Let Go After 12 Years
How Andre Moskowitz’s Job Search Sparked a Deeper Shift
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Where were you working before the layoff, and what was your role there?
IBM Consulting, Associate Director of Career Strategy & Design
How did you find out you were being laid off? How did that moment feel?
I found out in a WebEx meeting that my manager set up. I was surprised and sad, and worried about what would come next for me and my ability to provide for my family.
What was the vibe like inside the company leading up to it—did you see it coming?
The vibe was not great with our team and the initiative we were working on. Lack of prioritization, lack of attention from key stakeholders, scope creep, and missed deadlines. Technically this environment was unrelated to the layoff - but I have to think that it factored in. I was still surprised, though.
What were the first few days or weeks like after the layoff?
Well, I had 30 days to find another position at the company, so I applied to 20 different internal openings, which in hindsight was not the best use of time, as there was really nothing available, but I would have always wondered if I didn't try. On a personal level, I took in some "me" time right away to give myself some grace. The night I found out, I enjoyed some whiskey and a cigar on my back porch and stayed up late trying to beat the baseball video game that my 6-year-old son and I hadn’t beat yet (I beat it).
What was your biggest fear at the time—and did it come true?
My biggest fear was that after 12 years at one company, I would have trouble regaining my traction in the search, and it was true. I am so happy where I am now at Snap Inc., and I consider my separation from IBM a true blessing in disguise, but it did take 9+ months, and it was a roller coaster of a search.
What kind of support did you receive (or wish you had received)?
In terms of severance, 3 months, which I thought was sub-standard given my years and level of service. In terms of emotional support, my family and friends were incredible. Everyone wanted to help. The best decision I made was signing up for Never Search Alone and joining a job council with three other job-searching strangers. We met weekly and coached each other to employment. For more info on this, check out my LinkedIn post.
How did being part of a mass layoff affect your job search, confidence, or identity?
Heavy. There's a natural feeling of shame. Even though you're told not to take it personally, it's hard not to. It's hard not to feel judged by others, but over time I did gain an understanding that this is just a part of capitalism, companies make decisions and it's just so important to make sure you have the right support network in place to help you back onto your feet.
Did the layoff change your view of the tech industry? If so, how?
Not really. Companies will always seek profit. Automation/AI gives an even greater license to seek this. I think we need entities, organizations, or governments to understand the massive change that AI, in particular, is bringing and rethink how to support humans as they're impacted by job changes.
What did you learn about yourself during this time?
I learned that I should have been more proactive all along in finding the right environment for my best work - instead of just accepting that there's only one employer for me.
Where are you now in your career journey, and how do you feel about it?
I'm at Snap Inc as Manager, Talent Programs, and I feel great and incredibly supported, with kindness in the company's DNA and autonomy to carry out my job functions.
What’s one thing you’d tell someone just laid off from Big Tech today?
Be loud and specific with what you're looking for. Your network will be happy to help you, but they can only help you if they know exactly what you want (e.g., it's easier for them to extrapolate from a specific wish than get more specific from a general, vague wish).
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