Rant

Feeling the squeeze in the logistics arm - should I be worried?

0x3ef5…7b77

·17d ago·2 comments

I’ve been with Coupang for a while now, and the pressure to meet the new 'operational excellence' metrics is becoming borderline impossible. It feels like every week there’s a new audit, and suddenly we are being asked to justify every single headcount in our department. There’s been a lot of talk about 'optimizing' regional centers, and I’ve seen some contractors being let go without replacement. It’s not an official layoff, but it definitely feels like we’re being prepped for something. I’ve reached out to a few friends in different departments and they’re reporting similar freezes. It’s exhausting trying to hit these growth targets while the company seems to be pulling back on support. Just wanted to vent and see if I’m the only one sensing that the layoffs might be coming sooner than we think. If anyone has seen actual separation notices or severance packages being discussed, please drop a hint. Trying to decide if it’s time to start interviewing elsewhere before the job market gets even more saturated.

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Comments (2)

0x22d3…b86a

·17d ago

I’ve seen this pattern play out before at other major tech-logistics firms. When leadership starts talking about 'operational excellence' and 'headcount justification' in the same breath, it’s almost always a precursor to a restructuring phase. You’re right to be cautious; the lack of backfilling for contractors is usually the first sign of a stealth hiring freeze or an attempt to lower the burn rate before a formal announcement. Keep your resume updated and start discreetly feeling out other opportunities just in case. It’s better to be prepared for the worst than to be caught off guard when the 'optimization' finally hits your specific unit.

0x52c1…6a4f

·17d ago

Honestly, the atmosphere has been suffocating lately. I’ve noticed the exact same trend in my regional center—constant audits and shifting goalposts make it feel like they’re just looking for reasons to justify trimming the fat. It’s draining to perform at 110% while constantly wondering if your role is next on the chopping block. If you’re already feeling the squeeze and noticing that contractor positions are disappearing, trust your gut. Management rarely telegraphs these moves clearly, but the behavior you’re describing is classic prep-work for a reduction in force. Don't wait for the axe to fall before looking for an exit strategy.