Ambitious workaday vlogs once dominated TikTok — but after widespread layoffs across . The tech industry, the videos have been replaced with content about . Flexible company benefits, unemployment and labor rights.
The past few months have been . Particularly brutal for the tech sector, as industry giants cut . Their workforces amid a sluggish global economy. Google’s parent company. Alphabet, announced 12,000 layoffs this week, days after . Microsoft announced plans to lay off 10,000 workers. Meta, Salesforce, Twitter. Snap and other tech companies have also announced layoffs in recent months.
The grim reality of layoffs fades away from the facade of tech employee office vlogs. Which often feature attractive corporate perks like catered lunches. Campus gym facilities, and sponsored happy hours. The genre, which became popular last year, depicted a unattainable lifestyle. Now, many creators have turned to posting raw — but still curated — . Content about unemployment. Others are using their platforms. To raise awareness about labor rights in the wake of recent layoffs.
TikTok users contacted by did not respond to requests for comment. But their videos about their layoff experiences have gone viral.
In a “Day in the Life” video posted last year, for example, an account strategist at Google documented. Valeting his car for free and taking breaks in a “nap room. before attending a meeting in a Harry Potter-themed conference room. A program manager at Microsoft shows his lunch of red wine-braised. Short ribs and his coffee break at the company’s in-house cafe in another “day in the life” video. He captioned it, “I spent $0 today.”
Company benefits also extend to working from home.
Earlier this month, a TikTok . Creator who goes by the username nicolesdailyvlog posted an. Unboxing” video — he received an employee appreciation package from Google. The box included a plush blanket, a cold brew coffee machine and other branded gifts.
“This is a wonderful gift, and I can’t wait until they send us another one!” He said in the video.
Feelings” after his layoff but expressed optimism for his future.
“I know that the universe has wonderful things in store for me, and I’ve survived 100% of things up to this point,” he said.
Another creator announced his . layoff in a hilarious TikTok, “When your amazing tech job lets you. Off after signing a 12-month lease because we had to go back to the office.”
Some manufacturers have taken a more serious approach.
A former Meta employee, known as . Alejandra_n_h, has been posting daily vlogs about her mental . Health and applying for other jobs. Another laid-off tech worker started a job search accountability group that hosts . Virtual meetings for members to support and mentor each other . Throughout the job application ordeal.
Others have announced that they have decided to leave the corporate world altogether. Producer Tar Beilimaya, who described his layoff experience in a “storytime. Video, said he was one of the top performers at his job at an unnamed “big tech” company. He realized he had been laid off last week when he locked his laptop.
“Not only did I not see this coming, but I’m kind of excited now because I can do my own thing,” he said in a video posted this week. “And even though I’m 25, I don’t want to do a nine-to-five anymore. So yes, I’m unemployed, but I have a lot of confidence in myself.”
Educating visitors about their rights has also gained popularity following recent layoffs.
TikTok user alberta.nyc, a Google software engineer and self-described “tech cynic. Made videos about the importance of unions in the tech industry. In a recent “Day in the Life” office video, alberta.nyc viewers copy . What appears to be an Alphabet Workers Union letter-writing event in. Support of a laid-off co-worker.
When TikTok user hiitsmeming shared that Meta laid off her a month before she was due to have a baby. Other creators stitched up her video suggesting she sign up. For health insurance with lower premiums.
At the height of the layoffs late last year, TikTok creator MillenniumCorp . urged viewers to familiarize themselves with their state’s employment laws. So they can ensure they are paid their full wages. Creator Celine Hui encouraged viewers to discuss their separation pay . Before agreeing to sign any legal documents, which surprised commenters.
Although approaches to the content of. layoffs vary, many creators embrace camaraderie with others while documenting their unemployment. In a video, creator Alejandra_N_H expressed solidarity with former . Amazon employees who were affected by the recent layoffs.
Hernandez saidLauer, our job … we stand in solidarity with you and the family believes there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
