I just got laid off while on vacation, and honestly, I saw it coming from a mile away. For two weeks leading up to it, my manager canceled every single one-on-one meeting we had scheduled. At first, I thought it was just a busy period, but after the third cancellation, I realized something was off. Nobody goes that quiet without a reason. When I received a calendar invite for a call while I was away, with HR cc'd and no agenda, I knew what was coming. I joined the call, and there they were—my manager and HR—reading from a script. When they asked if I had any questions, I simply asked about the exit logistics and final settlement. I didn't argue or plead; I was already mentally detached from the situation. I’m sharing this experience not just for myself but for anyone who might be pouring their heart into a company that would let them go with a simple Slack message. Remember, do your job, get compensated, and then go home. The loyalty you feel isn't always reciprocated. Your manager is looking out for their own interests, and HR is there to protect the company, not you. If you've just been laid off, don't take it personally. Good people get cut all the time. It's not a reflection of your worth. Detach from the situation, and you'll be okay.