In the wake of a challenging economic climate, social media platforms have become a stage for employees to share their experiences of job loss. TikTok, in particular, has emerged as a platform where individuals are turning to for both emotional support and as a way to hold employers accountable.
The Viral Phenomenon
On January 9th, TikToker Brittany Pietsch’s video of her layoff from tech giant Cloudflare went viral. The video, which has been viewed over 1.1 million times, sparked a wave of discussions and debates about the personal and professional implications of recording and sharing layoff experiences online.
Similar to Pietsch, Joni Bonnemort, who was laid off in April 2023, used TikTok to share her story. Her video, which has garnered over 1.4 million views, received an overwhelming positive response, with viewers expressing their support and sharing their own experiences. Bonnemort’s current employer discovered her video and reached out to her for an interview, ultimately hiring her.
Risks and Benefits
While these videos can provide a sense of community and empower individuals to navigate the challenges of job loss, career experts urge caution when considering such actions.
Emotional Turmoil: Career coach Phoebe Gavin emphasizes that creating and posting these videos can occur during a time of heightened emotions, which may not always lead to well-thought-out decisions. “Emotions such as anxiety, frustration, resentment, and anger can cloud judgment,” she says.
Questionable Motivation: Nolan Church, a former Google recruiter, warns that these videos can raise questions about a job seeker’s true intentions. “It’s easy for others to perceive these posts as a way to attack a former employer rather than a genuine attempt to find a new job,” he says.
Trust Issues: Angelina Darrisaw, founder and CEO of C-Suite Coach, stresses that these videos can erode trust with potential employers. “If a future employer discovers that you’ve posted sensitive information about your previous workplace online, they may question your discretion and loyalty,” she explains.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to share a layoff experience on TikTok is a personal one. There are potential benefits, such as gaining support and connecting with others in similar situations. However, there are also inherent risks to consider, including the potential damage to personal and professional reputations.
Bonnemort does not regret sharing her video, particularly given the positive outcomes it led to. However, she acknowledges that “not all posts succeed in the same way.” It’s important to approach these videos with caution and consider the long-term implications before hitting record.
Take Control of Your Job Search
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Data sourced from: cnbc.com
