A former Amazon employee recently shared his emotional journey after being laid off, reflecting on 17 years of nonstop work and dedication. In a post on the platform Blind, he described the toll that long hours and constant responsibility had taken on his personal life.
Rediscovering Family and Life
“I’ve worked nonstop for 17 years. Never took a break, never slowed down. I told myself I was doing it for my family, even when I was too tired to play with my kids or sit down for dinner,” he wrote. The layoff email left him overwhelmed with emotion: “Then came the layoff email. I just broke down and cried. After about an hour, I cleaned myself up and I helped my wife cook breakfast and took the kids to school for the first time. Seeing them smile like that hit me hard. Maybe this is what living is?”
Support and Reflection on the Future
Seeking comfort and perspective, he turned to his spouse for support. “I asked my wife out for coffee at a local cafe and told her. She was surprised but supported me and assured me that we will get through this together as a family. Then I broke into tears again.”
While uncertain about the next steps, he shared his realization about prioritizing fulfillment over routine. “I don’t know what’s next. Everyone’s been saying the job market is rough. But one thing I know is that I don’t want my life to be like my past 17 years. I want to be able to enjoy what I do not for the sake of it.”
He concluded with a message for those facing similar challenges: “For those who got laid off, stay strong. This is not the end. Don’t blame yourself.”