Sofya Muhrer-Muromets’ Post

Like many others, I'm saddened to hear about the layoffs that have affected so many friends and former coworkers. As someone who has been laid off before and has seen several rounds of layoffs at places I've worked, I'll share my biggest takeaway: you never know what will come next. I was laid off at my first games job, just three months after I started. It was, of course, hard and scary at the time, but it ultimately led to my job at Blizzard and my whole career trajectory. I can think of several friends who have similar stories where the bad thing ultimately led to a good thing. That's not to diminish the very real challenges and struggles during the moment, but you never know where these trials will lead in the long run. A sudden termination or layoff is a death -- a death of the job, the day-to-day relationships, and the path you were on. Death sucks, and it's hard. It's okay to grieve that death, but death isn't the end. It's a transition to a new beginning. To aid in that transition, I'm happy to share resumes with the various companies I'm connected to, and if I worked directly with you, I'll write recommendations. Reach out to me directly here or at matt@lightforge.gg. Lastly, remember that the layoff isn't about anything you personally did wrong. It's a cold numbers game in the end. I've never looked negatively at a job candidate who was laid off -- in fact there is often excitement at the opportunity to hire folks who may have otherwise been unattainable. Take the time you need to grieve, but remember that you're a great person with unique skills and experiences who another company will be very fortunate to have work for them.

To everyone affected by recent layoffs, please know you are not alone. This is a tough time, but also an opportunity for new beginnings. 🌟 One of the companies I worked for in the past went through layoffs, and in another instance, I was shocked when someone I knew who had been with their company for 14 years was let go. Being laid off is incredibly challenging, but remember that your skills, experience, and resilience are valuable. Use this time to recharge, reflect, and focus on what you truly want next. Great opportunities often come when you least expect them. Stay strong, stay positive, and keep moving forward. Your next chapter is just around the corner. 💪 #Support #Community #NewBeginnings

Layoffs keep you sharp. The uncertainty of layoffs happening at any time mean you've got to be prepared, look out for new opportunities, and keep your skills and LinkedIn up to date. It's the people who pretend layoffs won't happen that are at risk. They hope it never happens. And when a layoff does happen they go through a meltdown because they're not prepared, and see it as a failure instead of an opportunity for growth. No job is safe. Prepare. <<<>>> ✍️ Has a layoff benefited you?  ♻️ Reshare if you found this helpful.

Happy Monday Opportunity Seekers! 🤝 Emerging Stronger Amidst Layoffs: A Test of Loyalty 🤝 We've all heard it - loyalty is a two-way street. Many of us have dedicated years of hard work, loyalty, and commitment to our roles, only to face unexpected layoffs. It's a challenging experience, one that can evoke a range of emotions, from disbelief to frustration. 💼 The Reality: The truth is, layoffs often come due to factors beyond our control - changes in the industry, financial constraints, or restructuring. It's a decision made in the best interest of the organization, but it can be personally devastating. 😔 Emotions Run Deep: The emotional impact can be profound. Feelings of betrayal, disappointment, and uncertainty can surface. You might question whether your loyalty was truly valued. 🌟 The Silver Lining: However, in the midst of this adversity, it's crucial to remember that your loyalty still matters. It speaks to your character and dedication. While one chapter closes, countless opportunities await. 🚀 Moving Forward: Don't carry the weight of residual pain. Keep your spirit high, for your loyalty will shine in new ways. Your next opportunity will be guided by the integrity and dedication you've shown. 🙏 Don't Lose Hope: Remember, life has a way of redirecting us to paths we never imagined. Keep your faith, stay resilient, and never lose hope. Your unwavering loyalty will find its perfect match. 💪 Stay Strong: our loyalty remains a testament to our values. But let's not forget to be loyal to ourselves, our skills, and our abilities to attract the next big opportunity. "Taking a trip down memory lane to the beginning of my Project Management journey circa 2012! 📷 #PMJourney #PMO . 🤝 #LoyaltyMatters #CareerChallenges #StayStrong 🌟

