'Heartbreak in the festive season' : Employee’s emotional post on sudden layoffs goes viral

New Delhi: The arrival of the festive season should bring joy, but the wave of layoffs in the tech world has plunged millions of lives into sadness. Losing a job amidst decorating homes, planning vacations, and preparing for celebrations—this pain is nothing less than a punishment. An emotional post by tech professional Jyotsna Gupta on X (formerly Twitter) has gone viral, revealing exactly this harsh reality. "Layoffs in November and December hurt the most," the caption of her post reads. Is this post merely a complaint or a warning against corporate cruelty? Let's delve deeper into this viral story that has become the voice of millions.

Why are festive layoffs so cruel?

Jyotsna writes that this time is meant for life's big moments, but layoffs take away everything. "I know people who lost their jobs just a month before their wedding. People who couldn't even afford to celebrate New Year's. It's the most brutal timing." Do companies forget humanity in the pursuit of the "optics" of Q4? They say layoffs not only destroy careers but also take away confidence, plans, and the courage to celebrate. Why does this wave in the tech sector—where companies like Molson Coors recently laid off hundreds—intensify right before the holidays?

Why did Jyotsna's post go viral?

This message, posted on October 28th, has now gone viral with over 50,000 views and over 1,000 likes. Jyotsna, a staff engineer at Visa who previously worked at companies like GoJek and Exotel, wrote it simply, but its impact is profound. In reposts, people are sharing their own stories—wedding budgets and family gatherings being canceled. Will this post shake corporate leaders, or will it remain just another trending story on social media? #LayoffsInFestive Season is trending on X, with users asking whether the government or industry bodies should take action.

Why aren't the impacts of layoffs just personal? 

In Jyotsna's words, festive layoffs "break more than careers"—a clear indication that financial hardship also increases mental stress. 32,000 job cuts in the US in September, and major layoffs predicted in the Indian IT sector from October 9th to November 3rd—these figures indicate this is a global problem. Are companies sacrificing employees to protect margins in Q4 in the name of "structuring"? Experts say this not only breaks up families but also reduces consumer spending, impacting the festive economy.

What's next?

This post not only expresses the pain but also serves as a call to action—urging companies to consider the sensitive timing. Professionals like Jyotsna, who run women in tech groups, can raise their voices and bring about change. Will the layoff wave subside by the end of 2025, or will this dark shadow continue to overshadow the festive joy? If you've been through this, share your story—perhaps this collective voice will bring about change.