Why You Should Prepare for a Layoff, Even If You Think You're Safe

You can't control layoffs. But you can control your readiness for them.

Amazon is expected to announce layoffs this week. If you work there, you’re probably refreshing your inbox every few minutes, wondering if your name is on the list. If you don’t work there, you’re probably relieved that you don’t.

This article is for both of you.

When I left Amazon after 18 years, I thought I’d have a graceful exit. After all, I had chosen to leave on my own terms. I planned to clean out my desk on Friday, send the goodbye email I’d been drafting for months, and then walk out.

But the system had other ideas. My badge didn’t work, neither did my computer.

I was locked out. I had to call friends to ferry my belongings down from the office. The goodbye email never got sent. Eighteen years, and the system treated me on my last day like I was a terminated employee.

I had chosen to leave. Most people don’t get that choice. If that’s the way it works when you’re in control, imagine how it feels when you’re not.

When it comes to layoffs, there are two things you can control. The fi…