I saw something coming. These were the signs, the so-called "writing on the wall":

• Years ago, a VP mistakes me for a part of technical staff and tells me that our unit has to prove itself, otherwise it'll be closed down. That was information not intended for my ears.
• The design work (that I did) is shifted to an overseas location. The pretense is that the other location has much better manufacturing (which is true).
• I'm assigned tasks and responsibilities outside my comfort area and with no training. (I'm not really needed there at this point.)
• Boss complains about my progress (attempting to gaslight me into thinking I'm valueless). And he especially doesn't like it when I point out the lack of training. (It's a trigger for him, apparently.)
• And he complains about my attitude.
• The place is a sheethole and poorly maintained.
• Boss threatens to put me on probation.
• Boss issues a written warning, which he has me sign.

So I expected the next step was the probation.

Meanwhile, the business climate keeps getting worse. CEO announces company-wide layoffs -- an unprecedented step for this place. I begin to see hope, here, but I stop short of asking about whether they'd like voluntary layoffs.

When I responded to my last 1:1, I was apprehensive. You'd be surprised how delighted I was to find out I was being laid off. The poor HR girl was the only one who was upset.