Shao Chun Chen worked at Google until he was laid off on Valentine’s Day 2024. He recently opened up about the emotional and mental challenges he faced after being laid off. Valentine’s Day was also his 38th birthday eve. Speaking to Business Insider, Chen spoke of sleepless nights, anxiety, and the intense self-reflection that followed his unexpected job loss.
Speaking about his sting at the tech giant, Chen said that he was a part of Google for eight years before he was laid off. He joined the company in 2016 as an account manager for Singapore advertisers. He was later promoted and took the position of head of small business ad sales for key markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. His role he said was more than just a job, it was integral to his identity.
Speaking about the lay off he said that “it was emotionally tough”. Initially, he was really angry and pained that he was asked to leave. He shares that he even questioned why his loyalty and experience weren’t enough to protect him from the layoffs.
Google gave him a two-month window to find another role within the company, but the overwhelming nature of the situation pushed him to apply for several external positions out of desperation. He even received offers for some positions, but he declined them as he felt that those roles weren’t the right fit for him. He said, “When I declined the offers, I was shaking all over.”
To overcome the trauma, Chen went on a solo snowboarding trip to Japan and he found his peace in the mountains. This break allowed him to process his grief and begin healing. Sharing his journey on YouTube, Chen aimed to support others facing similar struggles. He now runs a coaching and consulting business while teaching at the National University of Singapore.