All Content from Business Insider | I was laid off from Google last month. I still haven't told my parents — and won't until I find a new job. by Tess Martinelli
After his layoff from Google, Jason Zhang says he can't afford to take a career break, but he's not applying to jobs quite yet.Jason Zhang
Jason Zhang was laid off from his software engineering job at Google in March.He shares why he's prioritizing interview prep over applications when it comes to finding a new job.Zhang says he's also finding his identity outside of work by prioritizing friends and content.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jason Zhang, a 25-year-old former Google employee based in Seattle. It's been edited for length and clarity.
When Google hired me as a software engineer at 22 years old, it felt like a huge accomplishment. It wasn't just a milestone for me, but for my family.
I didn't realize how many layoff logistics there would beI'm not applying to any jobs yet, but I also can't just 'chill'I plan to tell my parents I was laid off after I get a new jobI'm spending more time with friends, but I've felt guilty for not workingI'm relearning what my identity is outside of workRead the original article on Business Insider
Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/laid-off-google-engineer-relearning-identity-feeling-guilty-04-2026
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