The experience of a former Meta employee has renewed discussions about how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping careers in the technology sector and changing expectations around job stability.
According to reports, 24-year-old data scientist Moyan Chen lost her job at Meta in May 2026 after spending less than a year with the company. Chen reportedly said the layoff was difficult but also brought a sense of relief after months of uncertainty surrounding potential job cuts.
Reports indicate that speculation about layoffs had been circulating within the company since March. Employees were said to be particularly anxious about possible announcements during the middle of the week, creating an atmosphere of prolonged uncertainty. Chen was among the employees laid off on May 20.
In comments cited by media reports, Chen said she believes AI is significantly altering the nature of data science work. She noted that tasks such as writing queries, creating visualisations and performing basic analyses are increasingly being handled by AI tools, reducing reliance on some traditional data science functions.
According to Chen, future data science roles may require a broader combination of capabilities, including technical expertise, business knowledge and product understanding. She said the experience led her to question the long-term stability of careers in large technology companies.
Chen also noted that many of her former colleagues are actively searching for new opportunities and sharing updates online. She compared the technology industry to a rapidly changing environment shaped by advances in AI, where professionals must continuously adapt to evolving demands.
She said Meta’s severance package has provided her with time to reconsider her next steps. Among the options she is reportedly exploring are returning to China, joining an AI-focused startup or pursuing career coaching opportunities.
Chen’s experience underscores the broader impact of AI on the workplace, as professionals across the technology sector reassess skill requirements and career paths in response to rapid technological change.
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