- Let go: A euphemism for being fired or dismissed from a job, often used to soften the blow or sound less harsh. It can imply either termination for cause or due to redundancy.
- Laid off: Specifically means losing a job due to reasons unrelated to personal performance, such as company downsizing, restructuring, or lack of work. It implies no fault on the employee's part.
Explanation
Origin
- Let go: Implies releasing someone from their obligation or hold (the job), framing it as a neutral release rather than a forceful removal.
- Laid off: Comes from the idea of workers being temporarily set aside (laid off) during slow periods, with the expectation of being rehired later. While this temporary aspect is often no longer the case, the term persists for permanent job loss due to economic/structural reasons.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
More Direct/Harsh (usually implies fault):
- Fired
- Sacked / Got the sack
- Canned
- Axed / Got the axe
- Booted / Got the boot
- Shown the door
Formal/Neutral:
- Terminated
- Dismissed
- Separated from the company
Specific to No-Fault:
- Made redundant (UK/Aus)
- Downsized (describes the process)
Euphemistic/Corporate Speak:
- Transitioned out
- Dehired
- Released
- Rightsized (often criticized as overly euphemistic)
Situational Appropriateness
- Let go is common in professional settings, often used by HR/managers to soften bad news. Can be seen as evasive if used when someone is clearly fired for cause.
- Laid off is standard terminology for job loss due to non-performance reasons, used in professional and informal contexts.
- Direct terms like fired or sacked are more informal or used when the cause is clearly negative performance/behavior.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The key difference between laid off (no fault) and fired (fault) is important. Let go can be ambiguous and cover both situations, sometimes causing confusion about the reason for termination. Non-native speakers should clarify if unsure.
Examples
- Let go: The company had to let several employees go. / I'm sorry, but we have to let you go. / He was let go for poor performance.
- Laid off: She was laid off when the factory closed. / They announced massive layoffs in the tech sector. / Many workers were laid off due to budget cuts.
Dialogue
Scenario 1 (Let go ambiguous):
Manager: David, I need to talk to you. Unfortunately, we have to let you go.
David: Let me go? Why? What did I do?
Manager: It's a difficult decision, based on recent evaluations...
Scenario 2 (Laid off specific):
Sarah: Bad news, my whole department got laid off today.
Tom: Oh no, Sarah! I'm so sorry. Was it downsizing?
Sarah: Yeah, they're restructuring the division.
Social Media Examples
- LinkedIn post: Unfortunately, I was part of the recent layoffs at Company X. Seeking new opportunities in project management. #OpenToWork #Layoff
- Tweet: Hearing about more tech layoffs. Scary times. Hope everyone affected lands on their feet soon. #TechIndustry #Economy
- News update: Automaker announces plans to let go 5% of its workforce due to slowing sales. #BusinessNews #Layoffs
Response Patterns
- To being told: Shock (What? Why?), sadness, anger, questions about severance/reasons.
- When hearing about others: Sympathy (Oh no, that's terrible.), concern (How are they doing?), questions about the reason (Was it layoffs?).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Why was I let go / laid off?
- Is there a severance package?
- Can I get a reference?
- Offering support or condolences to someone affected.
- Discussing the company's financial health or future.
- Starting a job search.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically part of bad news delivery or sharing significant life events.
Intonation
- Often spoken with a serious, somber, or regretful tone, especially when delivering the news.
- Stress usually falls on go in let go and off in laid off.
Generation Differences
- Both terms are widely understood across working generations.
Regional Variations
- Laid off is standard in North America.
- Made redundant is the direct equivalent and more common term in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand for the same situation (job loss due to role elimination). Laid off is understood but less used.
- Let go is common in most regions.