Life After Tech: Ex-Google employee says layoff was a blessing in disguise

The wave of layoffs over the past few months has left many wondering what life after technology looks like.

For eight years, Gilroy’s Reuben Villa spent most of his time at Google, working as a visual designer.

Then came a January morning when he suddenly couldn’t log in to his employee account.

As he tried to understand what was going on, condolences began to come.

“I get text messages that even say, ‘Hi, sorry about the news. I’m really sorry.’ I was confused. I thought I was dead,” he laughed.

That’s how he found out he was fired. He was one of tens of thousands of techies who suddenly lost their jobs and faced an uncertain future.

Villa said it was a personal and emotional blow for him and probably for many others.

“I saw a range of emotions. Completely distraught and can’t even talk about it yet,” he said.

But now, nearly two months later, Villa believes the prank could have been a blessing in disguise.

For many years he referred to art as a side activity, but today it has become his main activity.

He is now a full-time artist and loves it.

“Firing or being fired by a company does not reflect in any way on your value, the intrinsic value of a person,” Villa said. “And your skill sets are still very much needed.”

Willa will open an art gallery in Gilroy next month called Fuchilandia.

His latest carrier: Chiclets. He saw the little chewing gum being sold by the kids at the Mexican border, the kids minding their own business.

He created Frida Kalho with Chiclets and even Our Lady of Guadalupe, which now adorns the local church. Everything is made from chicken – a tribute to these frontier kids.

“When I create art with the Chiclets, it’s a tribute to them because I have to keep telling their stories,” Villa said.

He doesn’t have the perks and pay he used to enjoy at Google. But in a sense, the artist says that now he feels richer.

“As a Chicano, I feel like I have a bigger responsibility than making art for art’s sake,” he said.

Career coach Silvia Bonilla Zizimbo says a career turnaround should always be considered when leaving.

“One of the benefits of layoffs is exploring new areas of interest,” she said. “Sometimes when you get laid off, there is some fear of judgment and an expectation that you will be replaced in a similar role. This is your chance to try something new.”

Villa did just that and discovered that there is life after technology.

“That’s my plan,” Villa said.