Google is reportedly planning layoffs this week, and we dug up what it might sound like: An engineer who just graduated from college last year describes what it was like to be let go from tech's once most stable giant

Google, which had become a symbol of job security for techies, is now planning to lay off employees in a move to cut costs and stay ahead of the competition. The news was first reported by Bloomberg this week, and we dug up a post from a Google engineer who was let go last year to give you an idea of what it might be like for those affected.<br><br>Google's layoffs won't come as a surprise to anyone in tech, after what happened at Meta, Amazon, and Twitter. But it's a bit shocking to hear that the last bastion of job security for techies is going to start letting people go, too.<br><br>Google was long known for job security, but its parent company, Alphabet, is facing challenges, including results that have disappointed investors, uncertainty around AI, and the rise of competitors like OpenAI and ChatGPT. It's not clear how deep the layoffs will go, but the worst-case scenario is that 10% of the company's workforce will be let go, which is around 10,000 people.<br><br>So what might it be like for those affected? We dug up a post from a Google engineer who was let go just last year, in which they describe what it was like being let go from the tech giant.<br><br>Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how long you've been at Google?<br><br>I was a software engineer at Google for about 1.5 years. I landed this job after graduating from college in 2021, and my last day was yesterday. During my time at Google, I worked on the Google Maps Android app, which was honestly an incredible experience that significantly accelerated my learning of software development as well as professional and social development.<br><br>What was going through your mind when you were let go?<br><br>When I was let go, I was in shock. I wasn't expecting it at all, as my performance reviews had always been positive, and I had no indication that anything was wrong. When I received the email informing me that my role had been eliminated, I felt like I had been punched in the gut. I couldn't believe it, and I kept thinking that it was some kind of mistake that would be cleared up soon.<br><br>Can you walk us through what happened after you found out you were being let go?<br><br>After the initial shock wore off, I decided to take some time to process the news and figure out my next steps. I reached out to my manager and HR to ask questions and get more information about the layoff and what it meant for me. I also started updating my resume and LinkedIn profile, and I began applying to other job openings in the industry.<br><br>It's been a challenging few weeks, but I've been trying to stay positive and focus on the opportunities ahead. I'm excited to start this new chapter of my career and see where it takes me.<br><br>What advice would you give to others who are going through something similar?<br><br>If you're going through something similar, I would advise you to stay calm and focus on the things that you can control. It's okay to feel upset or angry, but don't let those emotions consume you. Instead, channel them into positive actions, like updating your resume, networking, or applying to new jobs.<br><br>Also, don't be afraid to ask for help or support. There are many resources available to you, including outplacement services, career counseling, and job search support groups. Take advantage of these resources to help you navigate the transition and find a new job that's a good fit for you.<br><br>In terms of interviewing, be prepared to talk about your past experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Be specific about what you did, how you did it, and what you achieved. Show enthusiasm and passion for the work that you do, and highlight your strengths and the value that you can bring to a new organization.<br><br>Finally, don't give up. It may take some time to find a new job, but with persistence, determination, and hard work, you can achieve your goals and find a fulfilling career.<br><br>Google's layoffs aren't a good sign for the US economy as a whole. What are your thoughts on this, and how do you think it will impact people in the tech industry?<br><br>Google's decision to lay off employees is likely a response to the current economic uncertainty and the need to cut costs. However, it's also a sign that even the largest and most successful companies are not immune to the challenges facing the tech industry.<br><br>The layoffs will likely have a significant impact on the people affected, as well as the broader tech industry. It may lead to increased competition for jobs, as well as a decrease in morale and job security for employees who remain at Google.<br><br>However, it's also possible that the layoffs could lead to new opportunities for growth and innovation, as companies are forced to adapt and evolve in response to changing market conditions. Ultimately, the impact of the layoffs will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific circumstances of the affected employees and the overall state of the tech industry.<br><br>Google's layoffs won't come as a surprise to anyone in tech, after what happened at Meta, Amazon, and Twitter. But it's a bit shocking to hear that the last bastion of job security for techies is going to start letting people go, too.<br><br><br>Google was long known for job security, but its parent company, Alphabet, is facing challenges, including results that have disappointed investors, uncertainty around AI, and the rise of competitors like OpenAI and ChatGPT. It's not clear how deep the layoffs will go, but the worst-case scenario is that 10% of the company's workforce will be let go, which is around 10,000 people.<br><br>So what might it be like for those affected? We dug up a post from a Google engineer who was let go just last year, in which they describe what it was like being let go from the tech giant.<br><br>Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how long you've been at Google?<br><br>I was a software engineer at Google for about 1.5 years. I landed this job after graduating from college in 2021, and my last day was yesterday. During my time at Google, I worked on the Google Maps Android app, which was honestly an incredible experience that significantly accelerated my learning of software development as well as professional and social development.<br><br>What was going through your mind when you were let go?<br><br>When I was let go, I was in shock. I wasn't expecting it at all, as my performance reviews had always been positive, and I had no indication that anything was wrong. When I received the email informing me that my role had been eliminated, I felt like I had been punched in the gut. I couldn't believe it, and I kept thinking that it was some kind of mistake that would be cleared up soon.<br><br>Can you walk us through what happened after you found out you were being let go?<br><br>After the initial shock wore off, I decided to take some time to process the news and figure out my next steps. I reached out to my manager and HR to ask questions and get more information about the layoff and what it meant for me. I also started updating my resume and LinkedIn profile, and I began applying to other job openings in the industry.<br><br>It's been a challenging few weeks, but I've been trying to stay positive and focus on the opportunities ahead. I'm excited to start this new chapter of my career and see where it takes me.