Sudden Lay Off

Date: 5/9

Time: Too Early in the a.m

Subject: Diary Entry: Sonatype's Layoffs

On 5/9, I started my day off as I usually do. I took my puppy for our 45 minute walk, we did some behavioral training, and then I made some tea to begin mentally preparing for my work day. I logged on to see that the head of HR put a meeting on my calendar titled "Catch Up" since we had a good relationship I didn't think anything of it. I thought "Oh cool I get to talk to her, we tend to have good conversations". A few minutes pass and I go to the lounge to see someone who has been at the company for 4+ years saying that he has been laid off effective today and had no prior awareness. This "Catch Up" call starts to produce anxiety. Am I next?!? Heart racing, stomach is in shambles. I can't eat, I can't concentrate. A few minutes later my director's account is deactivated and my heart sinks. She got laid off too. At this moment, the reality of the situation starts to settle in. I get into the meeting with the head of HR to learn that I am also being laid off and its effective immediately due to an organizational restructuring. I leave the meeting an emotional mess. Financial security is gone and I later learn I only get ONE paycheck as severance pay. Lol. This situation reminded me that I am nothing more than a number to these companies and that the world is evil. Companies prioritize throwing lavish, over budget yacht parties versus securing roles for their employees. Companies also create restructuring plans, but choose not to communicate these plans to the individuals impacted, even though we tout "Trust through Transparency" as our motto. The dissonance is alarming. As I sit here a few days later in reflection, I feel angry, disgusted, sad, relieved, and peaceful. Angry and disgusted at the way leadership chose to navigate this life-impacting situation for me and everyone involved. Locking my laptop within 30 minutes of my HR call, so I couldn't even say good bye to my colleagues. Also, the facetiousness of titling a termination call as a "Catch up" call?!? Come on. Be forreal. Sad for my situation and all of my AMAZING colleagues that were also impacted, NONE of us deserved to be treated that way. Relieved to have been removed from the toxic work environment and culture where people were treated as numbers, which we can clearly see from how this lay-off process was handled. And at peace knowing that whatever is next in store for me, will be centering my happiness. I created this gofundme to support with rent and bills for the next few months. Due to the severance being one check and unemployment being $350 a week, I'm concerned about not being able to sustain as I'm looking for my next role. Any type of support would be greatly appreciated by me and Mehari!