Inside the 'LinkedInferno': How Tech Workers Are Fighting to Survive Record Layoffs

Tech workers are reeling as AI and mass layoffs upend their formerly dependable and lucrative career path. More than 108,000 tech workers have been laid off this year alone, including from blue-chip firms like Cisco, LinkedIn, PayPal, Meta, and Amazon. Cuts are already nearing last year’s total of 124,281, and they now outpace those following the 2020 pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis.

The Human Toll of Layoffs

Julia, an executive at a well-known tech company, was shocked when she was laid off in April. “It took me two days to get out of bed,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much of my confidence and emotional wellbeing was tied to having a routine and a community.” She formed a group chat called “LinkedInferno” with fellow women in tech to bond over shared challenges.

Jonathan Denno, a software test analyst laid off from Fidelity Information Services after a decade, suspects AI investments drove his layoff. He used severance to upskill and apply for jobs, eventually landing a contract role at Apple. “I would dedicate time to job hunting, but the other half was for skill training,” he said.

AI: The Double-Edged Sword

AI is both a cause of layoffs and a source of hope. Roger Lee, creator of Layoffs.fyi, explains: “Companies like Meta and Amazon are spending so much on AI investments that they need to cut costs elsewhere. Layoffs are their answer, hoping AI can increase productivity as headcount shrinks.”

Elbert Nguyen, 25, laid off from AMD, worries the industry is moving too fast. “It all comes at a cost. I fear it’s being swept under the rug—the political, economic, and environmental risks of AI.”

The New Reality: Fierce Competition and AI Interviews

A senior engineering manager went through over 50 rounds of near-miss interviews before accepting a startup role at less than a third of his previous salary. “It’s not the best outcome, but I get to work in AI and reskill myself,” he said. He’s considering relocating to India to make his savings last.

Jessica Bryant, laid off from Accenture, applied to hundreds of jobs and was even interviewed by an AI—an exercise she suspects was aimed at improving the technology. She worries about her daughter’s daycare voucher expiring if she doesn’t find a job soon.

Community as a Lifeline

Basem Istanbouli, laid off from Google, founded un(PTO), a group that hosts weekly hikes for laid-off tech workers. The group now attracts over 90 participants per outing. “Even on LinkedIn, saying you’re laid off has shame attached,” he said. “You want to be with people in a similar boat, where you can be vulnerable.”

A Moment for Reflection

Despite the fear, some see opportunity. Julia reflects: “This is a really important time for people to think about how they want to live their lives with purpose and intention. What these layoffs are signaling is something greater—we are going to be replaced at some point. But this is also a chance to question, ‘Is this my calling?’”