5 hrs ago
Former Big Tech Workers Describe Layoffs’ Harsh Aftermath
Four people who once worked for famous technology companies lost their jobs.
They had earned high salaries and expected their careers to be stable.
After being laid off, finding new work was much harder than they expected.
One person said she applied for more than 8,000 jobs.
Another was still looking for work one year later.
Losing their jobs also caused money problems and made healthcare more expensive for one family.
Some had to use savings, change spending or postpone important plans.
They are now considering consulting, startups and other kinds of work.
Their experience taught them that a famous company and a high salary do not guarantee permanent job security.
Four former employees of Meta, Google, Microsoft and Intel described prolonged unemployment after layoffs.
Brittney Ball said she submitted more than 8,000 job applications after losing her Meta role.
Sriram RamKrishna was still searching for work a year after Intel laid off his business unit.
The former employees reported financial pressure, altered plans and concerns about healthcare costs.
The experience led them to explore consulting, startups and personal brands beyond traditional Big Tech jobs.
- Who
- Four former technology workers: Brittney Ball, Jason Zhang, Joe Friend and Sriram RamKrishna.
- What
- They described prolonged unemployment, financial strain and career uncertainty after being laid off from major technology companies.
- Where
- The workers had been employed at Meta, Google, Microsoft and Intel; Ball plans to move from Washington, DC, to Charlotte.
- When
- After their layoffs; Sriram RamKrishna said he was laid off in July 2025 and was still searching a year later.
- Why
- Their employers eliminated their roles or shut down a business unit, prompting them to seek new work and reconsider their careers.
Key facts
- People interviewed
- Four former technology employees spoke with Business Insider.
- Largest reported job-search effort
- Brittney Ball said she submitted more than 8,000 applications.
- Longest reported unemployment
- Sriram RamKrishna said he was still searching for work one year after his layoff.
- Former employers
- Meta, Google, Microsoft and Intel.
- Reported healthcare cost
- Joe Friend said his family paid about $2,600 per month for medical coverage after losing employer insurance.
- Reported former salaries
- The workers reported annual earnings ranging from about $180,000 to $250,000 in base salary.
- Career changes
- The four are considering or pursuing personal brands, consulting businesses or startups.
Sources
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