So last year I was laid off by my engineering firm after spending 3 years there. No bad blood but it just seems like the work ran out.

While working from home one day, I got a call on a Friday afternoon via zoom when I’m not expecting it and my office manager saying if I can join him for a call in 10 minutes made my heart sink. My office manager rarely spoke to me and when I asked him if everything was ok he simply said “we’ll discuss it at the meeting.” I jumped into the meeting and the HR rep was there so I knew I was getting my marching orders. I was told that I was being let go effective immediately but since it was a Friday I would need to stop by the main office on Monday to turn in my key card and clear out my desk.

I go in on Monday but can’t get into the building so I have to buzz for the receptionist. She gives me a wtf look as she comes to open the door. No one knows I was let go so I start to clear out my desk as other team members start to come in and say hello and good morning like nothing has changed. I then go around to each person (15 in all) and shake their hands and wish them luck. I go to my team leads office, who does know I’m being let go and thank him for the opportunity and hand him my key card and other keys. I grab my box and head out and one co worker walks me out and I can tell he’s emotional at the sudden news. He wishes me luck and says he will contact me about some job opportunities he’s aware of.

It was an awkward day to say the least.

Epilogue: I did find new work just 2 weeks later and it not only pays me much better, but has given me more growth opportunities. I also keep in contact with much of my old co workers.