The Real Reason Behind The "AI Layoffs" (Hint: It's Not AI)

The Real Reason Behind The "AI Layoffs" (Hint: It's Not AI)

Everyone's blaming AI for the layoffs. The data says something else is going on.

Dot Fet | ProductFitCoach - Fernando Olivares

Fernando Olivares

Dot Fer | ProductFitCoach

Jul 23rd, 2026

Your CEO isn't scared of AI. He's scared of explaining why the company needs fewer people than it did three years ago.

Close to 186,000 tech jobs cut globally this year. AI cited as the reason for four straight months in a row, the longest streak on record.

Here's what nobody's saying out loud. The companies cutting the deepest are posting record revenue at the same time. Meta cut 8,000 people in May and raised its AI spending guidance to 115 billion dollars in the same breath.

So which is it? Is AI really taking the jobs, or is something else going on?

Record revenue, rising AI investment, and a shrinking headcount, all in the same slide. Generic illustration of what tech is living in right now.

I wrote the long answer, including my own honest read on when this actually settles (spoiler, it's not never, and it's not this year either), and a section just for anyone reading this from Europe, because what's happening here isn't close to what's happening in the US.

Read it here

Speaking of optimizing yourself

Preparing a creatine glass - Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Pexels.

If you read the tech layoffs piece and started thinking about what's actually in your control right now, here's one lever most people overlook, and is not about motivation or another productivity hack. Is creatine for cognitive performance.

I put together a full guide on creatine and cognitive performance, the same mechanism that helps you do more reps in the gym, applied to sustained focus and mental load.

Get the full guide

If we haven't met, or you're new here

Here's my introduction: I was a PM, overcaffeinated, constantly telling myself my health could wait, until it couldn't. I burned out and had to stop working completely. Rebuilding from the basics, sleep, food, movement, mindset, is what actually turned things around, and that became ProductFitCoach.

If you want the fuller story, I put it in a video:

One last thing:

If you work in tech and your energy, focus, or performance aren't where you'd like them to be, here's how I can help you:

  1. FitDots: The first Fitness Plan really designed for busy professionals. You will get 15-to-45 min workouts without a gym + The Lean Nutrition System. Perfect to lose weight, gain muscle and boost your cognitive performance. Get your Time-Flexible fitness plan here.

  2. Are you working in tech and want to improve your health, while getting in shape and increasing your energy and focus? Let's speak. Book a Free Strategy Call with me here.

Talk soon, Fer 👋

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.

Written by:

Dot Fet | ProductFitCoach - Fernando Olivares

Fernando Olivares

Dot Fer | ProductFitCoach

Health & Productivity Coach to High Performers in Tech | 8 years in Tech.

Written by:

Dot Fet | ProductFitCoach - Fernando Olivares

Fernando Olivares

Dot Fer | ProductFitCoach

Health & Productivity Coach to High Performers in Tech | 8 years in Tech.

Written by:

Dot Fet | ProductFitCoach - Fernando Olivares

Fernando Olivares

Dot Fer - ProductFitCoach

Productivity Coach to High Performers in Tech | 8 years in Tech.

Written by:

Dot Fet | ProductFitCoach - Fernando Olivares

Fernando Olivares

Dot Fer | ProductFitCoach

Health & Productivity Coach to High Performers in Tech | 8 years in Tech.

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Dot Fer | ProductFitCoach

Fernando Olivares

2026

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Dot Fer | ProductFitCoach

Fernando Olivares

2026

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Productivity, Health & Fitness for people in Tech.

Your information is safe with me. I'll never spam or share your contact info.

Dot Fer | ProductFitCoach

Fernando Olivares

2026