Brittney Ball, a 36-year-old former Meta documentation engineer, says being laid off earlier this year as part of a round targeting “low performers” has been a life-changing experience. Once a single mom living in a homeless shelter, Ball taught herself coding and broke into tech without a college degree. Landing a job at Meta in 2020 brought stability and pride not only for her, but for her family as well, according to Business Insider.
From Devastation to Determination
“So, when I was let go in February in a round of layoffs aimed at ‘low-performers,’ it felt like a punch in the gut,” Ball told Business Insider.
“Nine months later, my severance and savings have run dry, I’m struggling to find a tech job, and I feel that the low-performer ‘label’ is part of the reason. I’m no longer the same happy-go-lucky person I used to be, applying for jobs with excitement,” the Business Insider report added.
Despite the setback, Ball has found a sense of purpose. “I took about a month after the layoff to process everything and figure out what it meant for me. That’s when I conceived the idea to create my own tech startup, TechniDox, an AI-powered documentation platform. It really began as a way to distract myself and a space to pour my passion into, but it’s gained some traction, and I’m continuing to build it in hopes that it will grow into something bigger.”
Support Systems and New Horizons
Ball has also leaned on her personal and professional network for support. “My best friend has dropped everything to be with me when I needed me, and my partner supports me by reminding me to get some sunlight and stay active. I have a team of people who want to see me succeed and are helping me to achieve it, and I’m so grateful for them,” she told Business Insider. Her LinkedIn network has been equally encouraging, with contacts offering résumé advice, referrals, and words of support.
The experience has pushed Ball to explore new opportunities and further her education. “I never attended college, so I recently enrolled at Trinity University and am working toward a dual degree in journalism and computer science. During this challenging time, I’ve been finding joy in learning about things that excite me,” she said, according to Business Insider. Ball remains optimistic despite the difficulties, noting that while the job market is tough, she is committed to building a meaningful future.