From Helping People Get Jobs to Job Seeker: My Journey Through Indeed’s Layoffs

My first day back at Indeed from parental leave also ended up being my last. The day before, we celebrated Mother's Day at the aquarium, cherishing our time together. Now, I am urgently seeking how to support my family.
The Announcement
On Monday, an unexpected wave swept through Indeed. A sudden Global Town Hall meeting was added to our calendars, filling the air with a familiar dread after last year's 15% reduction. As our CEO Chris Hyams delivered the news, a collective sense of dread spread across the company. This year's cuts, driven not by cost but by a desire to streamline for clarity and agility, were going to affect roughly 8% of Indeed's workforce. As the primary provider for a family of five—my new baby boy, a nearly two-year-old daughter, and a 16-year-old niece—the weight of the announcement was immense, and the wait for the decisive email was excruciating.
Within the hour, I and about 1,000 other Indeedians received our email. The notification of my layoff brought both apprehension and gratitude. Apprehension for the uncertain road ahead, but gratitude for the years of opportunity and personal growth at Indeed. I joined without a formal background in people management, equipped only with years of leading teams and mentoring peers as an experienced Front End Engineer. However, I leave enriched by profound leadership lessons and insights into empathetic mentorship. Managing UX Developers across the Monetization organization proved invaluable, as it placed me in the company of seasoned directors, managers, and brilliant engineers from whom I drew immeasurable wisdom.
Facing Reality
Returning from leave to face this new reality was disheartening. I had envisioned continuing to build my career at Indeed, laying a strong foundation for my young family. Instead, I was left without a job and was given a new role of "full-time Job Seeker". Yet, reflecting on my journey, I remain proud of our accomplishments. We enhanced user experiences and drove key monetization initiatives by evolving our sponsored jobs pricing models, championing accessibility, and spearheading UX excellence. Leading my team was a highlight of my tenure, and I am eager to continue building on this foundation.
Moving Forward
As I look for new opportunities, I am not alone. Many skilled colleagues, specifically from our Design Engineering and UX teams—Managers, Directors, UX Developers, UX Designers, Content Designers, and more—are all seeking their next roles. If you know of any frontend engineering leadership positions, or companies valuing seasoned UX professionals, your referrals could make a significant difference for us all. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly with any help you can offer.
Thank you for your support during this transformative time.