Meta employees are bracing for what they’ve dubbed ’28 Days of Hell’ as the tech giant confirmed significant job cuts affecting approximately 8,000 staff, about 10% of its global workforce. The layoffs are scheduled to be announced on May 20, leaving employees in a state of palpable anxiety and uncertainty over their job security.

Internal discussions on anonymous platforms like Blind reveal a mix of shock, gallows humor, and genuine anguish as employees grapple with the impending announcement. The company stated that these layoffs are a strategic move to enhance efficiency and reallocate resources towards ongoing investments, a decision that will inevitably impact individuals who have contributed to Meta’s growth. Chief People Officer Janelle Gale acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing that confirming the layoffs now is the most transparent path forward. While US employees will receive a severance package including 16 weeks of base pay plus two weeks per year of service, international packages will vary by country.

The notification date for all affected employees is May 20, though their final working days may differ. This period of waiting intensifies the dread, with many questioning how to maintain motivation and productivity while facing such profound job insecurity.