Last week, two of my colleagues were laid off with very short notice. It was heartbreaking. We had grown close, shared laughter and long workdays, and supported one another through challenges. They had been with the company longer than I had, and in many ways, they helped shape the team I was lucky to join.

I know our boss did everything he could to keep them, he truly tried. But knowing that doesn’t erase the heaviness I feel.

Alongside the sadness of losing teammates I genuinely cared for, there’s a deep sense of guilt. I’m still here. I was the last to join, yet I got to stay…