The Tech Drop

The State of Tech Hiring

• Managers and CEOs seek to integrate AI to reduce labour costs.

• Overhiring during covid coupled economic uncertainty leads to a lack of positions.

• Some areas of tech are still seeking skilled professionals, especially fintech and ML.

As companies face continued economic uncertainty, many CEOs are looking to AI as a means of driving efficiency and cutting costs. Overhiring during the pandemic has left firms with bloated teams just as market conditions tighten, leading to widespread layoffs and a drought of open positions across the tech industry. Instead of expanding headcount, leaders are increasingly prioritizing automation. Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke recently made headlines for announcing the company would lean on AI tools to enhance productivity, rather than growing traditional teams. His comments reflect a broader shift across industries, as executives aim to streamline operations without additional hiring.

Despite the slowdown, demand remains strong in specialized areas. Fintech, machine learning, and AI development continue to seek skilled professionals who can drive innovation and build the next generation of products. For workers with the right expertise, opportunities still exist—but competition is sharper, and the landscape is rapidly evolving. Those who can adapt to this AI-driven future will be best positioned for success.

LinuxDiePie

• Pewdiepie makes a viral video encouraging people to switch to Linux.

• He shares his frustration with companies like Windows and Adobe.

• Will this make any difference to low use of Linux as an os in the general public?

Popular YouTuber PewDiePie recently caught attention after building his own PC and choosing to install Linux instead of Windows. In a follow-up video, he encouraged viewers to try Linux themselves, citing frustrations with Windows' increasing bloat, intrusive product pushing, and a general feeling of being "treated like a baby." He also pointed to the freedom from companies like Adobe, which he criticized for using restrictive practices that lock users into their ecosystems. Highlighting the power of the terminal and the uncluttered experience Linux offers, PewDiePie showcased his customized Arch Linux setup, emphasizing the control and simplicity that appealed to him.

With a major online figure like PewDiePie advocating for Linux, some are wondering if this could signal a broader shift toward mainstream adoption. However, Linux still carries a steeper learning curve compared to commercial operating systems, and that technical barrier may continue to limit its appeal to a niche audience. Whether this moment sparks real momentum or just a temporary wave of curiosity remains to be seen, but it's clear that frustrations with traditional tech giants are pushing more users to explore open alternatives.