Member-only story
The Real Reason for Tech Layoffs
Are you familiar with non-disparagement?
If you’ve never had the displeasure of being laid off, you may be surprised to know that it comes with a pile of paperwork.
This is in stark contrast to the visual image I have in my head from movies and TV of security walking someone off premises when they get fired.
Don’t worry, that part still happens! But that pile of paperwork is actually hiding the real reason for tech layoffs. Let me explain.
Hidden in a Stack of Severance Paperwork
Typically, the first notice you’ve been fired is that you lose access to systems while trying to do your job. If you’re on campus, security will usually escort you away. In layoffs, you might just be told not to come in the next day or notified by email. Whatever the case, you’ll get paperwork.
The key difference between being “laid off” and being “fired” is the severance payment in said paperwork. In the U.S., you can be fired at any time, for any reason, without notice or severance pay in most cases.
(The exception, of course, is if you’re a CEO, in which case you typically get a golden parachute payment of $20+ million when fired. If someone can tell me how to get those terms in a regular job, please let…
