META LAYOFFS
Tech layoffs were just the start: 1.6 million more US job cuts could push America toward recession
US technology layoffs have crossed 200,000 in 2026, with Google, Microsoft, Amazon and other major companies cutting jobs. But the bigger concern is whether the trend will spread to retail and financial services, where another 1.6 million job losses could push unemployment higher and raise fears of a US recession.
Why Big Tech companies Microsoft, Google, Meta and others are opting for voluntary buyouts
In response to fluctuating market demands, Meta has rolled out voluntary exit packages in France aimed at workforce restructuring. This initiative is part of a broader trend as tech giants like Google and Microsoft implement similar measures globally to optimize costs. These packages offer employees the choice to depart with financial incentives and transition support, showcasing a more favorable approach compared to traditional layoffs amidst economic uncertainty.
After laying off thousands, Meta now offers voluntary exit packages like Google and Microsoft. Here's all you need to know
Meta has launched a voluntary exit programme in France, designed to reorganize its team while pivoting towards artificial intelligence development. This attractive package includes severance pay, mobility leave, and extensive career support for transitioning employees. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the tech industry, as companies like Google and Microsoft are also adopting similar voluntary separation strategies. Employees wishing to participate must apply by November 5.
Amazon cloud business accelerates but shares drop on profit miss
Amazon experienced a notable decline of over seven percent in its shares following the release of its quarterly earnings, which failed to meet analyst forecasts. The tech giant reported a total revenue of $201.9 billion, revealing struggles across multiple sectors. Nonetheless, the growth of its AWS cloud division stood out as a silver lining.
Explained: Microsoft's buyout offer to about 60,000 employees
Staff on select teams in the US, Canada, India, and Britain, at the level of vice president and below. Some groups are excluded, including some data centre staff and employees in sales and marketing. Chief people officer Amy Coleman told employees in a memo that the offer is meant to create “greater flexibility” for staff.
Layoffs: Microsoft, Amazon, HP among companies reducing staff due to AI push
Recent developments reveal that leading tech firms like Microsoft and Amazon are making substantial job cuts due to the rise of AI technologies. Microsoft has launched a voluntary exit program that may impact approximately 60,000 employees globally. Meanwhile, Amazon has laid off around 30,000 workers as part of a restructuring effort driven by AI advancements.

World shares are mixed after Wall Street's AI-related losses, while oil prices jump
Global stock markets displayed a mix of outcomes while oil prices surged due to escalating tensions in Iran. Brent crude soared past $114 per barrel, suggesting growing unease within the energy sector. In the U.S., tech giants like Nvidia and Meta Platforms saw significant declines, raising worries about economic repercussions. Concurrently, U.S.

Five hours a week of posting earned more than her 9-to-5: Meet Sundas Khalid of Seattle, she posted career wins on Instagram while at Amazon. In 2024 the side hustle earned $302,000
Sundas Khalid spent years building her career in Big Tech, moving from a $77,000 starting salary at Amazon to earning $292,000 a year at Google. Then her side business began bringing in even more money than her full-time job. In 2024, Khalid generated $302,000 in revenue through content creation, according to Business Insider. She spent around four to five hours a week on the business while continuing to work a 40-hour week at Google.

Skyroot eyes funding boost; MDR deferment cheers D2C brands
Happy Thursday! Skyroot is eyeing a big funding round as it gears up to scale rocket production. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

Paramount Skydance merger: Is David Ellison’s $110 billion hollywood gamble now about tech?
Paramount Skydance has completed a $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery to reshape Hollywood's landscape. The merger combines major studios and platforms under one roof, aiming for efficiency and technological advancements. Skydance plans to streamline operations while managing considerable debt and integrating two large companies. Executives emphasize the importance of technology and artificial intelligence in enhancing viewer experiences.

Amazon's surprising gesture for fired employees after over 30,000 layoffs: Tech giant reaches out to former workers for AI, cloud jobs
Following significant layoffs in 2026, Amazon is reaching out to its former workforce, offering new job opportunities primarily in AI and cloud computing sectors. Amazon has introduced 'Swami's Boomerang Reengagement Initiative' to attract these ex-employees back, reflecting a broader company trend of rehiring across departments. Amazon has already floated rehiring laid-off employees before.

ETSA 2026: Emergent shifting focus from AI software to business automation, says CEO Mukund Jha
The company is testing agents that can remain active in the background, monitor business metrics and help with tasks such as cash-flow analysis, scheduling and social media management. More than half of its team is working on its core agent technology, he said.

Private kettle, microwave in train: Indian tourist's trip to Russia’s double-decker train goes viral; netizens ask, ‘Train mein ye sab bhi hota hai kya?’
An Indian traveller’s video offering a tour of a double-decker Russian train has attracted almost 7 million views online. The creator took viewers through the train’s two levels, showing passenger compartments, seating and onboard facilities including water, a kettle, microwave and vending machine. The video also prompted viewers to compare the experience with train facilities available in India.

Meta layoff made me rich: Ex-employee says he made more money after losing the job
Ex-Meta employee claimed on Blind that being laid off ultimately left them with more savings than they would have accumulated had they remained at the company. The employee said they secured another job before their termination period ended, allowing them to receive pay from both employers for about three months, along with an August stock vest, and invest around $30,000 of the additional income.

AI's left hand begins to take away jobs before its right hand can
In response to soaring chip prices, Samsung India is downsizing its electronics division. The burgeoning demand for specialized chips fueled by AI advancements is driving up costs for standard memory. As organizations focus their finances on AI infrastructure, resources for payroll are strained, potentially resulting in job reductions despite the lack of direct automation.

Inside Meta’s Project OT that could have cut some teams by 60% and why Mark Zuckerberg scrapped it
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, set out with Project OT to create an AI-driven future for the company, proposing substantial team reductions in favor of AI automation. Yet, internal pushback and fears over efficiency stymied the next phase of this initiative. Investors also expressed doubts regarding Meta's large-scale investments in AI. In the end, the company shifted its focus back to prioritizing its human employees.

Mark Zuckerberg had a bold plan to replace Meta staff with AI. Here's how it imploded.
Meta considered cutting some teams by as much as 60% under an AI-driven restructuring plan, Reuters reported. The company ultimately cut 10% of staff in May and abandoned a second round as employee opposition grew and internal data showed AI tools were not delivering expected productivity gains.

Tech layoffs 2026: More than 175,000 workers laid off as Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon, Meta, TikTok, Uber, LinkedIn as dozens of companies cut jobs amid AI boom
Tech layoffs are accelerating in 2026 as big companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon, Meta, Linkedin, TikTok, Visa and dozens of other mega companies have announced slashing of jobs. Here's why AI, restructuring, cost-cutting and changing business priorities are reshaping the technology workforce. More than 175,000 technology workers had been laid off in 2026 by the middle of the year.

Meta Layoffs 2026: Why Zuckerberg's AI bet is eliminating 7,900 jobs — and what it means for every tech worker
Meta layoffs 2026 hit Silicon Valley hard as nearly 10% workforce reduction begins at Meta Platforms amid rising AI restructuring and cost pressure. Reports show employees were told to work remotely as job cuts roll out in waves. Led by Mark Zuckerberg, the company is shifting toward lean teams, faster execution, and heavy AI investment. Meta's HR chief Janelle Gale described the restructuring as baking "AI native design principles" into new organizational structures. Market watchers see this as a turning point in tech jobs and global workforce transformation.
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