Reflections on My Brief Time at Meta: A New Year’s Journey

As we step into a brand new year, I find myself reflecting on my whirlwind six months at Meta. The vivid memory of being terminated unexpectedly on Christmas Eve still stings, and I want to take this moment to share my experience. Here’s to hoping for a smoother journey in the new year, and wishing everyone happiness and success! 🎉

The Unforeseen Termination

During what felt like a routine 1:1 session with my manager, everything changed. HR was brought in, and before I could fully comprehend the situation, I was informed about an “employment status change.” Just like that, I was terminated, with the last day being the same day I received the news, while the official termination date would be a week later.

Shocked and confused, I quickly found myself navigating a mixture of disbelief and heartache. My manager cited poor performance as the reason for my termination but offered no explanations. In a desperate attempt to seek clarity, I asked HR if this was a final decision with no room for negotiation. Sadly, I received an affirmative response as the employment was at-will. Attempting to leverage my H1B status and pleading for just a few extra days on payroll before the holidays, I was met with a cold refusal.

Feeling the Weight of the Situation

Once the meeting concluded, security escorted me out of the office, and I returned home feeling utterly defeated. I poured my heart out to my therapist, expressing how had I felt utterly crushed. Landing a job at Meta had been a lengthy and arduous process, finally resulting in onboarding, which was abruptly interrupted by a reorg. Despite the kindness of my new colleagues, my manager’s indifference created a hostile environment where it was hard for new hires like me to thrive.

The months leading up to my termination were some of the most stressful of my life. Pulled into late-night work with tears streaming down my face, I battled significant burnout by September. Thankfully, by relying on sheer determination, I pulled through, only to be faced with the harsh reality of job loss at the year’s end—without even experiencing a proper performance review.

Finding Support and Moving Forward

The day after the termination, I reached out to some colleagues, finding solace in their kindness and support. I chose to focus on enjoying the holidays and reevaluating my next steps rather than drowning in despair. This experience offered me critical insights about the corporate world—never to sympathize too much with large corporations and to remember that work should never define my entire life.

In my previous team, I often took on the less desirable tasks, believing this would demonstrate my commitment and possibly improve my peer feedback. Unfortunately, this very choice became a weapon against me, contributing to a narrative of insufficient project impact that ultimately led to my dismissal.

Looking Ahead: New Year Resolutions

As I embark on this new year, my wish is simply to become a more balanced worker—someone who can find fulfillment without the relentless grind. 🥹 Here’s to new beginnings, fresh starts, and the pursuit of a healthier work-life balance. Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s make it a good one! 🌟