Being laid off
PLUS: 💎 Internet Gems — what I’ve been reading, watching and listening to this week [#197]
One of Bumble’s writers posted on LI this week about being made redundant for the second time.
but this time, it wasn’t just me. this time, every writer at bumble got told there’s no longer a requirement for their role. no more copy & editorial team. and no more UK design or video team either. you won, ChatGPT. enjoy the briefs. i hope they make you happy.
They tagged the rest of the team who are all now looking for new creative homes.
I’m gobsmacked. “Just when we thought dating sites couldn’t be any more inhuman” - someone said. Yeah. They’re in the relationship + connection business so I can’t see the logic here. People love (and buy from) people. I won’t use the app anymore.
I know they’re restructuring — axing 30% of their global workforce to return to a ‘start-up mentality’ to revive growth. And like everyone, they want to make the most of AI, but still, this feels off. How can it work long-term?
It's a bigger thing. We’re burned out with dating apps, swiping culture and want to do more IRL.
I was reading about Court IRL, a new location-based app that shows you who around you is up for dating, friendship, or networking – so you can meet in person. A bit of fun and takes the pressure off. Really hope this takes off (and launches in the UK soon) — it’s gotta be the way forward!
The LI post went viral — lots of shares, support and job offers. I hope the creative team are snapped up.
I was laid off in April — given 7 days’ notice via email after 9 years with a company. I saw my freelance role advertised on their LinkedIn page shortly after, which made me feel even crappier. There’s a new MD and staff changes, which is fine. I’m older than the rest of the team. Your face doesn’t fit anymore.
What upset me most was the lack of communication — no cards or emails from people I’ve worked with and had a laugh with for years. That really hurt. I could’ve initiated it I suppose, but my pride. I felt rejected and I wanted my colleagues to reach out to me.
I was telling a mate about it, how I felt, and she said, “It’s put a fire under you.” Which is true. So I’m grateful to them for that. It made me resolve not to give so much of myself to companies that don’t care about or invest in you. And to keep building my own thing so I’m less dependent on corporate budgets.
It made me realise I only want to work with people and brands I feel aligned with and causes I care about. Life’s too short.
Sod ‘em. I’ll buy myself a goodbye gift.
Onward!
Nika
On to this week’s links… starting with BIG news from Substack, who’ve raised $100M, becoming unicorn with $1.1BN valuation. Emergency pods, analysis + more gems.
What to spend it on? Some advice from my dad (on a job at Dynamix Group, Northants).
Let’s make a wishlist and try and help them to live up to it. What tools and support would you like to see?
💎 Internet Gems
What I’ve been reading, watching and listening to this week. If you have any recs, please link to them in the comments so we can check ‘em out.