Tech Layoffs Aren’t Slowing Down

The Year Tech Lost Its Chill

You’d think after the massive cuts in 2023 and 2024, tech companies might catch a breather. Nope. 2025 is proving that the layoff train hasn’t reached its final stop.

As of mid-June, more than 60,000 tech workers have been laid off globally, according to TechCrunch’s Layoff Tracker. That’s thousands of careers disrupted—and we’re only halfway through the year.

What’s surprising is how widespread it’s become: from Silicon Valley darlings to lesser-known startups, no one seems safe. The cuts are hitting engineering, operations, customer service, and even product teams. And this time, it's not just about overhiring during the pandemic boom—it’s also about how companies are restructuring for AI-era efficiency.

Who’s Cutting and Why?

From edtech firm Duolingo to AI companies like Scale AI, layoffs are stretching across sectors once seen as “future-proof.” Some names on the list might shock you:

• Duolingo: Cut 10% of contract translators.
• Scale AI: Let go of 20% of its labeling workforce.
• Edtech unicorn Degreed: Slashed 40% of roles.
• Elation Health, Airbase, and fintech giant Brex have all trimmed staff too.

Why? Cost-cutting is one reason. But more importantly, these companies are pivoting—fast. They’re automating, refocusing on profitability, or adjusting to investor pressure in a tighter funding environment.

The AI boom is real, but it’s also eating up roles that were once essential to tech workflows. That includes contract work, customer operations, and even junior-level technical positions.

The Vibe Has Shifted

2025 is no longer about growth at all costs. It’s about controlled scale, cleaner org charts, and cautious optimism. Job seekers are noticing. What used to be a high-energy job market now feels more like a cautious waiting room.

This doesn’t mean tech is dying—far from it. But it does mean job seekers need to adapt. That might include upskilling for AI-focused roles, thinking beyond big brands, and staying nimble in a changing hiring landscape.

The Bottom Line

The layoffs aren’t random—they’re strategic. Companies aren’t just tightening belts, they’re rebuilding around automation, efficiency, and a leaner workforce. If you're in tech right now, it’s less about panic and more about pivoting.

Keep an eye on which sectors are still hiring, invest in the right skills, and remember: the rules of tech employment have changed.

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