The Peterman Pod Honest Big Tech Layoff Story After 25 Year Career
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Jan 30, 2026 Asian Dad Energy, an anonymous long-time software engineer and former big-tech architect who was laid off after 25 years, shares candid career moments. He recounts his layoff and severance, explains consulting versus big-tech work and pay, and reflects on age, burnout, and why he started a viral YouTube channel. Short, frank stories about navigating tech careers and transitions.
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Self-Selected Layoff To Buy Time
- Asian Dad Energy knew he was on the layoff list ahead of time and used that knowledge to put himself at the top and get cut first.
- He viewed this as buying the company a few months of runway and accepted the emotional mix of anxiety and relief.
AI Investments Can Drive Cost-Cutting Layoffs
- He believes current layoffs are driven by firms needing to show AI-driven efficiency while cutting costs to prop up stock valuation.
- That creates a meta trend of shedding employees even when revenue remains steady.
Read And Negotiate Your Exit Package
- Big tech exits were structured with garden leave, months of severance, PTO payout, and stipends, so read the package carefully.
- Negotiate if you can, but don't let panic prevent you from asking for better terms.