Also, sociopaths exist and they are often in management.
But in both cases, the key insight is that layoffs are often past the control of the engineer.
With the caveat that everyone responsible is also going to attempt to deny/deflect/reverse victim and offender, etc.
It’s amazing how ‘helpless’ some management/execs get when unpleasant decisions need to be made.
Also, sociopaths exist and they are often in management.
But in both cases, the key insight is that layoffs are often past the control of the engineer.