Take the hit. I worked for a series B startup employing around 100 people at the start of the pandemic. Because of the pandemic the business was entirely shut down for 6 months. And was barely operational for longer still. Not a single person was let go.

Now, this requires you to run your business responsibly from the start. If you’re already on the edge of your runway you either cut back or die. But if you have the cash in the bank you’re a better person for spending it on the employees than doubling down on your war chest.