I'm about to start my first ever job as a Software Engineer. I'm terrified about losing it in a layoff.
I wanted to be a SWE ever since I was a young kid, and now after a undergrad + masters degree I was one of the first people in my batch to get a job. I just moved to a new country for my first job and I love it here already, it just feels sad imagining if I do get laid off and I'd have to go back to where I was doing my Masters (and even that would be limited time visa before I have to go back to my very under-developed home country). I do want to just mentally let go of the anxiety and just focus on performing good at my job but with all the recent layoffs it feels hard, my own company laid off a lot of people last year and because of that their glassdoor rating is kindof bad. I've been spiralling a bit just reading the glassdoor reviews of people blaming the management of uprooting their lives. Other people who changed cities or countries and were left jobless and were trying to navigate in a extremely bureucratic environment.
I have a 6 month probation in which I can be laid off pretty quickly, I just need to learn to not worry about the stuff I can't control.
The tech climate sucks more for old workers than new ones right now.
People are getting laid off en masse mainly because their position is being replaced by cheaper people. If you’re fresh blood you are the replacement not the original.
Congratulations on the job - I hope it works out for you and you enjoy it. Don’t think about what you cannot control.
I agree with this sentiment. As an "old" guy that just went through a layoff in 2023, I know this all too well. Ultimately, job security is mostly an illusion anywhere, so it's far more valuable to enjoy the career, maintain a healthy work life balance, and always have a backup plan. Save some money "just in case" and keep the resume polished. Congratulations on making your childhood dream a reality. 🙂
I've been in that laid off position before, though due to nepotism not age.
Its been a few years and took a few years to get my finances back right. Now I'm working hard to get myself enough savings for a minimum of 6 months.
Well I was working at that 2 years ago and had to replace the engine and turbo in my car, now I'm back at it again(though was glad to have some savings).
Thank you! That makes sense and reassured me more. I'll just focus on working hard on the job and not focus on things out of my control.
In general, just focus on saving up and giving yourself a good financial buffer in case you do ever lose your job. Most people go through a layoff at some point in their career and turn out just fine. You're in it for the long haul; don't worry too much about any one particular job, you'll be fine. :)
I have some perspective; I don't work in tech, but I have been through layoffs before. I was laid off from my first job out of college after a little over two years of employment, back during my first once-in-a-generation recession as a professional (2008-2009 housing crisis), and my ... oh, second or third once-in-a-lifetime recession if you could the dot-com bubble.
The economy waxes and wanes, and job security these days isn't exactly what it was for previous generations. I don't wish to worsen your fears, but in your career you will almost certainly experience a layoff at some point. Hopefully, wherever it is that you're working has strong unemployment security/insurance in place to help keep you afloat - I had sufficient support in my long, long time spent unemployed post-layoff to keep me going for over a year.
I know it's kinda pointless to say, but do try not to dwell on what might happen. Focus on what you can learn, the relationships you develop, and make a positive impression both as a person and by your work. If and when you might find yourself looking for work elsewhere, a good reputation with a good CV will get you far.
I don't think enough emphasis gets placed on soft-skills in SWE. Be good at your job, of course, tackle your weaknesses, learn deep knowledge - all that stuff.
But be someone people want to work with. You don't have to be friends with everyone, it's not even possible, but be pleasant. Ask questions and teach others. Don't send emails with bad spelling/grammar and learn whatever time management works for you.
As bitwaba said, layoffs are a company problem and this won't stop you getting laid off, but the industry is smaller than you think. People talk, so make sure they have something good to say about you.
I agree and want to help emphasize the importance of soft skills so it doesn't get lost in the thread.
A few more tips for being someone good to work with:
Based on your writing and your interactions in this thread, I think you'll do well, so don't worry too much!
Changing jobs is common for software engineers in California, but I don't know if that's true where you are. Taking some steps to prepare might help you worry less. Assume you'll want to look for a new job someday, even if you're not forced to do it.
It's a good time to live cheaply and save money, because you never know. Having some work experience will be a plus when looking for another job. Are there other employers in the area? Getting out and meeting people in the industry might help you someday - are there meetups?
But at the same time, try to enjoy what you have and not dwell too much on one scenario. It's only productive worrying if you do something to prepare. Maybe wait until you're seriously considering a move to read Glassdoor?
Stop worrying about getting laid off. Layoffs are a big decision for a company. They're not personal. It's not about your performance, it's about the company's.
The best thing you can do in your situation is learn as much as possible about working in a company as a software developer. Actual development skills as important to continue to improve on, but also learn about team structures, collaboration, project management, etc. Everything you're going to be exposed to is going to be valuable in your long software development career. So learn about as much of it as you can. Even if you get laid off, you'll find value in that knowledge and experience in your next endeavor.
Thank you, that is sound advice. I will focus on learning as much as I can, I'm starting on Monday :)
If you're in the states and work at a large company search "warn act <your state>" they have to file notice of layoffs of more than X (I think 100) people months in advance.
As a new SWE you should be constantly interviewing and changing companies every 1-2 years anyways, it's the primary way you will get substantive increases in your salary as well as a broader range of experience and exposure to different workflows, tech stacks and mentors.