Amazon Employee Learns Resilience from Daughter After 11-Year Layoff
In a compelling personal journey, Hemant Virmani, a 47-year-old tech professional from Washington, reflects on the lessons learned after his recent layoff from Amazon. After 11.5 years with the company, Virmani faced an unexpected disruption in his career when he was informed of his layoff via email in October 2025. This moment prompted him to reassess his priorities and find resilience in adversity.
Finding Resilience Through Family
Virmani’s teenage daughter played a significant role in shaping his perspective during this challenging time. Having previously navigated her own hardships, she provided Virmani with a crucial mental model: “Challenges don’t have to keep me from showing up for myself or for others.” This inspired Virmani to approach his layoff positively and focus on future opportunities.
Support After the Layoff
The day following his layoff, Virmani had a supportive meeting with his manager, which he described as affirming. An old colleague also reached out, demonstrating the importance of maintaining connections during difficult times. These interactions provided him with comfort and motivation to move forward.
Upskilling and Career Transition
After taking time to support his family following the loss of his father, Virmani is now focused on upskilling in artificial intelligence (AI). He aims to be proactive rather than reactive in a rapidly changing tech landscape. His experience at Amazon familiarized him with AI tools, but he is now committed to deepening his expertise through self-directed projects.
- Regular gym sessions improved his health and well-being.
- He allocates time between learning AI and job applications.
- Virmani is pursuing Head of Engineering roles that significantly impact customer experience.
Networking and Job Applications
Virmani has been actively applying for positions, averaging two to three applications weekly. His open discussion about the layoff on LinkedIn received overwhelming support, reconnecting him with colleagues from his past. This networking effort has led to multiple job leads, rekindling relationships that he valued.
A Positive Outlook Amid Uncertainty
Despite concerns about his next job, Virmani views this period as an opportunity for growth. His advice to others experiencing layoffs includes understanding that such events are often beyond personal control. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on future possibilities and maintaining a positive outlook.
As Virmani charts his new course in the tech industry, he embodies resilience and adaptability. His journey illustrates how personal challenges can lead to profound growth and new beginnings. For more stories and insights, visit Filmogaz.com.
