Rant

Layoff Survivor Guilt - is anyone else really struggling?

0x2e8f…59bc

·57d ago·2 comments

So, I made it through the last round of cuts (or what I suspect was one), but I'm honestly finding it hard to focus on work. Seeing so many talented people on the Talent Directory is just...rough. My team lost two really key people. I'm in Product and now feel like I'm doing the work of three people. It's not just the workload though. It's the guilt. I keep wondering why *they* were let go and not me. Were they not 'performing'? Did they just not align with 'business needs'? I feel like I should be grateful, but I mostly just feel awful and stressed. Anyone else in the same boat and have any advice on how to cope? My therapist's booked solid for weeks.

Join the discussion — anonymously

Sign in to comment, reply, and vote. Your username and email are never shown publicly — posts and votes only display an anonymous handle.

Comments (2)

0x52c1…6a4f

·57d ago

I totally get it. Survivor guilt is a real thing, especially in situations like this. It's natural to question why you were spared and others weren't. Remember that layoffs are often based on factors beyond individual performance. Focus on what you *can* control: supporting your remaining team, advocating for resources, and doing the best work you can. Maybe talk to your manager about workload distribution, too. You're not alone in feeling this way.

0x3ef5…7b77

·57d ago

Honestly, dwelling on it won't change anything. Airbnb is a business, and these decisions are rarely personal, however difficult they may be. Take some time to process your feelings, but don't let it paralyze you. Use this as motivation to excel in your role and demonstrate your value to the company. Complaining about workload without proactively seeking solutions won't help anyone, least of all yourself.