GameDevSG’s Post

I know everyone wants feedback from job rejections. Don't hold your breath, it's not going to happen... So, I've made a cheat sheet you can use to gather feedback: 1. "Not enough experience." = We want someone that has worked on the exact issues/projects we are having right now. It's super secret, so we can't really let you know what those are. Sorry! 2. "We loved you, but went with another candidate." = Either A.) other candidate is cheaper, B.) other candidate happened to have "experience" just smidge closer to what they wanted (no time for training, go go go!), or C.) other candidate doesn't actually exist and it's all lies. 3. .... = They are drowning under applications and likely just sorting through referrals at this point, or they are super jerks that don't care. It's a toss up! 4. "Unfortunately, you're overqualified." = They can't afford you. The only way to interpret that one. 5. "We really liked you, but this role is on hold for the time being." = Super duper picky and holding out for the Unicorn Rockstar Ninja. That, or layoffs impending. 6. "The team decided they really need someone in house and not remote." = They were hoping somehow they would win you over to magically uproot your life during the never ending layoff hellstorm. 7. "The team enjoyed meeting you, but wanted to know if you wouldn't mind doing a test?" = One person on the team is totally stubborn and unwilling to take any chances, or the company wants free work from you to get unstuck in the one thing they need. 8. "Not enough experience." Part 2 = They just don't think your work is good enough, but don't want to say that. Or, they are under really tight deadlines and can't afford to train anyone for any amount of time. 9. "Unfortunately, you didn't get the job." = Any number of things, but most likely just because they could only hire one person. It sucks, but this is a good thing. It means you are on the right track! Any other rejection translations out there? #layoffs #careeradvice #inthistogether

Let's be real, seeing headlines about layoffs can be super stressful, especially if you're worried about your own job.  It's totally normal to feel anxious, but don't panic!  There are steps you can take to weather this storm. First things first: take a deep breath.  Being laid off doesn't define you, and it doesn't mean you're not a valuable employee.  Sometimes, it's just a matter of business decisions outside of your control. Now, let's get proactive. Use this time to update your resume and online profiles (LinkedIn, etc.). Highlight your accomplishments and make sure your skills are clearly presented. Network like crazy! Reach out to old colleagues, connect with people in your field on social media, and let everyone know you're on the job hunt. This is also a great opportunity to take stock of your career goals.  Did you ever secretly want to try something new?  Now might be the perfect time to explore those options. Use this time to upskill yourself with online courses or certifications to make yourself even more attractive to potential employers. Most importantly, stay positive! The job market is constantly evolving, and there are great opportunities out there. And I know this might sound impossible because we all have bills to pay and responsibilities to fulfill- but remember if you have the right skills, companies will be lining to snatch you up!  This might be a bump in the road, but it doesn't have to derail your entire career path.  You’ve got this! . . . . #Layoffs #AmericanLayoffs #SaimanShetty

Layoffs... definitely not a nice experience. My one in particular felt brutal, heart breaking, and just a long weekend of questioning in my head... why... why me... why this way... why... why... why... But! Such is the working life. Anywhere you go, whoever you work with, they fill you up with positivity, motivation, happiness, just to then take probably 5 minutes of your day and stomp you to the ground. Remember that as human beings, we have things we need to accomplish for ourselves, for our families, for society. As human beings although we are stuck in moments like those, we are given the strength to get back up and see what else is out there. I took my broken pieces and placed it into a new opportunity. My now boss did the most risk taking decision ever to hire me with no experience in the MKT and Sales field. And in a matter of 2 weeks I've turned around his 7 year company and created a massive publicity turnout. I've learned many things I never thought I would. It was always a dream to do what these experts would do. Slowly but surely I'm doing it. I'm content and one thing I love is that they are straightforward with everything they want. Their honesty about what they can or can't give you is what inspires me and I choose to be the same. For those of you who have been going through a rough time, you'll get there. Trust me. There will be other opportunities for you to grow, for you to feel valued, for you to feel like yourself again. Be patient and have faith. It took me over 30 job applications, to receive many no's, couple yes', few follow ups, and thankfully an offer or two. There is still something out there for you. It takes willpower to go through all of this, but in the end it's all worth it. Be true to yourself, take risks, learn more because this working world will never go away. We will find something that is for us and it will make us happy. Have a great weekend my LinkedIn friends. I'm here for you. If you feel the need to vent, reach out. If you feel the need for resume tips, reach out. I'm here for you. #layoffs #motivation #bepositive

