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The Layoff

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Re: The Layoff

#21

Post by robinduckett »

vdqtp3 wrote: post #16
vasco wrote: post #13

"We won't share a list of the affected employees because some of them might not want the information to be public" was the biggest bullshit I've heard recently - no fiction needed. Discovering that people you worked with for years have been laid off only because you randomly notice their slack is deactivated has to be one of 2024s gifts to humanity.

> one of 2024s gifts to humanity You think that started in 2024? You sweet summer child

“Hey is Dave working today? We were supposed to groom the backlog today.”

“Dave is no longer with us”

“Oh no! What do we do? Send a condolences card to his partner? Do we have contact information? I worked with Dave for three years”

“Oh.. no he just has been let go.”

“Okay.. uh. So who will be the scrum master now?”

“You will have to take on some extra responsibilities while we transition to the new team structure”

“:sadparrot:”

Re: The Layoff

#23

Post by The_Colonel »

vdqtp3 wrote: post #16
vasco wrote: post #13

"We won't share a list of the affected employees because some of them might not want the information to be public" was the biggest bullshit I've heard recently - no fiction needed. Discovering that people you worked with for years have been laid off only because you randomly notice their slack is deactivated has to be one of 2024s gifts to humanity.

> one of 2024s gifts to humanity You think that started in 2024? You sweet summer child

There aren't many ways to get more condescending than this. Congrats.

Re: The Layoff

#24

Post by franciscop »

vasco wrote: post #13

"We won't share a list of the affected employees because some of them might not want the information to be public" was the biggest bullshit I've heard recently - no fiction needed. Discovering that people you worked with for years have been laid off only because you randomly notice their slack is deactivated has to be one of 2024s gifts to humanity.

This has been one of my most surprising/weird experiences working for US startups. In the other two countries I've been, at the very least my manager sat with each of us, or in group, or some sort of announcement when someone I was working with would stop (either voluntarily or involuntarily). Seeing names and 1-1 conversations just disappear from Slack without anyone saying anything is very bizarre.

But I had to learn that as a lesson as well, since I might've learned something from them and left e.g. some commands that I use once every few months in the chat, now gone forever. This is also literally the only reason I have Linkedin, so I don't suddenly lose contact with those people (I don't have FB).

Re: The Layoff

#25

Post by LoganDark »

KronisLV wrote: post #12

That was interesting. I'm reminded of the sci-fi story called "Manna" that I read a while ago, which explored a bit of a dystopian future, where advancements in technology eventually made a lot of people unemployed: https://marshallbrain.com/manna Actually, the Wiki page has more info on it, for those that don't have the time to read it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manna_(novel) The story is from 2003, but hearing…

This was an extremely good read, thank you!

Re: The Layoff

#26

Post by forgotusername6 »

robinduckett wrote: post #21
vdqtp3 wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> one of 2024s gifts to humanity You think that started in 2024? You sweet summer child

“Hey is Dave working today? We were supposed to groom the backlog today.” “Dave is no longer with us” “Oh no! What do we do? Send a condolences card to his partner? Do we have contact information? I worked with Dave for three years” “Oh.. no he just has been let go.” “Okay.. uh. So who will be the scrum master now?” “You will have to take on some extra responsibilities while we transition to the new team structure” “…

That's at least better than I've experienced:

Manager at a standup "got some news. Unfortunately Bob has passed out"

Confused looks.

"What do you mean passed out?"

"Oh I mean he's died"

Horror from everyone there.

No further information was ever given.

Re: The Layoff

#27

Post by midasuni »

KronisLV wrote: post #12

That was interesting. I'm reminded of the sci-fi story called "Manna" that I read a while ago, which explored a bit of a dystopian future, where advancements in technology eventually made a lot of people unemployed: https://marshallbrain.com/manna Actually, the Wiki page has more info on it, for those that don't have the time to read it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manna_(novel) The story is from 2003, but hearing…

A choice of two dystopia - one where your brain is controlled by a computer, the other where you are locked in a room.

Re: The Layoff

#28

Post by jlengrand »

vasco wrote: post #13

"We won't share a list of the affected employees because some of them might not want the information to be public" was the biggest bullshit I've heard recently - no fiction needed. Discovering that people you worked with for years have been laid off only because you randomly notice their slack is deactivated has to be one of 2024s gifts to humanity.

I mean, I've seen a lay off once where all the names of the people affected where listed and taped on the door of the department. People came to work checking the list, just like I did 20 years ago to know if I passed my degree.

Not sure it's much better :D

Re: The Layoff

#29

Post by sokoloff »

forgotusername6 wrote: post #26
robinduckett wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

“Hey is Dave working today? We were supposed to groom the backlog today.” “Dave is no longer with us” “Oh no! What do we do? Send a condolences card to his partner? Do we have contact information? I worked with Dave for three years” “Oh.. no he just has been let go.” “Okay.. uh. So who will be the scrum master now?” “You will have to take on some extra responsibilities while we transition to the new team structure” “…

That's at least better than I've experienced: Manager at a standup "got some news. Unfortunately Bob has passed out" Confused looks. "What do you mean passed out?" "Oh I mean he's died" Horror from everyone there. No further information was ever given.

Personally, I think it’s not the company’s place to give out further information in this case, absent a request from Bob’s family.
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