Laid Off After 15 Years: Indian Techie Shares 12 Lessons Learnt the Hard Way
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Roshni Chellani, a former employee of US-based technology firm Qualcomm, was laid off just 15 days after her wedding, ending a 15-year tenure with the company. Taking to social media, Roshni shared her emotional journey and the 12 hard-earned lessons she gleaned from this unexpected setback. Her story, posted on platforms like LinkedIn and widely discussed on X, has resonated with thousands, shedding light on the harsh realities of the tech industry and offering valuable insights for professionals navigating uncertain times. This blog delves into Roshni’s experience and the lessons she shared, providing inspiration and guidance for others facing similar challenges.
The Shock of Layoff
Roshni Chellani’s layoff came as a devastating blow, especially given its timing—mere weeks after her wedding in 2025. Having dedicated 15 years to Qualcomm, her sudden termination was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of corporate life, even for high-performing employees. In her viral post, Roshni candidly described the emotional toll of the experience, from the initial shock to the resilience she built in its aftermath. Her story is not unique in the tech industry, where layoffs have become increasingly common, with companies like Tesla, Google, and others cutting jobs to reduce costs or restructure operations.
However, Roshni’s response was to transform her pain into purpose. By sharing 12 lessons she learned “the hard way,” she offered a roadmap for others to navigate career setbacks with grace and determination. Below, we explore these lessons, drawing from her insights and the broader context of the tech industry’s challenges.
The 12 Lessons Learnt the Hard Way
No Job Is Permanent
Roshni’s primary lesson was a sobering one: no matter how long you’ve been with a company, job security is never guaranteed. Her 15 years at Qualcomm did not shield her from the layoff, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable in a volatile industry.Always Keep Learning
Continuous upskilling is critical in tech. Roshni emphasized that staying relevant by learning new technologies and trends can make you more resilient to sudden career shifts.Build a Strong Network
Networking proved invaluable for Roshni post-layoff. She advised maintaining professional relationships, as connections can open doors to new opportunities when least expected.Financial Preparedness Is Key
Roshni stressed the importance of having an emergency fund. Her severance package provided temporary relief, but a robust savings plan is essential for weathering unexpected job loss.Don’t Tie Your Identity to Your Job
After 15 years, Roshni’s identity was closely tied to her role at Qualcomm. She learned to separate her self-worth from her job, a crucial mindset for mental resilience.Embrace Change, Even When It Hurts
The layoff forced Roshni to confront change head-on. She urged others to see setbacks as opportunities for growth, even if the transition is painful.Mental Health Matters
The emotional toll of the layoff pushed Roshni into a period of distress. She advocated seeking support, whether through friends, family, or professional help, to navigate tough times.Document Your Achievements
Roshni recommended keeping a detailed record of accomplishments and skills. This not only boosts confidence but also strengthens your resume when seeking new roles.Stay Humble and Open to Starting Small
Inspired by another techie’s story, Roshni highlighted the value of humility. Starting small, as she did post-layoff, can lead to significant opportunities over time.Negotiate Your Worth
Roshni learned to advocate for fair compensation and benefits during her job search. Knowing your value and negotiating confidently can make a significant difference.Diversify Your Skill Set
A diverse skill portfolio helped Roshni pivot to new opportunities. She advised learning adjacent skills to remain versatile in a competitive job market.Never Give Up
Above all, Roshni’s story is one of perseverance. Despite the setback, she persisted, eventually securing a new role, echoing the sentiment of another techie who reached a Rs 50 LPA salary after being laid off during COVID.
The Broader Context: Layoffs in the Tech Industry
Roshni’s experience is part of a larger wave of layoffs affecting tech professionals globally. In India, stories like that of Mr. Salim, a Bengaluru engineer who paid Rs 30 lakh in taxes over five years only to receive a three-month severance package, highlight the lack of systemic support for laid-off workers. Similarly, an Indian techie saw his salary plummet from Rs 18 LPA to zero after a US startup revoked a job offer due to restructuring. These stories underscore the precarious nature of tech jobs, where even high earners face sudden unemployment without adequate safety nets.
Globally, the trend is equally stark. An Indian-origin engineer in the US was laid off and told his job was being outsourced to India, adding a layer of irony to the narrative. These incidents reflect the cost-cutting measures and outsourcing trends driving layoffs, often leaving employees feeling betrayed by the system.
Roshni’s Resilience and Inspiration
Despite the emotional and financial challenges, Roshni’s story is one of hope. Her post-layoff journey involved leveraging her network, upskilling, and embracing new opportunities. By sharing her lessons, she has inspired countless others to approach setbacks with resilience. Her experience resonates with posts on Reddit’s r/developersIndia, where techies share stories of overcoming career gaps, backlogs, and layoffs through perseverance and adaptability.
Roshni’s advice to “never give up” echoes the journey of Pradeep Kumar Saini, who, despite being laid off during COVID, reached a Rs 50 LPA salary through relentless upskilling and a commitment to learning from mistakes. Her story also aligns with the broader narrative of Indian tech professionals navigating a challenging industry with determination and grit.
A Call to Action for Professionals
Roshni’s 12 lessons serve as a wake-up call for tech professionals worldwide. In an industry marked by rapid change and uncertainty, proactive steps like continuous learning, financial planning, and networking are non-negotiable. Her emphasis on mental health and humility offers a holistic approach to career resilience, reminding us that setbacks are temporary if met with the right mindset.
For those facing similar challenges, Roshni’s story is a reminder that a layoff, while painful, is not the end. By documenting achievements, diversifying skills, and staying connected, professionals can turn adversity into opportunity. As she noted, “The same system that let you down can’t define your future—you can.”
Conclusion
Roshni Chellani’s layoff after 15 years at Qualcomm was a devastating blow, but her response—sharing 12 hard-earned lessons—has turned her personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others. Her insights, from financial preparedness to embracing change, offer a roadmap for navigating the unpredictable tech landscape. As the industry grapples with layoffs and restructuring, Roshni’s story underscores the power of resilience, adaptability, and community support. For every techie facing a setback, her message is clear: keep learning, stay humble, and never give up.
Sources: menafn.com, indiatimes.com, newskarnataka.com, hindustantimes.com, zeenews.india.com, thefederal.com, ndtv.com, news18.com
