The claim "you won't be replaced by AI, but by a person using AI" is nonsense. The Block layoff victims were some of the most productive, #llm pilled people in the company, but it didn't save them, because that's not what layoffs are about.

The layoff script goes, as always:
- overhire
- lay everyone off
- pretend it's because of #AI productivity gains
- stock go up

There is no individual solution that will protect you from bad leadership and cost cutting.

https://productpicnic.beehiiv.com/p/ai-layoffs-like-block-s-are-a-race-to-the-bottom-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-productivity

#tech

"AI layoffs" like Block's are a race to the bottom that have nothing to do with productivity.

You won't be replaced by AI, nor a person using AI, because backfills aren't real.

The Product Picnic
@PavelASamsonov I'm sure I heard somewhere that engineering was pretty much spared in the Block slaughter
@drgroftehauge Not from what I'm seeing on LinkedIn but I'm open to other sources

@PavelASamsonov Maybe it was simply someone trying to argue like you that the AI explanation was a smokescreen. I came across this article just now.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronshevlin/2026/02/27/block-lays-off-40-of-staff-and-blames-it-on-ai-dont-buy-the-excuse/

Block Lays Off 40% Of Staff And Blames It On AI. Don’t Buy The Excuse.

Block’s 40% layoffs spark questions about AI’s role and overhiring. Here’s what the data shows about headcount, compliance risk and what the cuts could signal.

Forbes