Indian-Origin Amazon Veteran Shares Daughter's Lessons After Layoff
An Indian-origin software professional based in Washington has opened up about his emotional journey after being laid off from Amazon following more than a decade of service. Hemant Virmani, 47, described how his teenage daughter became a source of inspiration, teaching him crucial lessons in resilience during this challenging period.
The Shocking Layoff Notification
Virmani recalled the moment he received the devastating news in October 2025 via a late-night email, which terminated his position as a senior software development manager. "Amazon was part of my daily life for 11.5 years, and suddenly it was gone," he told Business Insider. Despite witnessing colleagues face layoffs in 2023 and understanding the difficulty involved, the personal impact was profound. "There's no right way or easy way to do layoffs. I watched my team members get laid off in 2023, and I know how difficult it is. Still, when I received an email in the middle of the night in October of 2025 saying I'd been laid off, I was shocked," Virmani explained.
How His Daughter's Positive Attitude Provided Strength
Virmani credited his high school senior daughter for helping him maintain a positive outlook amid the turmoil. He shared that she had faced a difficult situation the previous year, requiring recovery, and her response became a guiding light. "Her mental model was: 'Challenges don't have to keep me from showing up for myself or for others.' Her positive attitude was inspiration for me to do the same," he said. This perspective empowered him to approach his own setback with renewed determination.
Focusing on Skills and Future Opportunities
Since the layoff, Virmani has redirected his energy toward learning new artificial intelligence skills, actively applying for jobs, and prioritizing his health. "I want to be proactive, not reactive, about the AI skills I'll need in the future," he emphasized. He is currently building these competencies independently and submitting applications for Head of Engineering roles, averaging two to three per week, aiming to lead significant impactful initiatives.
Virmani views the layoff as a potential blessing in disguise, allowing him to pursue previously neglected areas. "As of now, I have some worries about when I'll find my next job, but this time has given me the ability to work on things I wasn't able to before. I'm making sure I spend this time with a lot of positivity, not letting negative thoughts come around," he added.
Advice for Others Facing Layoffs
Virmani offered practical advice for individuals navigating similar circumstances:
- Realize that layoffs are not personal: They often result from broader environmental factors rather than individual performance.
- Focus on the future: Since the past cannot be changed, concentrate on actionable next steps and maintain a constructive reaction.
He also highlighted the supportive interactions he experienced post-layoff, including a positive 30-minute meeting with his manager and a coffee shop check-in from a former supervisor, which provided emotional affirmation.
