If you’ve followed the news at all, it’s hard to ignore the mass layoffs across the tech industry. Companies like Oracle, Robinhood, Meta, Tesla, Intel and so many others have slammed the brakes on hiring or slashed jobs. And it’s not just “Big Tech” — crypto, FinTech, and even edtech startups are in the crosshairs. The problem is, these layoffs are a sign that things may not be getting better anytime soon.
What’s behind the layoffs?
After the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of workers ditched corporate life for the flexibility and work-life balance that comes with working remotely. In addition, millions of people switched to non-traditional jobs in tech, including roles like software engineers, QA testers and data scientists. During the pandemic, it seemed like tech workers had it all: envy-worthy benefits, above-average salaries and a veritable cornucopia of career opportunities to choose from.
But, now that the industry is rebounding, companies are having to rebalance their workforces. As growth slows, budgets tighten and priorities shift, the overzealous hiring that was a response to the pandemic is looking more and more like bloat.
The good news is that most people who are laid off find new work within three months. And the 2025 job market is still robust for high-demand roles like AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing. But, the layoffs aren’t over and it’s important to stay aware of the risks and signs that your job security is at risk.
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