2022, 06:05 am. An email with the title “Important update about your role at Meta” came into my mailbox. As I woke up a couple of hours later to read the mail, one thing stood out: “As of today, you are no longer expected to perform any work at Meta.” That was when it was real; after weeks of speculation and hearing rumors all around, I was laid off. This is my story of how I coped during and after my first layoff.

A Night of Speculation and Uncertainty

Having spent the night before the layoffs drinking with a couple of colleagues to celebrate our time working together, we discussed the different possibilities of how the layoffs would be carried out. After all, rumours had started a couple of weeks prior on several forums, our team had our last lunch together the day before; we even jokingly took a last team photo. Many of us even packed our desks as if it was our final day.

The Morning After: Facing Reality

As I woke up that morning on the 10th of November 2022, I was half expecting it, somewhat still in denial that this was happening, and a part of me still clung to some hope that I wasn’t going to be affected. After all, working at Meta was a dream come true for me. It was probably one of the most enjoyable times in my career; I had a great team, and I was really enjoying the work I was doing. But the logical mind of mine knew that recruiting will always be a cost center to any company, and recruiting will usually be the first to go in any cost-cutting exercise. As I saw the email that morning, I took it in stride; my time was over, and I needed time to process this “loss” and move on in my search for my next role.

The Whirlwind of Questions: Seeking Clarity

As the day went by, messages, questions, and new groups started filling my WhatsApp chat. Everyone was just asking questions regarding layoffs and next steps, and it felt like a scene at the market. It didn’t help as well when the FAQs provided by Meta were vague, and the only way to reach HR for clarifications was through a generic email.

Initiating Support: Creating a Community Platform

While chatting with another colleague of mine, we figured we needed to help and band everybody together to support and provide as much clarity as possible to all our affected friends and colleagues. As we knew recruiting was the hardest hit, we started off with a WhatsApp group for our fellow recruiting colleagues, bringing everyone affected together on the same platform. The group was probably one of the most important platforms as it brought all of us together. It was where we shared our questions, answers, and job opportunities with one another.

Documenting Clarity: FAQ Compilation for Guidance

As the days passed, I quickly realized that many of us were having the same questions, and while some of us had answers, others didn’t. That prompted me to quickly work on a document to consolidate all the relevant questions and answers to provide clarity for everyone. As we were on a timeline to submit our severance agreement, the document proved useful, as we were able to direct everyone to the document like a self-help kiosk. Having done up the document within a day and seeing how much it helped everyone, I was glad that I was able to contribute to my community in this time of need.

Building a Community: Post-Layoff Support

Building a community after such an experience is important, as it helps build a sense of camaraderie. Though we were no longer part of the company, we didn’t feel like we were all alone in this. Especially for those who relocated alone, it’s scary to be in that situation, not knowing if you will be able to find a next job in a foreign country or when your work pass expires or what will happen to your property lease should you have to leave the country.

Industry Realities: Acknowledging Replaceability

I think given the current circumstances where tech companies seem to be consolidating and trimming the organization, it’s important to note that nobody is indispensable. After all, a company is meant to be for profit, and ultimately it is beyond our control to decide if we are dispensable. It is important to constantly be aware of what is happening in the market, ensure that your resume is constantly updated to ensure employability.

Advocating for Compassion: A Call for Humaneness

Finally, I feel that companies can do better in terms of how layoffs are carried out. Though I do understand that some processes are done for security reasons, companies have to understand that the best advocate one can have is someone who has experienced working with them. Dealing with employees like they are just a name on a cost list just does not justify the amount of hard work and passion this person has dedicated to the company. Companies have to understand that we are all humans after all and we should be treated with dignity and compassion.