A tech worker’s Reddit post warning of layoffs in the information technology (IT) industry is making the rounds. A user claiming to be a software engineer expressed concern about the tech sector, calling it one of the most stressful and uncertain industries amid massive AI-related layoffs. The Redditor explained that he felt compelled to speak out after witnessing one of his close friends struggle, despite working tirelessly for his company.
According to the post, the engineer’s friend may soon lose his job despite “working day and night” for the organization. A user shared his frustration and wrote: “Don’t become a software engineer please!” rather than criticizing the current culture in the field.
“My very close friend is getting fired, he worked day and night, and the company needs to change that saying!” he wrote
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The user further claimed that software engineers are no longer treated with the same respect they used to be and are now expected to constantly prove their worth under extreme pressure.
“Companies treat software engineers like die-hard majdoors. And now there’s almost no engineering in software engineering, we’re mostly orchestrators who instigate the clatter!” post read.
“Demand is very low,”
The Redditor also claimed that the number of candidates entering the field has skyrocketed, while job opportunities have decreased. He advised students not to blindly pursue college races or coding careers because they believe they guarantee success.
“There is really less demand for engineers in the market, don’t go for this 1-2-3 level, the demand is very low, you will have to be very lucky to get into any company in this rat race,” he added.
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Asked if technical ability still matters in today’s hiring environment, the user wrote: “With so many candidates…think logically, does it matter your DSA or skills or luck?”
Screengrab from a viral Reddit post.
An engineer reveals his own anxiety despite his high salary
The Redditor revealed that he graduated in 2023 and currently works at a major tech company with an annual package of over ₹35 million. However, he admitted that the fear of being fired still affects him despite his high salary.
“I say this as someone who graduated in 2023. I work in tech and make 35+ L in big tech. And every week I think I might get fired whenever I slow down,” he said.
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The post ended with a blunt warning aimed at younger generations. “My dear juniors, don’t be idle with your career and become a software engineer, we will have to look for some other stream,” the user wrote.
Social media users are sharing mixed reactions
As the post circulated online, users reacted with a mixture of concern, frustration and disapproval.
“Imagine you’re in first year CS reading this,” one user commented. Another wrote: “Do you really think that many people in India want to be software engineers? Everyone is forced or groomed to go into swe.”
Some users expressed confusion over the career choice, with one commenting, “That’s what we should be doing guys…”
However, others have argued that software engineering still offers opportunities beyond coding itself. “Software engineering is much more than just coding. You can work in other fields. Only thing required is skill and network,” wrote another user.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.)
