Tech companies are projected to cut more than 73,000 jobs in 2026, led by Meta, Snap, Oracle and Atlassian. AI and automation are being cited as the main reasons, with roles shrinking in areas where software can do tasks faster and cheaper. The shakeup is forcing workers to pivot to new skills as hiring patterns change across the industry.
A Seattle data scientist resigned after her company cut 40% of staff, despite being offered a 75% pay hike. She said her discomfort was rooted in “survivor’s guilt” and challenged the firm’s AI-driven productivity claims. The move ignited debate online about integrity, employee value, and whether companies reward loyalty or performance in layoffs’ aftermath.
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