Not anger or regret: Days after celebrating 4 years at Uber, employee gets laid off, chooses hope for heartbreak

Celebrating a work anniversary usually marks a moment of stability, growth and professional achievement. For Uber employee Gabbe L, however, the milestone was followed by an unexpected career setback. After completing four years at Uber on August 29, she learned just days later that she had been affected by the company’s layoffs. Sharing her experience on social media, Gabbe reflected on her time at Uber, the sudden end of her role and why she is choosing to see the difficult transition as an opportunity, instead of being angry or regretting.

Uber employee laid off days after 4-year anniversary

Gabbe L, who worked as a Customer Service Specialist III COE at Uber in Chicago, Illinois, United States, took to social media to share the news. “After recently celebrating my 4-year anniversary with Uber on August 29, I never imagined that just a few days later I would be sharing this news,” she wrote.

Gabbe said she had learned that she was impacted by Uber’s layoffs following the elimination of her department in Chicago. The timing made the development particularly unexpected, coming so soon after she had marked four years with the company.

Looking back at four years at Uber

Despite the abrupt end to her role, Gabbe said she has plenty to be grateful for from her four years at Uber. She reflected on how the experience helped her learn, grow professionally and gain valuable experience. She also highlighted the people she met during her time with the company, saying she had the opportunity to work alongside many “amazing people.” Beyond professional connections, Gabbe said she had built relationships and friendships that she expects to carry with her long after her time at Uber ends.

Choosing to see the layoff as an opportunity

While being laid off was not part of Gabbe’s plans, she said she is trying to approach the transition differently. She wrote that she feels blessed to have some time to slow down, spend time with her family and focus on herself. The unexpected break is also giving her an opportunity to think about what she genuinely wants from the next stage of her career. Gabbe also expressed gratitude for the support system around her during the transition, saying the encouragement of those close to her has been especially meaningful.

‘Every ending can make room for a new beginning’

Gabbe acknowledged that losing a job can be difficult, particularly when it happens unexpectedly. But she said she believes there can be something new waiting beyond an ending. “Sometimes a door closes before we’re ready, but I truly believe that every ending can make room for a new beginning,” she wrote.

The sentiment became a central part of her reflection as she looked beyond the immediate disappointment and towards what could come next.

An emotional goodbye

Gabbe also used her post to thank the colleagues she worked with during her four years at Uber Chicago. She thanked them for the “lessons, the laughs, the challenges, the support, and the memories,” adding that she was grateful their paths had crossed. For now, she said she is taking time to appreciate how far she has come and everything she has learned throughout her career.

Rather than immediately rushing into another role, Gabbe said she wants to take some time before deciding what comes next. She remains optimistic about putting her professional experience to use. With a background in customer operations, escalations and problem-solving, she said she is excited to see where those skills take her when the time is right. Ending her post on a hopeful note, Gabbe wrote, “Here’s to the next chapter.”