Amazon confirms layoffs, employees say ‘horrendous way to treat people’
Amazon cut 14,000 corporate jobs in late October. Many former employees still feel the shock. Some face a tight job market, rising expenses, and sudden career uncertainty. Six workers shared how they learned the news, how they reacted, and what they expect next.
Amazon first said the cuts would help the company stay lean in the age of AI. Later, CEO Andy Jassy said the move was about culture. Many workers said the sudden shift left them confused.
How workers learned they were laid off
Iren Azra Zou, a 27-year-old software engineer from New Jersey, woke at 6 a.m. to an automated text. Her work account was locked. She knew she was out.
John Paul Martinez, a 35-year-old technical support engineer in Orlando, received a 5 a.m. email from HR.
James Hwang, a 27-year-old IT support engineer in Michigan, got a similar text before clocking in.
Joanelle Cobos, a 37-year-old design manager in Las Vegas, saw two texts that looked like spam. She checked her work laptop and found her account disabled.
How surprised were they?
Zou sensed trouble after hearing rumors the day before. She had met her goals early and still felt at risk. She said people can become numbers during budget cuts.
Martinez felt blindsided, especially near the holidays.
Hwang said he had been a high performer and thought IT roles were safe.
Cobos was not shocked. She had faced layoffs before and had heard talk of cuts almost every year.
Who did they tell first?
Zou told her husband, then checked on coworkers.
Martinez contacted a colleague to confirm the news.
Hwang told his wife and parents.
Cobos shared the news in a family chat.
What did they do that evening?
Zou followed her routine. She exercised, read, and built Legos to stay calm.
Martinez cried and worried about bills, including his father’s medical costs.
Hwang reviewed his résumé.
Cobos relaxed at home and looked forward to a break from corporate pressure.
What are their next steps?
Zou is job hunting but wants a smaller company with fewer layers and more room to contribute.
Martinez is searching for work and worries about strong competition.
Hwang aims for a role in cloud support or IT system engineering.
Cobos plans to start a small business while she looks for a job with good health benefits. She wants less stress and more balance, even if the pay is lower.
How do they feel now?
Zou said she now sees the layoff as a turning point. She wants more ownership, steady growth, and a healthier workplace.
Martinez said his feelings remain the same. He said Amazon failed to explain severance, benefits, and stock details.
Hwang said the job market has been tough. He has applied to 100 jobs without an interview. He still plans to keep trying.
Many former Amazon employees now face the same question. How do you rebuild after a sudden layoff? Their answers show fear, hope, and the resolve to keep moving.
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