Investor warns of jealousy, envy, and helplessness among tech workers in Silicon Valley

Microsoft cut 9,000 jobs in its second 2025 layoff round. Meta and OpenAI’s talent war sees compensation packages soar to $20 million annually, creating contrasts in AI landscape. The layoffs affect less than 4% of Microsoft’s workforce, with investments in AI data centers ongoing. Meta’s aggressive talent acquisition sparks compensation inflation, with offers up to $20 million annually.

Meta recruited Scale CEO Alexandr Wang in a $14.3 billion deal and poached six star researchers from OpenAI. OpenAI CEO claimed Meta offered $100 million signing bonuses, which Meta CTO dismissed as dishonest. Talent shortage drives extreme valuations, with only 2,000 researchers capable of building foundational AI models globally.

Competition extends to universities, with companies pressuring Ph.D. interns to abandon studies for career opportunities. Microsoft’s third quarter revenue reached $70.07 billion, up 13% year-over-year, showcasing continued AI demand despite workforce reductions. Companies argue rapid AI advancements necessitate prompt career decisions over academic delays.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Investor Warns Of ‘Jealousy, Envy, And Helplessness’ Among Tech Workers In Silicon Valley