Layoffs have been widespread in the tech sector recently, and other industries are affected. Read the headlines and weep. For now, we may be comforted by low unemployment numbers in the U.S., but even those might change soon, according to at least one economist.

I’ve been on the receiving end of layoffs a few times. Executives are people (yes, that’s true) and people make mistakes. They might staff up for growth that doesn’t materialize. Circumstances can change. The economy is unpredictable.

But isn’t there a better way? Maybe not. Some costs can’t be reduced: the lease is locked in, the raw materials have already been delivered, etc. On the other hand, a cut in payroll can help reduce operating expenses, and the relief will be felt within a month.

Sometimes, a layoff is the only thing that can prevent the business from operating at a loss. I’ve known business owners who used their own money to pay employees during a temporary downturn. That’s a lovely gesture but it’s not sustainable. I get it.

Tale of Two Layoffs

This happened to me twice in the past two years of remote work:

My boss set up a 1:1. So far, so good. Then the VP of HR showed up at the videoconference. That did not bode well. Split screen for them, Splitsville for me.

Those two meetings were pretty similar:

“We’re so sorry.”

“It’s not you.”

“Here’s your severance package.”

The first of those two layoffs came at the start of the COVID pandemic. When the execs ended the call, I found that my access to all internal files or systems, including email, had been cut off abruptly. I had no way to hand off any work in progress or say goodbye to my coworkers after 12 years with the company. I guess the company’s lawyers thought that was the best way to mitigate risk, but it felt harsh. Impersonal.

“Someone will pack up your desk. Please make an appointment to pick up your personal items at the front entrance of our office.”

Seriously?

I freelanced for a while before I found another job. Then I was laid off again. This time, I got two weeks’ notice before my last day of work. I had a chance to finish current projects and tie up loose ends for a neat handoff. I got to say goodbye.

My thoughtful coworkers and managers wrote me recommendations and endorsed me on LinkedIn. They introduced me to their own contacts to help me find work. (Read more about the benefits of networking.) They promised I’d get freelance assignments as soon as they had overflow. Two weeks later, they delivered on that promise.

Be a Good Human

If you’re affected by a layoff — either on the giving or the receiving end — you should make every effort to acknowledge the other side’s difficulty. Nobody wanted this to happen.

You may be the one who’s losing a job, but your employers are also facing a loss. They’re losing you — someone who was part of their day-to-day lives. They probably like you and respect you. They’ll be genuinely sorry to see you go. Be gentle with them and with yourself.

This could be your last chance to make an impression. Be gracious. Be kind. It doesn’t hurt and it might help. Set aside your anger and your hurt feelings, just for now.

You can sulk later. When you’re ready, you’ll dust off your résumé and go out in search of your next adventure.

Layoffs happen. Then it’s time to move on.