Hemant Virmani, a 47-year-old tech professional based in Washington, experienced a significant career shift in October 2025 when he was laid off from his senior software development manager position at Amazon after more than 11 years with the company. The unexpected email notification sent in the middle of the night left him in shock, yet it also marked the beginning of a new chapter as he sought to navigate the challenges associated with the layoff.
In a candid reflection on his experience, Virmani noted that layoffs are inherently difficult for everyone involved. Witnessing colleagues face similar situations in 2023 had prepared him for the emotional complexity of the process. Following his layoff, he had a constructive meeting with his manager, who offered support in a positive manner, affirming Virmani’s contributions and character. The day after, an old manager reached out to check on him, illustrating a commitment to handle the situation humanely amidst the upheaval.
Virmani found inspiration in his daughter, a high school senior, who had faced her own difficult circumstances the previous year. Her resilience and positive outlook prompted him to adopt a similar mindset regarding his layoff. “Challenges don’t have to keep me from showing up for myself or for others,” he recalled her saying, emphasizing the importance of responding constructively to adversity.
As he took time to reflect on his career path following the layoff, Virmani faced the additional personal challenge of losing his father shortly thereafter. Spending a month in India with family allowed him to regroup and contemplate his future direction, shifting his focus from the prestige of potential employers to the meaningful impact he could have in his next role. He expressed a desire to lead engineering efforts that would significantly benefit customers, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), which he views as crucial to future innovation in the tech industry.
With a proactive attitude, he began to enhance his AI skill set, which had been a part of his work at Amazon but was limited in scope. By engaging in a personal AI project, Virmani is gaining hands-on experience, a refreshing change from his previous focus on team-based development. This shift in approach reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where understanding and leveraging AI is increasingly seen as vital for career advancement.
In the aftermath of his layoff, Virmani has made health a top priority, committing to a regular gym routine and refining his health plan. His daily schedule now balances job applications and networking efforts with time dedicated to learning AI, aiming for head of engineering positions that would allow him to spearhead impactful initiatives. He noted that his recent LinkedIn post about the layoff garnered an outpouring of support from colleagues and friends, some of whom he had not connected with in years. This network response has already led to multiple job leads, underscoring the importance of maintaining professional relationships.
As he reflects on his journey, Virmani acknowledges a blend of apprehension and optimism about the future. While he has concerns regarding the timeline of securing a new position, he views this transitional period as an opportunity for growth. He encourages others facing similar situations to focus on the bigger picture. “Layoffs are not about you. It’s about an environment that is driving layoffs,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a forward-looking perspective.
Virmani’s story highlights the shifting dynamics of the tech workforce and the resilience required to navigate such changes. As he continues to explore new opportunities, he remains committed to maintaining a positive outlook, viewing his layoff as potentially a blessing in disguise—a chance to realign his career with his personal and professional aspirations.
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