Ask HN: Have you been laid off?

I work remotely as a front-end developer at a VC-funded, series B startup. Funding has dried up as investors with financial exposure to anything retail or entertainment-related are hemorrhaging cash. The company leadership told us that starting immediately, all employees (including the fully-remote workers like myself) are on mandatory unpaid leave.

Job cuts in 2019 were already up a whopping 351% from the previous year[1]. Considering the COVID-19 outbreak, I'm concerned that many other tech workers like me might be updating their resumes and entering a stagnant job market. Alternatively, organizations may view this as a great time to gain additional market share. What do you think?

If you're a tech worker, have you been laid off or do you expect to be laid off soon? If you are a hiring manager, what is the current hiring status at your company?

[1] https://www.challengergray.com/press/press-releases/2019-year-end-job-cuts-report-fewest-monthly-cuts-july-2018-yoy-10

What skills do you have outside of front-end development? How many different frameworks do you know?

Got let go about 3 weeks ago now, not sure if my employer saw this coming or if their timing was just spot on. No one is interviewing at the moment and it looks like it's going to be at least another 2 weeks before people are even thinking about hiring. The employment situation is going to get much worse before it gets any better. Hang tight, keep applying and hope for the best.

I'm a hiring manager and we're hiring engineers: senior frontend and backend. Interviews are over Zoom; they're a bit choppy but people seem to be bearing with us.

If you work for a company funded by SoftBank or your company is chasing froth, I'd start making plans that involve your current employer no longer paying you.

I'd be remiss if I didn't say if you need a job, meet the above qualifications, and are willing to work in SF 4 days/week only -- comment below this. (Though obviously we're fully remote until at least April 7; I expect after that it's going to be fully remote at your choice for probably another month minimum. More depending on if / how Trump bungles the covid response further).

Take whatever you can get, if you are lucky enough to get an offer. Look for contract work. Reduce your expenses. The gaining market share idea is too optimistic. Consider cashflow and sector and aim for stability over upside. Consider headhunters/recruiters.

Really consider your expense and have a plan if you cannot find computer work when you will look outside of that. The general employment picture is a disaster, though.

Read up on COBRA (ensure you have continuing medical coverage) and your state's unemployment benefits and how/if they have recently changed.

Personally, I experienced the .com crash and worked through the 2008 financial crisis. I am absolutely terrified right now.