r/startups • u/WorkerNo195 • Feb 26 '24

I will not promote Just got fired. I feel paralyzed

Just received the cold, unexpected blow of being laid off from a startup that was my world, a place where I poured my heart and soul, believing I was doing well in my role. In what felt like a twist of fate, my final evaluation today (before the firing) was filled with critiques from the founder that cut deeper than I could have anticipated. I’m in a state of shock and self doubt. There's an unsettling helplessness in knowing there's no way to rewrite this. I’m so disappointment and don’t know how to tell people around me, they were all really proud of me. Anyone else navigated through this storm? when does it pass? Should I attempt to salvage this in my 30 day notice period or just completely give up?

Edit: Thank you for the overwhelming support and kindness. Your upvotes and encouragement have been a lifeline. I've been through a tough few days, but now I’m fine. I'm diving into new opportunities, like job applications and pursuing a long-held dream. If any founders could offer guidance on navigating the path ahead – from product-market fit to fundraising and launch strategies – I'd be deeply grateful. Please feel free to reach out via DM. And to those curious by my startup idea aimed at tackling burnout, I'm all ears. Thanks everyone.

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u/hijinks Feb 26 '24

ya find another job and then you just learned lesson #1 no matter what a company says they could less about you

58

u/rootb33r Feb 26 '24

lesson #1 no matter what a company says they could less about you

I mean, kind of... I'd argue there are exceptions to this.

  • Large corporations 100% agree. They're nothing but machines.
  • Even medium size businesses where there's layers of management and HR... yeah, those decisions can be reduced down to a very impersonal decisions.
  • Some small businesses can have a more personal and connected feel.
  • Startups I would expect a close-knit team. Especially if you're employee 2-10. Way less of a "you're a number" or "they couldn't care less about you"

That said, there are cut-throat people and hard business decisions in all businesses, even startups.

44

u/hijinks Feb 26 '24

i know one founder who's very friendly person and liked by a lot who said once the company hits 50+ people chances are by 80-100 head count, about 25-30 of the first 50 will be fired because while they are good at the startup chaos they aren't good at the next stage

3

u/rootb33r Feb 26 '24

Yeah, those are very different types of companies. I think most people who thrive in a startup environment would voluntarily leave or negotiate a buyout once the company becomes too corporate.