📢 Facing Change: Navigating IT Layoffs 🔄 In the ever-evolving world of IT, we sometimes encounter challenging moments. Today, I want to address a topic that many in our community are currently navigating: IT layoffs. 🌐 Acknowledging the impact of these shifts is crucial, and it's okay to feel uncertain during such times. Remember, you are not alone, and your skills are valuable. 🛠️ As we adapt to change, let's focus on resilience. Use this moment to reassess your strengths, update your skills, and explore new opportunities. 💪 Your next adventure might be just around the corner. 💡 Consider sharing your experiences and insights. Let's create a space for open dialogue and support. Together, we can turn this challenging chapter into an opportunity for growth and transformation. 🚀 Embrace change, stay positive, and trust in your abilities. The IT community is strong, and we're here to lift each other up. #ITLayoffs #Adaptability #CareerResilience #TechCommunity #OpportunityInChange

How do you bounce back after a layoff? Layoffs can be traumatic, and bouncing back can be harder for some rather than others. Amanda Bagley shared some great advice on how to bounce back and take everything as a lesson, rather than a loss. Amanda is awesome! Follow her 🛎️

In an era where news of layoffs seems all too common, Capcom, the Japanese video game developer, shows a refreshing proactive approach The one-off payment to current and new hires signifies a genuine investment in the people who form the backbone of the company. By prioritizing human capital and actively seeking exceptional talent, Capcom is setting a precedent for employee-centric strategies that prioritize retention and growth. This move by Capcom also serves as a beacon of hope in an industry grappling with layoffs. With over 7500 reported layoffs in 2024 and a staggering 10,500 in 2023, the gaming industry has been facing significant challenges. Amidst this backdrop, Capcom's commitment to its employees sends a powerful message – that even in turbulent times, investing in talent pays off. It really shows how different Japan and the West's mentality is. As professionals, we understand the importance of feeling valued and appreciated in our workplace. Salary increases and bonuses not only recognize employees' contributions but also motivate them to continue delivering their best work. Let's take note of Capcom's example and recognize the significance of investing in our workforce, especially during times of uncertainty. By prioritizing talent retention and growth, companies can not only weather the storm but emerge stronger, with a motivated and engaged team ready to tackle challenges head-on. Time to play some more Resident Evil then 😂 #EmployeeRetention #WorkforceInvestment #TalentManagement #Motivation

My first time being laid off, but not last Let's talk real for a moment – layoffs happen. Currenlty it's almost a daily event that I know I'm becoming numb to. They say use LinkedIn to network, but it's down right depressing. But I can tell you, on my 4th layoff now, it does get easier, and more so, the community has gotten stronger in being able to help out. But don't get me wrong, they will always suck to be part of. I remember my first. It was a very unusual day. The people keeping their jobs were given a heads-up to leave work early. After the big speech, we were told only to grab immediate needs and leave the building. We could return the following week during a set hours window to collect the rest. This was my first, and not my last, layoff in the industry. As a quick side note, over 9,000+ people were laid off in the gaming industry in 2023 alone. It's all I saw whenever I logged onto LinkedIn or checked out gaming news sites and blogs. You must be aware of this and watch the trends if you plan to jump into this creative and exciting but volatile industry. Lesson learned: Layoffs suck! I should have been building a better network to prepare for when this happened. Join me again tomorrow as I continue to discuss my career in indie games and post more about my candid exploration of failures, lessons learned, and the unparalleled perspective gained from navigating three diverse sectors of the game industry. #GameIndustry #GameDev #GameDevelopment #GameInsights #CareerJourney

I was about 3 weeks from being let go. The worst part was I was totally clueless. Here's the story: Not long ago, I met with the CEO of one of my clients. Years before we had worked at the same company. I mentioned the years we overlapped as my 'ice-breaker'. He winced a little -- sat back in his chair and said... "You don't know this, but after I took that role - We were 3 weeks from default and planning mass layoffs" Luckily - that was avoided and no layoffs happened. Moral of the story? Decisions like this happen more than you realize. Most of the time you’ll be clueless like I was. And it's almost always out of your control. Instead - focus on what you can control: - Consistent effort - Positive attitude/mindset - Building your professional network - Learning daily - growing your skillset Luck favors the prepared.

To be more specific, this might include: - reviewing your resume or cover letter - brainstorming next steps and/or looking for open roles - just being a listening ear ...or, if you need something else, seeing if I can help provide it or connect you with someone who can.