𝐋𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐎𝐟𝐟 ≠ 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 Let’s rewrite the story we tell ourselves about layoffs. Your friend or colleague who just got laid off didn’t lose their worth, skills, or personality—they lost a job. That’s it. Same talent, same spark, same person. Just a bump in the road, not the end of the journey. When someone close to you gets laid off, the worst thing you can do? Disappear. You might feel awkward, unsure of what to say, or even a twinge of survivor’s guilt if you still have your job. That’s normal—but don’t let it stop you from being there for them. A simple message can mean the world. Say, “I’m sorry this happened. How can I help?” Share connections, opportunities, or even words of encouragement. Offer to grab coffee and just listen. When I lost my job, the silence from people I considered friends was deafening. It made me wonder, “Was it me?” Spoiler: it wasn’t. Layoffs are about circumstances, not shortcomings. Let’s rewrite the narrative: People who are laid off aren’t “damaged goods”—they’re talented professionals navigating a tough chapter. If we can’t stand by them in their lows, do we deserve to celebrate their highs? Be a good human. Show up. Your kindness might just be the bridge they need to reach their next opportunity. #Layoffs #SupportNetwork #BeKind #realspiritualHR

Layoffs are tough. But it’s important to give yourself time to process, then refocus and move forward. This is a new direction for you, and for that : ↳ Allow yourself to feel and process emotions. ↳ Assess what you liked and disliked about your previous job. ↳ Connect with professional contacts. ↳ Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile. ↳ Take courses or do certifications. ↳ Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep. ↳ Take guidance from a mentor. ↳ Explore new roles and industries. You got this! Your next opportunity is just around the corner. #layoffs #jobseekers #jobs #careers #jobsearch #jobopportunities #joblife #motivation

Pro tip: If you are "really good at firing people," maybe tell people about it with your inside voice, especially if you're a CEO. And, if you're going to say the quiet part out loud, don't post it on LinkedIn along with a cringe power-boss photo of yourself wearing a Patagonia hat. Posts like this come across as insensitive and unprofessional. Firing someone is a serious and difficult decision; whether you're good at it or not, it's not something you should be proud of or publicly promote. But this isn't the first CEO to make a post like this, and it certainly won't be the last. Somehow, at some point, it became de rigueur amongst up-and-coming company leaders to "do the firing" better than others. This glorification of one's ability to fire is just gross, and we need to stop the normalization of it in its tracks. Emphasizing being proficient at firing rather than improving hiring practices or investing in employee growth suggests that the company has flaws in how it approaches talent management. It says that the company addresses issues with hiring reactively, not proactively. Considering the cost of hiring a new employee, firing that employee, and finding a replacement for that employee today, that's a costly mistake, too. Posts like this are also an example of lousy leadership judgment. Sharing something like this on a professional platform exhibits a lack of foresight about its potential impact on the business—its reputation, employee morale, and ability to attract and retain talent. The board of a company led by a CEO with an attitude like this might have serious concerns about that CEO's ability to make sound decisions and to prioritize the well-being of the company, its employees, and its image. Using metaphors like yellow and red cards ignores the gravity of terminating an employee to a game-like experience. It's demeaning and trivializes employees' livelihoods. It also suggests a work environment that may not value employee development and retention, which can foster fear and insecurity among staff, undermining team morale and productivity. Also, this attitude can deter prospective employees and might make current staff want to seek other opportunities. It suggests a potentially unsupportive and unstable work environment, which doesn't go a long way if you're trying to attract top talent. And finally, posts like this are usually totally inconsistent with a company's purported cultural values. This is especially true if your CEO honors statements like Peter Thiel's "Don't f*** up the culture!" mantra while celebrating their firing practices. There's clearly a disconnect between values and practices, and this inconsistency can lead to the erosion of trust within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Layoffs don't just hurt the folks who get impacted. They also mean more work for everyone who remains. And usually less chance for promotions or raises. Or this new thing I’ve been reading about - "dry promotions."  Aka, you get a promotion in title + more responsibilities, but your paycheck stays the same. 😤 In this new reality we find ourselves in tech, it’s more important than ever to be: 👉 Building your personal brand and reputation 👉 Self-advocating and highlighting your contributions 👉 Discussing your promotion path early and often with your manager Because when there is less to go around, you need to stand out even more. These are the results we create inside of LEAD with Impact. ✅ We talk about your personal path to promotion plan.  ✅ We map out how to have the convo with your boss.  ✅ How to position your accomplishments. While we can’t guarantee it, we get pretty dang close with 88% of clients in the program landing a new role or promotion within a year of completion. Imagine you’re sending me a text like this one a few months from now. 🥳 We have room for a few more new or aspiring female leaders to jump into the group this month! 🗓 DM me LEAD to chat and see if LEAD with Impact is a fit for you! #layoffs #promotions #womenintech

𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬.............. I recently worked with an IT manager from Singapore who had just been laid off. He was feeling completely down, totally disappointed. It’s hard not to feel that way after something like this, right? Layoffs—they’re like landslides. They happen suddenly, with no warning. And no, they’re not a reflection of your capabilities or performance. Sometimes, no matter how well you’ve been doing, external forces just hit, and it feels like the ground beneath you has shifted. In these moments, it’s so important to be mindful of your thoughts and emotions. Ask yourself: 💡 Is this thought nourishing? 💭 Is this feeling something I should let go of? It’s easy to fall into the trap of negative thinking. I’ve seen it happen. But not every thought deserves your time. Some thoughts are like junk food—they might seem inevitable, but they drain you, leaving you even more depleted. Others, though, are like a good, healthy meal—they build you up, keep you going, and give you the energy to move forward. Here’s what I’d suggest if you’re facing a layoff: 💚𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬- Seriously, it’s okay to be upset. Give yourself that space. Then, refocus. After processing, turn your attention to what you can control. 💚𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐩 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥. 💚𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭. Choose thoughts that lift you, and keep you strong. Let go of the ones that hold you back. 💚𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞. Retrenchment isn’t the end—it’s just a plot twist. What happens next is up to you. Your worth doesn’t depend on a job title or a company. It’s about how you rise after falling. And who knows? The next opportunity could be the best one yet. Let’s stay connected, support each other, and keep moving forward. 💪 #happy Monday everyone #LAYOFF Image credits:LINESBYLOES

Hello Monday! You’re back so soon. A fresh start to a new week and another round of layoffs. Layoffs are tough. They feel so personal, like you're just a number, an expendable seat, a red line on someone’s chart. But in reality, you are so much more than that. You’re a parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, pet parent, hiker, runner, boater, artist, traveler, gardener, cook, builder of interesting things. Your value is immense and not tied to your job. You were great at what you did, and you will be great at what you do in the future. Your worth isn’t defined by your job, even if it feels that way sometimes. It might take weeks, months, or even more than a year to get back into the daily grind. I'm just being honest. Prepare for the long ride. Resilience is key to unlocking this journey. Make a game plan now. Education will guide you. Learn what modern job searching is like; you can't rely on pre-2020 tactics and expect the best results. Perseverance will keep you going, even when it seems fruitless. Who can you lean on? Who or what will help keep you on track? Hope will light your way. Believe in yourself, or find a way to get there. Adaptability could be your saving grace. When do you need to make a new plan or pivot? What are your options? Figure that out now and write them down. Know what you are doing, know where you are going, know your value, and stay focused on the target. Schedule downtime to enjoy life too. It sucks, but you’ve got this. #careercoach #careertransitioncoach #resillence #jobsearch #layoffs

With layoffs continuing to impact the tech sector, here are a few lessons I’ve learned from my own experience: #1 Companies often decide who and where to cut based on the bottom line. It’s not always about performance; sometimes, it’s simply about roles that are easier to replace or restructure. #2 Remember, being chosen for retrenchment doesn’t mean you weren’t up to standard. You know your own caliber best. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s just about timing and circumstance. #3 Getting laid off is deeply personal and painful. It can stir feelings of inadequacy, doubt, anger, and even despair. It’s like being broken up with—except this time, it’s the love of your professional life. #4 Take the time you need to process everything. Whether it’s traveling, spending time at home, or simply reflecting—give yourself that space. #5 When you're ready, start looking ahead. It may “only be a job,” but we’re all human. Heal, regroup, and move forward with renewed purpose. As L’Oréal says: You’re worth it. P.S. If you need someone to talk to who’s been through it all, my DMs are open. Sometimes, a listening ear can make all the difference. 🙂 #Layoffs #TechLayoffs #CareerRecovery #CareerTransition #YouAreWorthIt #LayoffSupport #JobSearchJourney #TakeYourTime #MotivationMonday #Resilience #EmotionalWellbeing #CareerAdvice Image credit: #ChatGPT