Lessons from the recent Oracle layoffs

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It sucks. You work your ass off for 10–20 years, you might have been a top performer, you bring many ideas to the company, you devote your free time to your project and team, and one day, they just let you go.

Many employees seek an employment contract because of this false sense of security. I got a few opportunities to work for Oracle in the past, but after reading the contract, I had to say no. At least the contract in my country was ridiculous.

Companies don't share the same ethics as you. They don't share the same values as you. They are not your family. Do you think your company owes you anything? You got your paycheck, didn't you? Anything else specified in your contract?

Companies are built for profit, and large companies have to restructure from time to time to get leaner, remain competitive, and ramp up profits. As a shareholder, you would probably like this. As a top-performing employee being kicked out after 10 years of service, probably not so much.

You go to work every day to earn money and to learn something. If your project is cool, awesome. If your boss is cool, awesome. If your team is cool, don't leave – that is the best thing that can happen to you. If you have friends at work, it is a great bonus. But none of this is your family. At the end of the day, you don't owe them anything, and neither do they owe you.

What you should do:

• invest in yourself by constantly learning and doing a good job daily
• prioritize learning things you can use elsewhere – you should not leave your skills, knowledge, and work ethic with your former employer
• keep learning, keep growing; if people know you are great, you will get more opportunities
• be strong in your ethics, know where you want to be
• the only real commitments you have are to yourself and your family
• if you want to dedicate your life to a company, build your own

For more positive and comforting words, check out this post from Michele.

Anyway, keep your head high and don't give up.