Tech Jobs in Crisis: What These Layoffs Really Mean for the Future of Work

Synopsis: The global tech industry is facing one of its biggest shake-ups since the pandemic, raising urgent questions about careers, reskilling, and the role of AI in everyday work.

80,000 Jobs Gone: Why 2025 Turned Into Tech’s Harshest Year Yet

The year 2025 was expected to mark the beginning of a significant AI-powered future. Instead, it has turned into a very difficult time for people working in technology. More than 80,000 tech jobs have already been lost this year, and the number is still rising.

These cuts are not limited to small firms. Some of the biggest companies have made deep cuts. Reports read that Microsoft, Intel, and Meta are among the leaders of this layoff wave. TCS is removing over 12,000 roles, calling it a case of “skill mismatches.” Meta, Google, and Amazon together cut about 20,000 to 25,000 roles.

Other companies have also been affected. Klaviyo reduced its staff by 20 percent in July and August. Red Hat laid off nearly 800 employees. Qorvo, a semiconductor firm, cut 250 positions. Salesforce, Cisco, and Oracle have also announced layoffs, though exact numbers are unclear. Startups and smaller firms have contributed another 5,000 to 8,000 job losses.

The main driver of these layoffs is the rise of artificial intelligence. While the economy and corporate restructuring play a role, experts agree that automation is at the center of the disruption. Many routine and mid-level jobs are being automated, leaving thousands of people without work.

The numbers are especially severe in the United States, where total job cuts across industries have already passed 7,40,000 this year. That is the highest level since the pandemic. Tech companies have contributed a large part of that total. India, another major hub for technology, is also feeling the impact. Mid-career professionals are facing the greatest risk.

The way these layoffs have been handled has also added to the pain. Reports suggest that more than half of employees were informed through email or phone calls, often with only a few weeks to transition.

Experts believe this shift will increase the demand for new skills. Jobs in AI engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and DevOps are expected to grow, even as traditional software roles shrink.

However, analysts warn that this is not over yet. The total number of global layoffs in 2025 may cross 100,000 before the year ends. While companies speak about efficiency and cost savings, the human cost of the AI revolution is becoming very clear.

For workers, the message is simple but harsh: reskill quickly, or risk being left behind.

Read More: Why is TCS Letting Go of 12,000 Employees? The Unspoken Side

Top Performers, Top Targets? What Layoffs Are Really Teaching Us

Synopsis: What if being the highest paid at work quietly puts you at the top of the layoff list? This piece unpacks why high salaries can backfire in unstable job markets, how even strong performers are not always safe, and what steps professionals can take to stay prepared without panicking. It is not just about doing your job well; it is about reading the room, adapting early, and thinking two steps ahead.

Okay, this whole thing about layoffs has been coming up a lot lately. And I have been noticing something... people with really high salaries are sometimes the first ones to be let go. That sounds strange, right? You would think that if someone is paid well, it means they are valuable. But apparently, it is not always that simple.

Someone on Reddit mentioned that expensive employees often get cut first during tough times. I paused at that. It made me think. Maybe when a company is trying to quickly lower costs, they just look at who costs the most, not necessarily who performs best. So, if you are earning a big paycheck, you might be more at risk, not less.

Now that is unsettling. But it does not mean you should not aim high. It just means you should be smart about it. If you are earning more, you should probably be saving more. Maybe investing wisely. You cannot assume the money will always keep coming.

There is also the career side of things. If your current job is giving you skills, connections, and experience that could help you land your next opportunity faster, then you are in a good spot. But if it is just a title and a paycheck, that is risky. You are standing on a narrow ledge.

Some people think jumping jobs too often looks bad. But sometimes, it might actually help. If it gives you growth, or better stability, or a better learning curve, it might be worth it. It depends on the situation. The key is not to jump without a reason. Or just for slightly more money.

To sum up: Additionally, layoffs are not always based solely on performance. That is a hard pill to swallow. But it is true. Some truly dedicated and hardworking individuals are being laid off. So being good at your job is not always enough. You have to be visible, adaptable, and useful across teams, if possible.