8 Tips For Black Women Navigating Tech Layoffs

The mass tech layoff impacted women across the board. Recently unemployed tech workers, especially BIPOC women, will need to persevere and could use practical advice from experts such as employee lawyers, hiring managers, investors, and C-level executives more than ever.

More than 58,000 tech workers have been laid off in 2023, according to Crunchbase, along with more than 140,000 jobs cut in the tech industry last year at both public and privately held companies. Employers are continuing to reevaluate their staffing to endure an unpredictable economy, down market, and less access to venture funding.

How is this impacting women, especially BIPOC women?

Research done by Layoffs.FYI and reported in Fast Company, has revealed that women and people of color have been disproportionately affected. Around 45% of people who lost their jobs in recent layoffs identified as women. Based on a 2022 study by Deloitte, women make up less than a third of tech industry employees and fill less than a quarter of their leadership positions.

Women are experiencing layoffs during vacation, sabbatical, or worse, while on maternity leave. According to Business Insider, during a recent Google layoff, a woman on maternity leave received the news while nursing her newborn child at 4:30 am.

It gets worse when we research DEI in tech. Many tech companies have committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment in recent years. Now that the economy is taking a turn, leaders are under pressure to deliver, and unfortunately, DEI initiatives are taking a hit.

One lawsuit by two female employees affected by Twitter layoffs alleges that Twitter improperly targeted female staff, revealing the company removed 57% of the women, compared to only 47% of men.

8 Tips To Navigate and Achieve Success as a Black Woman In Tech

Many Black women are the breadwinners in their households, and losing a job can be devastating. The Center for American Progress, has been tracking this data and in 2017 revealed that over 84% of mothers who identified as Black were the primary, sole, or co-breadwinners for their families. According to the National Centre for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), only 3% of women working in tech identify as Black women. According to People of Color In Tech, Black women are the first to be let go when a company is undergoing a restructuring. A recent TikTok video of a Black woman who was a part of the wave of layoff last month triggered a heartfelt emotion. This woman showcases that working twice as hard as a minority doesn't get you anywhere in the tech industry. The reality is everyone is disposable, especially a Black woman in tech.

Unfortunately, as a Black woman, you aren't safe. It's a reality for many women of color climbing the corporate ladder in tech. According to a recent study from The Center For Worklife Law, Black women encounter different levels of targeting than other groups. Data has shown people assume Black women are expected to be more assertive than white women and that they have to put additional work into navigating coming off as to direct without being identified as an "angry" Black woman.

Despite the circumstances, BIPOC women must persevere regardless of the odds and unfortunate situations. Tech companies are laying off, but many are also hiring for great talent.

1.) Review Your Options

When you are laid off, it’s important to review the information given to you in detail, specifically your severance package, and consult an employment lawyer to understand your options. It’s imperative to understand that everything is negotiable, so please be aware of your window and opportunity. Navigate wisely and rely on expert information; find additional severance resources and be sure to know your options in your state.

2.) Timeframe

It is important to outline and evaluate your finances, healthcare options, obligations, and determine how much time and resources you have to maintain your lifestyle before needing to obtain another position. Outline a time frame that will allow you breathing room to regroup and take action on your terms.

3.) Expertise

Take the time to outline your specific skillsets and what you love to do because his will help you target your next role with intentions and will allow you to secure your next position faster. Don't just settle for the next paying job; reflect on who you are and the long-term impact you would like to make because you may never have this opportunity to evaluate your next move gracefully like this again.

4.) Core Values

It is important to write down your core values and research companies that share the same values. Be sure to outline the type of work environment you thrive in, and the type of environments that don't serve you. To be clear, layoffs are taking place, but there are plenty of companies hiring that would be honored to have you and your skill set. Despite the mass layoffs, culture and diversity are still needed, and some companies value this as a core value.

5.) Confidence

Maintain your mental health— it's essential, and the Center of American Progress showcases how women of color are impacted at a higher rate due to negative experiences that can result in various mental health disorders. Do not let a layoff define you and affect your self-esteem. A layoff is a company's issue, not yours. You are valuable and worthy. Take time to regroup and acknowledge your worth. By understanding what you bring to the table, you can secure the next opportunity with pride.

6.) Side Hustle / Passion Projects,

BIPOC women possess multiple skill sets and wear numerous hats. You can use this time to scale your passion project. This may be your only spare time to scale your passion project. Remember, the tech industry isn't going anywhere, and when you are ready, an opportunity will present itself. According to entrepreneur, experiencing a layoff can be the best time to focus on your business. If you have the flexibility within your Timeframe outlined above, enhance your skillset and bet on yourself. A 9-5 job will always be available, and as you sharpen your skillsets, a tech company will most likely see this as another strong point in the hiring stage. Embrace having multiple hats during this time, and use this guide as a starter to create a successful strategy and blueprint.

7.) Network

Your network is your net worth, be direct on what you are looking for in your next position, sit down with people who see your value and allow them to remind you of who you are, ask for recommendations and make a target list of companies you would be interested in working with. Utilize the LinkedIn blog on leveraging your network to land your next job. The tips are valuable and can point you in the right direction.

8.) Relax

If you take the time to strategize and check off the above list of tips, you are doing your part. Be sure to relax and embrace self-care. As a BIPOC woman, you must manage your stress and take care of yourself. In order to manage your anxiety after an unexpected layoff, be sure to:

• Design a portfolio that showcases you accomplishments expertise.
• Become resilient and develop grit as you find your next opportunity.
• Make a strategic plan and take action and stay consistent.

Get a routine and stick with this routine. An idle mind is your worst enemy. Stay active, stay positive, and surround yourself with positive energy as the next opportunity comes your way.

Remember to strategize, network, and don't look back. It's never a good idea to dwell on the past. Focus on the future and your impact on your next opportunity.