I wanted to take a moment to share some personal news with you. As many of you may already know, I, along with approximately 9,000 others, have been impacted by the recent reduction in force at Amazon, announced in April 2023. It has been an emotional journey, filled with reflection and introspection, as I navigate the process of finding a new role after my previous one was eliminated.
Having spent a considerable amount of time in the IT industry, I am well aware of the risks that come with “at-will employment.” We all have a choice to either accept these risks or forge our own path to create employment opportunities. Throughout my career, I have chosen to embrace these risks, and while it hasn’t been without its share of challenging moments, it has also led to personal growth and valuable experiences.
While it would have been ideal to continue my journey at AWS, the decision to part ways was not in my hands. After a month of reflection, updating my resume and LinkedIn profile, networking, and spending quality time with my family, I have come to the realization that it is time for me to move on, upward, and forward. The AWS I initially joined has undergone changes, and while the long-term outcome remains to be seen, I don’t perceive it as an improvement. This is the inherent risk of working for someone else – you may not always agree with or fully understand the decisions made, but you must abide by them.
Undoubtedly, the current job market is highly competitive, with numerous skilled professionals in similar circumstances. It can be intimidating, but I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, it takes time to see the purpose behind certain events. I trust that the same will hold true in this situation where my role was deemed redundant or of minimal value to maintain. It is undoubtedly challenging when it happens to you, but as many have pointed out, it is the role that becomes redundant, not the individual. These decisions are made by others who themselves strive to avoid redundancy, making it an unfortunate task they have to undertake.
I write this note with a positive outlook, as even the most challenging times often bring about unexpected opportunities. It’s about having the willingness to see beyond the difficulties and embrace the potential for growth and development.
I want to express my gratitude for the support and encouragement I have received during this time. Your unwavering support means a lot to me, and I am truly grateful for the connections we have built throughout our professional journeys.
As I embark on this new chapter, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. If you have any leads, suggestions, or simply want to connect, please feel free to reach out. I firmly believe that our network is a powerful resource, and together, we can create new avenues of growth and success.
Thank you for your understanding and support. Here’s to embracing change, seeing opportunities in adversity, and continuing to forge ahead!
Best regards,
Jack
Thank you to https://unsplash.com/@rossfindon for the cover image.
