So far, the current wave of tech layoffs has directly affected more than 153,000 people in 2023. But it’s had a disproportionate impact on women, people of color, and people in the United States on H1-B visas. Overall, these layoffs are a body blow to diversity in tech, not just slowing but actually reversing hard-won gains. Of those who lost their jobs in the most recent round of layoffs, 45% were women—which doesn’t sound bad until you remember that less than a third of tech industry roles and less than a quarter of tech leadership roles are filled by women. Other underrepresented groups, es ..read more

It’s an anxious time to work in tech. According to one count, more than 280,000 people were laid off from tech jobs in 2022 and the first two months of 2023. This is scary. People have lost their livelihoods. Thousands of people in the United States on H-1B work visas, along with their families, face deportation unless they can find another job within 60 days. Diversity gains in tech have been dealt a serious blow. These layoffs have spotlighted the tenuous and unsustainable situation the US immigration system creates for foreign-born workers; the disproportionate impact of tech layoffs on wom ..read more

The home team talks with Wesley Faulkner, Senior Community Manager at AWS, about what’s going on with this cycle of tech layoffs, how to position yourself for success on the job market, and why it’s worth interviewing for jobs you might not want. Plus: The two things you should do as soon as you get an offer. Episode notes: Per one count, more than 280,000 people were laid off from tech jobs in 2022 and the first two months of 2023. What do layoffs have in common with farting at a party? Both are a bad look if you’re the only one doing it. ICYMI: On a recent episode, we talked about how these ..read more

The home team convenes to talk about how tech layoffs are reshaping the industry, where to look for software engineering jobs beyond tech, the brain-computer interface that speeds up communication for people with paralysis, and Ben’s million-dollar game idea (free for the stealing).  Episode notes: Naturally, tech layoffs are top-of-mind for many of us. Despite comparisons to the dot-com bubble, what we’re seeing right now is different. Here’s what the tech and media layoffs really tell us about the economy. In praise of analog technology: why Millennials and Gen Z are springing for pape ..read more