I was laid off from Spotify after moving to Sweden for the job. I had to leave the entire life I built behind and am still looking for work.
Courtesy of Sophia Omarji
- A Spotify layoff in December 2023 affected 17% of employees, including Sophia Omarji, a UX researcher.
- Omarji faced visa issues and a competitive job market before being forced to leave for Dubai.
- Still looking for her next role a year later, she's focused on skill development and networking.
In January 2023, I moved from the UK to Sweden for my dream job at Spotify. I'd been at the company since July 2022, when I joined as a user experience research intern, and secured a full-time associate role and later a promotion.
As a music psychology graduate, joining Spotify was a dream come true. I never expected to reach that point in my career fresh out of college — I assumed it would take years.
At the end of 2023, I was among the 17% affected by layoffs at the company I'd dreamed of joining. Since then, I've processed the reality of being laid off and navigated the emotional and professional challenges that come with it.
The year since has been anything but straightforward, from grappling with visa issues to navigating Sweden's competitive job market. It has also been a time of profound learning and unexpected growth.
On Monday, December 4, 2023, I received the email that changed everything
I woke up and rolled over to see two emails from work. One was sent to the whole company from Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, and another was sent from HR — an invite for a 15-minute individual meeting to discuss my role. Having been present for another round of layoffs earlier that year, I knew that I was about to be let go.
Every day at work had felt surreal and confirmed I was living out my aspirations. I loved the culture, people, and projects — the role excited me and built my passion further. I'd envisioned a long career at the company.
In the call, they told me my role was being made redundant, and they couldn't find me another position because of the scale of the reduction. I was given a three-month notice period but wasn't required to work from then on.
I felt a mix of disbelief, frustration, and pure heartbreak
It wasn't just about the job loss but the upheaval of everything I'd planned for the coming years. The uncertainty was further amplified by my work visa situation, being in Sweden as a British citizen, forcing me to navigate emotional turmoil and the post-Brexit bureaucratic maze.
With a ticking clock and no clear path forward, I felt paralyzed. I quickly realized that the emotional aftermath of losing a job was more complex than I'd anticipated.
I had to give myself the space to experience the stages of grief, mourning the loss of my sense of identity and future certainty alongside the feelings of rejection that accompanied it. Over time, I began to appreciate the value of giving myself time to adjust rather than rushing to fill the void.
I've learned how to embrace the discomfort of not having everything figured out immediately
It's easy to feel as if you're falling behind when you have no clear direction or routine, but I soon realized that growth often arises in moments of uncertainty.
I decided to focus on what I could still control. I leaned into the skills I'd developed at Spotify, such as data analysis, storytelling, and working with different stakeholders, and explored new avenues for applying them.
I couldn't find part-time work in Sweden because my work visa was revoked, leaving me in a sticky situation. Over the past year, I've focused on networking, attending conferences, and expanding my skill set through courses.
I've also honed my background in music psychology, searching for opportunities to share that expertise through workshops, speaking engagements, my blog, and my podcast.
Early-career professionals in the current job market face unique challenges
The pressure to progress quickly, build experience, and establish ourselves can feel overwhelming, especially in industries such as tech, where expertise is highly valued.
I've learned being junior doesn't mean being less capable — it's an opportunity to build a foundation of skills and knowledge that will support long-term growth. Young people bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, and adaptability isn't just about adjusting to changes within your current role or industry — it's about being open to geographical and professional shifts that push you out of your comfort zone.
After my layoff, I could stay in Sweden for six months before ultimately having no choice but to leave Stockholm. I relocated to Dubai to be with my family.
The transition was difficult — I had to leave behind my partner, friends, and the life I had built. Adjusting to a long-distance relationship added another layer of complexity, but I learned that a new location doesn't have to limit opportunities.
I now see myself as a citizen of the world
I'm navigating life on the move and juggling pursuing my next job with quality time spent with family and friends, exploring new places, and focusing on personal and professional projects. My ultimate goal is to return to Sweden — or wherever the best opportunity takes me — so my partner and I can reunite and build the best life possible.
My goal for the year ahead is to find professional success. I'm open to similar roles and new directions if they align with my values. Whether it's in music psychology, UX research, or the broader tech industry, my focus is on meaningful and impactful work. As the world evolves, so will my career.
Do you want to share how your layoff affected you? Email Lauryn Haas at [email protected].
