Why Getting Laid Off can be a Good Thing | Chetan Mahajan | TEDxFIIB

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Published 2018-09-12
Getting laid-off is traumatic in the least, and can be devastating. This talk is given by a corporate employee who completely changed paths and rebuilt his life after he was fired from his job. He shares many life lessons, including his learnings from one month he spent in an Indian jail.
Chetan’s last corporate role was as CEO of HCL Learning Ltd. He has also authored a book titled, ”The Bad Boys of Bokaro Jail” published by Penguin in 2014, but his writing career was not a bed of roses, it had a painful start. He has lived for many years in the US, where he also earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. He has founded ‘The Himalayan Writing Retreat’ that offers deep inspiration and learning to writers at all levels. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

All Comments (21)
  • Was laid off yesterday after working for the same company for 15 years. I started at the very bottom and worked my way up to 2nd in command. In one brief moment, it all ended in the name of "downsizing". I took a lot of pride in my work but being laid off made me realize that your life isn't supposed to be about a job. Life is meant to be enjoyed and be way more meaningful.
  • I was let go today. I was sad, shocked, hurt then realized there’s something great in this
  • Love the point at 15:48 - 'Don't spend all of your energy trying to get back in. If there is a bigger dream you have somewhere, try to shoot for it'.
  • @glendasmith7507
    This was really exactly what I needed today. I just got let go last Wednesday and I have a million things going through my mind right now. I’m scared, uncertain, relieved, angry, and scared all over again. I plan to rewatch this as many times as I need to until I find myself back on solid ground. Thank you, sir 😊
  • @Fishsticks187
    I remember being laid off during covid, having hardly any money to my name and wondering if I'd be able to keep a roof over my head. Three years later I'm making double what I was before and working for a good company. I struggled during those years, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel if you believe there is.
  • @lazarlegacy2753
    A healthy attitude literally shifts our lives and opens the doors for more opportunities. You got this!!
  • @AdemirAlijagic
    I got fired and I have never been happier! I had been dreaming of starting my own business and YouTube for years but was held back by fear... And I am so glad I got pushed into doing this! I got my first client 2 months in and haven't missed my old life one second!
  • @mishraad
    Loved the comment "Skillset for a price tag"
  • I was laid off a week ago from a company I’ve lived for over the last 10 years. I’m realizing it’s not healthy to make your job such a part of your identity. Trying to figure out my next step — this was very helpful.
  • I got laid off, searched and searched and never landed anything (after a year). So, I decided to start my own business. I knew absolutely nothing! I made that business last 3 years and learned more than I did in the 15 years that I had a fancy corporate job. Unfortunately that business is coming up a little short on the financial front, so I have to re-enter the workforce soon. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything. And now I have a nice little side hustle, and a totally different perspective on everything.
  • @blahblah-we6dw
    Thank you I just got laid off and I really connected with this video
  • @nofyfb123
    Bottom line: corps expect. No, DEMAND, loyalty. They consider paycheck a form of a charity/handout. They have established a "we against them" culture, and the best way of dealing with this environment is to NOT get emotionally involved and not expect anything that's not going to happen - no matter how much time and effort you invest in your job, you'll eventually get chewed up and spit out.
  • @rpaul9578
    First thing I felt was anger, then sadness, then I was fine with it.
  • @boayoon8715
    I was let go two weeks ago.. been feeling sorry for myself but I must carry on.. thank you.
  • @littlemspd9674
    I was just let go as of yesterday. Instead of feeling down I somewhat felt relief. Everyday the alarm went off.. I was thinking why am I doing this? I don't even enjoy what I'm doing and to find this video and hear you say what I'm feeling is amazing. I know this is not the end for me but a start to a new beginning. Sometimes in life you need that push to really go for what you enjoy in life. So I look at this experience as a blessing in disguise. Thank you again for sharing your journey and inspiration!
  • @SD_003
    Just Brilliant 👌 Lot of people would need to see this specially in this covid situation. Loads of layoffs all around.
  • @sweza2334
    Just got terminated today for no reason other than just performance not matching to future expectations. Made good relations with so many people and invested so much time on the firm, but they announced this to me before I left for my holidays to my home country after 4 years. It’s unfortunate that in today’s world businesses only seek for good numbers, not good people.
  • @KetoPowerZone
    I have been unemployeed from last months and I was in depression and I have seen this video my life percpective totally changed today..Now I know I am going to try out so may amazing things my upcoming days...Thank you TEDx