tech workers laid off in 2026, so far · trueup.io, Sep 8

What the job market is really costing people.

How long you’ve really been out of work, how many applications, and what it’s costing you. Answered anonymously. Tell the story you can’t tell on LinkedIn.

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The record, so far

111 people have told us where they stand.

Tech is having its hardest years, and the cost is landing on us.

Which of these is you?

Find the people who do what you do, and where they stand.

Material survival · % of the 111 on record
Lost or losing healthcare39%
no coverage
Housing or mortgage at risk34%
at risk
Living off savings74%
drawing down
Financial runway (months)

Financial runway, months before the money runs out — 1 to 3: 28%; 3 to 6: 22%; 6 to 12: 19%; 12+: 31%.

Leaving the field
No longer aiming to stay in tech67%
not staying
  • Staying in tech33%
  • Considering leaving41%
  • Retraining or applying outside14%
  • Already left12%
The human cost
Says unemployment has hurt their mental health83%
yes
Says it has strained close relationships42%
yes
Voices on record

Entry #111 · Other · senior · out 12+ mo

Have switched careers to just be able to live as the salary is 33% what tech was.

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Entry #110 · Product · senior · out 12+ mo

After 3 years of searching, my life is destroyed in every way: insolvent, marriage problems, health problems, dreams gone.

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Entry #109 · Sales · exec · out 12+ mo

There is no safety net after my last bit of money from sold assets is gone.

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Entry #107 · Other · exec · out 12+ mo

Ghosting, demanding free work product after one phone conversation.

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Entry #103 · Engineering · senior · out 3-6 mo

Now I have no idea what I’m qualified for that isn’t tech.

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Entry #102 · Design · exec · out 6-12 mo

282 applications since the second of June. 103 rejections. Three conversations with an actual human being.

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Entry #100 · Other · senior · out 12+ mo

I have over 15 years of experience, high potential, succession plans had my name on them. Why can't I even get a recruiter to talk to me?

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Entry #86 · Design · exec · out 12+ mo

I never thought I'd end up not being able to apply my skills and have to get a normal job for minimum wage at my age.

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All 60 who wrote something →

This is hard and humbling. And you are heard.