Tech workers everywhere are living in perpetual fear of joining the
In December of 2022, the former technical writer found out he was laid off from the company he was freelancing for through a short Zoom call. Afterwards, the company, which Rana requested to keep anonymous out of respect for his former employer, was very accommodating and helped him through the offboarding process and with next steps. However, that did little to quell
"Losing my job felt like a big shock — like being splashed with cold water all of a sudden," he recalled. "They were really nice about it, but it still made me feel sad and worried. The whole thing taught me how important it is to always be ready for changes and to keep learning new things."
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Sana was just one of over 200,000 tech workers who were laid off in late 2022 and 2023, a trend that has continued into 2024. So far, almost 32,000 workers have already been let go since the beginning of the year, according to tracking website Layoffs.fyi, many from some of the
While Rana has since started his own business — tech resource website TechiAid — he's not immune to the familiar anxiety his colleagues are feeling.
"These are challenging times for many of us working in the technology industry," Rana says. "Everyone is a little afraid of losing their job. It will be interesting to see how everyone does [after this]."
Rana recently relayed his story with EBN in an effort to
How did it feel to be laid off?
When I was laid off, I learned that it is important to be flexible and persevere, even in difficult times. The tech community is great; they offer support and advice, so I see this as an opportunity to grow. After losing my job, I decided it was a good time to learn more and explore new opportunities in technology. I've been engaging with many individuals, enrolling in online courses, and attending technology events. I'm currently brainstorming new ideas for [my company] TechiAid, aiming to help people by sharing iPhone-related news and leveraging my technical writing skills in this context.
Although there is a lot of uncertainty, the technology world still offers opportunities for those who are willing to learn and try new things. This difficult time has shown me how quickly technology is changing and the most important thing to move forward is movement.
As someone who's been laid off and still works in the tech industry, how does the landscape feel?
People still working in the technology industry feel confused and hopeful. With all the job losses happening in tech, it's normal for everyone to feel a bit nervous and unsure about the future. It's like when you're not sure if you can trust someone after they've let you down. But even with all this happening, many of us are trying to stay positive — people come together and help each other find new opportunities and learn new things.
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This shows how much the technology community supports this. We all want to stay flexible and do our best by learning more and preparing for new types of work. We're learning new skills, meeting new people, and looking for different kinds of jobs in tech. Doing all these things makes us feel a bit better and more hopeful.
What helped you cope with the aftermath of losing your job?
One of the best things about working in tech is how much everyone helps each other, especially now. It's like having a big group of friends who are always there to support you, give you advice, and cheer you up when you're feeling down. This makes dealing with tough times a lot easier. It's amazing to see how kind and helpful everyone can be, even when times are tough.
What advice would you give to the tech workers currently facing layoffs today?
If you lose your job, try to see it as a chance to do something new. It's OK to feel upset at first, but then start thinking about what you can learn next. Talk to people, find out what's happening in tech, and maybe learn some new skills. It's a good time to think about what you really want to do in tech. Remember, tough times can lead to good changes if you're open to it.
