The Tech Industry is Depressing

Addressing the challenges faced by individuals in the tech industry is not a pleasant topic, yet it is increasingly vital to shed light on the prevalent issues. A growing number of individuals within the industry are grappling with heightened levels of depression, amplified by long working hours, job uncertainty, and the soaring costs of living.

In November, I experienced a layoff, joining approximately 120 others at F5. My role was one of the higher-paid positions on the team, and being approximately 90 miles from the SJC office, the 'blind' layoff algorithm selected me. The algorithm they employed seemed indifferent to the nuances of individual contributions, focusing solely on cost efficiency. It's disheartening that such a method fails to recognize the intangible impact and value that individuals bring to their teams.

The real question that needs addressing is whether the layoff was truly necessary. Despite the common rhetoric in the tech industry - 'We are reducing our workforce to accelerate and focus on our projects in a more targeted fashion' - the underlying translation is clear. Companies are prioritizing profit margins over their workforce, even after witnessing record profits.

The industry is witnessing an alarming turnover rate, with 40,000 individuals laid off in the first two months of this year alone. This rapid and massive upheaval is not acceptable. We are not cattle; we are not disposable. However, the algorithms, meant to protect financial interests, treat us as such, eroding the morality that distinguishes us from artificial intelligence.

Since the layoff, finding the motivation to apply for new positions has been challenging. The constant news of companies letting go of more engineers only adds to the demotivation. Unfortunately, many companies struggle to conduct effective interviews, leading to the oversight of skilled engineers for seemingly trivial reasons.

This situation calls for a critical examination of the ethical implications of relying on algorithms to make decisions that impact lives. The industry must find a balance between financial goals and the well-being of its workforce. In my next exploration, I'll delve into the challenges faced during interviews and the tendency to overlook excellent engineers for flimsy reasons.