

The Layoff Trilogy 1: Layoff Girl
May 22, 2024
Former NPR employee Yowei Shaw discusses her feelings after being laid off, exploring emotional turmoil, identity crisis, societal shame, and rejection. She reflects on the impact of layoffs on individuals and the importance of sharing their stories. The episode delves into the historical context of job loss and the struggles of navigating layoffs, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster experienced by those affected.
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Yowei's Layoff Experience
- Yowei Shaw, laid off from NPR's Invisibilia, experienced intense emotional distress.
- She cried in meetings, hid from family, and questioned her self-worth.
Layoff Stigma Shift
- Layoffs shifted from a company's shame to a touted business innovation.
- This change, influenced by figures like Jack Welsh, prioritized shareholder profits.
Layoff Shame and Hiring
- Americans feel shame after layoffs due to the personalized hiring process.
- Being hired feels like validation, making job loss feel like personal rejection.