Open letter to my ex-teammates
I am back in my country, it is my safe space now.
Into my comfort zone, speaking my language— I’d say. Between you and me? Nope. Not even for a second. Completely outside of my comfort zone!
A massive layoff won’t hit you differently, it does hurt. Because real life will fly in front of your eyes and your brain may not understand what it means at first. It doesn’t matter in which situation you were or are at a company, reducing your incomings out of the blue is not cool. Forcing your adaptability or openness for it is not cool.
That will hurt.
For those impacted, you might enjoy your lazy mornings for a few weeks or months though. You might go to the beach on a Monday, and see how privileged you are!
But then: here we are, our bodies floating into some faraway galaxy, we are not saving anyone’s lives or deadlines — we are seasoned developers, product managers, entrepreneurs, designers saving our lives and time.
We can make users save their time as well in case this is your role. That’s all.
So here’s my message to you: lead by example today.
Our work is a two-way ride. You give and take in many ways. For those who stayed, keep living your life as well. If impacted, yes — keep living your life.
Make sure everyone’s voices are heard and embraced and set some time with a person impacted by a layoff recently. How are they doing? Did you check in for instance? You don’t even know, I’d bet!
Self-motivation? This ain’t sold at the corner.
Think of when somebody told you couldn’t do a thing, and then you found a way to prove they’re wrong. Think of your principles. Think of the black, indigenous, and latinx little girls you need to empower in your life. Think of times you had to pivot your career and make a new bet.
Hungry for recognition or not satisfied with the status quo?
Not a surprise. Fight when you need to. Apologize when you need to. Shut th*f*up when you need to. Work after hours — only when you need to.
Raise your hand when you don’t agree. Raise your hand when you have an idea to share.
Once again, our work is a two-way ride. You give and take in many ways. This is a message to myself too as it is about the people.
About the people, our work, and our communities. Because you have to be all in to make a huge impact in the world.
People will remember your character. Not your job title. Not your salary.
People will remember your name and if you gave a s* to them.
By any means, I am still Ray. Don’t be a stranger.
Text by Rhaissa V.
Loves the ocean & the sun and keeps hacking bias every day.
*well, thank you. It was a pleasure to mentor four incredible product managers until early this year. A pleasure to make 20+ LATAM product managers passionate about community building in the past years at Huge Inc!
