The idea that hard work guarantees stability has long shaped how many professionals plan their lives. Long hours, missed vacations, and constant hustle are often seen as necessary trade-offs for security. But a recent account from a former Google employee is now making people pause and rethink that belief, after he shared how losing his job changed the way he looks at work and life.
“I have always prioritised work in my life and honestly still do,” he wrote, making it clear that his perspective hasn’t suddenly turned against ambition. Instead, his post reads more like someone trying to process what just happened.
For years, he believed in a simple formula: more effort would lead to more security. “I thought that if I just worked harder, put more hours in, delay that vacation, it’ll all be worth it,” he shared.
Despite putting in long hours and delaying vacations, Zhang still found himself among those impacted by layoffs. His experience, he pointed out, is not unique anymore.
“Companies can let you go at any time, and it’s become the new normal,” he wrote, pointing to a broader shift in how corporate employment works today.
Zhang also reflected on the personal trade-offs he made over the years. “I delayed many things I wanted to do so I can put in more effort into my job, convinced that working harder means I am less likely to be let go - but I’ve seen that to not be the case for many talented people I’ve worked with.”
That line expanded the conversation beyond his own story. It hinted at a larger pattern where even skilled and dedicated employees are not immune to sudden job cuts.
He described the layoff as something that felt deeply personal. Losing the job, he said, felt like losing everything he had worked towards.
“When I lost what felt like everything I’ve worked for overnight, it really made me want to start building something for myself that no one can take away.”
One user commented, “We are always taught to work hard for someone, but never for or on ourselves. Always prioritise life and health, work will not stop without you but your life will.”
Another suggested a more cautious approach to job security, saying, “Be more aggressive and look for other job opportunities, even while having a job and a side business.”
Others shared their own experiences with layoffs and burnout, pointing out how emotionally difficult it can be, especially for people who genuinely enjoy their work.
Zhang ended his post with a simple but uncomfortable question: “So if you knew you’d lose your job tomorrow, what would you do differently?”
A routine built around work
Jason Zhang, a US-based software engineer, spoke about how his daily life revolved almost entirely around his job. His routine included late nights, frequent weekend work, and consistently putting professional responsibilities ahead of personal plans.“I have always prioritised work in my life and honestly still do,” he wrote, making it clear that his perspective hasn’t suddenly turned against ambition. Instead, his post reads more like someone trying to process what just happened.
For years, he believed in a simple formula: more effort would lead to more security. “I thought that if I just worked harder, put more hours in, delay that vacation, it’ll all be worth it,” he shared.
‘None of it really mattered’
What hit readers the hardest was the realisation that followed. “But despite that, none of it really mattered.”Despite putting in long hours and delaying vacations, Zhang still found himself among those impacted by layoffs. His experience, he pointed out, is not unique anymore.
“Companies can let you go at any time, and it’s become the new normal,” he wrote, pointing to a broader shift in how corporate employment works today.
Zhang also reflected on the personal trade-offs he made over the years. “I delayed many things I wanted to do so I can put in more effort into my job, convinced that working harder means I am less likely to be let go - but I’ve seen that to not be the case for many talented people I’ve worked with.”
That line expanded the conversation beyond his own story. It hinted at a larger pattern where even skilled and dedicated employees are not immune to sudden job cuts.
He described the layoff as something that felt deeply personal. Losing the job, he said, felt like losing everything he had worked towards.
“When I lost what felt like everything I’ve worked for overnight, it really made me want to start building something for myself that no one can take away.”
Internet reactions and shared experiences
The post quickly gained attention online, with many users relating to the situation. Some responses focused on the importance of health and personal time, while others spoke about being more strategic in their careers.One user commented, “We are always taught to work hard for someone, but never for or on ourselves. Always prioritise life and health, work will not stop without you but your life will.”
Another suggested a more cautious approach to job security, saying, “Be more aggressive and look for other job opportunities, even while having a job and a side business.”
Others shared their own experiences with layoffs and burnout, pointing out how emotionally difficult it can be, especially for people who genuinely enjoy their work.
Zhang ended his post with a simple but uncomfortable question: “So if you knew you’d lose your job tomorrow, what would you do differently?”