News of nearly 19,755 job cuts at TCS hit many tech teams hard. Anxiety spread fast. Questions followed: why now, what caused it, and what do I do next?
If you are affected or worried, this post is for you. It gives clear, human advice. No panic. Just a step-by-step plan to protect money, documents, and your next move. You will also get realistic ways to upskill and find new work—fast.
What likely happened — plain language view
Companies change for many reasons. Here are the common ones, simply put:
- Client demand shifts. Projects end or slow down.
- Cost pressure. Firms cut roles to match revenue.
- Automation and tooling. Some tasks are now faster with software.
- Strategy moves. Firms re-focus on new services and reduce old teams.
Is AI the single cause? Not usually. AI is one factor among many. It can replace some repetitive tasks. But most firms combine automation with cost and client shifts when they cut roles.
The emotional first step — you are not alone
Layoffs feel personal. That is normal.
- Allow yourself to feel. Talk to a friend or mentor.
- Don’t decide big things in one emotional day. Pause before accepting or declining anything.
- Use your network. Many people will help if you ask.
Keep your head clear. Small calm steps beat frantic moves.
Immediate practical checklist (do these now)
These actions take little time but protect you later.
- Save contact info for colleagues and managers outside your work email.
- Back up personal files and code samples you own. Do not copy employer-owned work.
- Screenshot or save pay slips, appointment letter, and last working day notes.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn headline to show availability.
- Note your monthly expenses and emergency cash on hand.
Why this matters: paperwork and contacts make negotiations and job search easier.
Understand your exit terms (read carefully)
Before you sign anything, know what you are being offered.
- Check notice period, last working day, and final pay date.
- Confirm severance amount and what it covers (salary, bonuses, unused leave).
- Ask about healthcare or insurance continuation.
- Ask for a written reference or relieving letter if available.
If terms are unclear, ask HR for clarification in writing. If needed, consult a labor advisor or lawyer. A short consultation can clear up important rights.
A 10-day action plan to move fast and steady
Follow this simple plan. One focus per day keeps you moving.
Day 1 — Paperwork and contacts
Collect documents and save team contacts on private email or phone.
Day 2 — Money triage
Create a 60-day budget. Freeze non-essential spending and subscriptions.
Day 3 — Resume and LinkedIn
Update a concise resume and a clear LinkedIn headline: “Available — Backend Engineer, 5 yrs.”
Day 4 — Small portfolio
Prepare 2–3 short, personal projects or case studies you can discuss in interviews.
Day 5 — Apply and reach out
Send 10 targeted messages to recruiters and ex-colleagues. Keep each message short and clear.
Day 6 — Freelance pitch
Prepare a 2-line freelance offer. Offer a fast task with fixed pricing to get quick cash.
Day 7 — Interview practice
Run 3 mock interviews for core topics: data structures, system design, or domain skills.
Day 8 — Upskill plan
Pick one short course or certification relevant to your role and start it. Focus on cloud, AI basics, or SRE skills.
Day 9 — Negotiate severance if needed
If you didn’t get a fair severance, use a kind but firm script to ask for more support.
Day 10 — Review and expand
Assess responses and adjust outreach. Keep momentum and repeat the cycle.
Small wins add up fast.
Severance negotiation script — polite and direct
Use a calm script when talking to HR or your manager.
Thank you for the update. I appreciate the company’s support. Given my tenure and the projects I completed, could we discuss extending my severance to X months or continuing health benefits for Y months? I can share a short handover plan to help with a smooth transition.
If they refuse, ask for other supports: a positive reference, extended access to internal job boards, or career counseling.
Fast upskill suggestions that pay (realistic)
Pick skills that recruiters want now and you can learn quickly.
- Cloud fundamentals: one cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP) basics and a small project.
- DevOps: CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes basics.
- Data skills: SQL, basic ML model use, or data pipelines.
- Full-stack or low-code: build a small web app you can demo.
- Domain depth: fintech tools, e-commerce stacks, or AI ops.
Aim for practical projects you can demo in interviews. Theory alone rarely wins jobs.
Freelance and gig options to bridge income
Short paid tasks give breathing room.
- Fix a broken API or add a feature in 1–3 days.
- Build small automation scripts for local businesses.
- Offer data cleaning or dashboard work.
- Teach short workshops or tutor students online.
Price for speed and clear outcomes. Deliver fast and ask for testimonials.
Job search funnels that work
A steady, simple funnel beats random job applications.
- Apply to targeted roles with tailored resumes.
- Message ex-managers, team leads, and recruiters with a clear one-line pitch.
- Use internal referrals wherever possible. Referrals move faster.
- Keep a spreadsheet of applications and follow ups.
Consistency wins.
Legal and benefits basics for India (high level)
Employment law varies. Keep these general checks in mind.
- Check for statutory benefits like PF and gratuity if applicable.
- See whether unpaid salary or notice pay is owed.
- Ask HR for a written relieving letter and final settlement schedule.
If you suspect violations, consult a legal advisor. A quick check helps decide next steps.
Mental health and community support
A layoff is more than finances. Take care of your mind.
- Talk with trusted friends or mentors.
- Join peer groups for laid-off tech workers.
- Keep a basic daily routine: sleep, simple exercise, and short breaks.
Small routines protect focus and energy.
Final thoughts — AI is a factor, but people still win
Is AI taking over? It contributes to change, but the story is not just machines vs people. Firms automate some tasks, but they also create new roles. The future favors people who can work with tools, learn fast, and show clear value.
What matters now? Your response. One calm, focused plan. One small new skill. One message to a friend. Start today. Take one step. You will move forward.