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Tech employment now significantly worse than the 2008 or 2020 recessions (twitter.com)

1031 points by enraged_camel · 132 days ago · 687 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the current state of tech employment, comparing it to the 2008 and 2020 recessions. The comments suggest that the 2020 recession was not as severe for tech employment, with some industries even experiencing a hiring boom. However, the current situation is perceived as worse, with many companies shedding employees hired during the pandemic. The reasons for this are debated in the comments.

Main themes

  • tech employment trends
  • pandemic impact
  • ghost jobs
  • AI in hiring
  • industry correction
  • moral hazard
  • job market competition

What commenters say

  • The 2020 recession was not bad for tech employment, with some industries experiencing a hiring boom due to the pandemic.
  • Many companies overhired during the pandemic and are now laying off employees, contributing to the current poor state of tech employment.
  • The tech industry has a problem with 'ghost jobs' where companies post fake job openings to gather data on market trends or to fulfill legal requirements.
  • Some commenters believe that the current situation is a result of companies shedding marginal employees hired during the pandemic, while others think it is a sign of a deeper issue in the industry.
  • The use of AI in hiring processes is seen as a factor contributing to the difficulty of finding a job, with some commenters experiencing immediate rejections due to arbitrary rulesets given to AI algorithms.
  • The proliferation of 'ghost jobs' imposes costs on job seekers while benefiting employers, creating a moral hazard.
  • Some commenters argue that the tech industry is experiencing a hangover from the free money and easy hiring of the pandemic era, leading to a more competitive and difficult job market.
  • Others believe that the industry is undergoing a necessary correction, with companies getting rid of unnecessary employees and streamlining their operations.