The latest company to join the Big Tech mass firing trend is IBM, who has cut nearly 4,000 jobs after missing its annual cash target.
This week, the computer company announced that it would be laying off 3,900 individuals, which amounts to around 1.5 percent of its workforce. These cuts are estimated to lead to a $300 million charge during the January to March period.
Although it sounds like a very large cut, the fact that the company’s shares fell 2 percent following the news prompted some analysts to conclude that investors wanted to see bigger cost-cutting measures.
Investing.com Senior Analyst Jesse Cohen said: “It seems as if the market is disappointed by the size of its announced job cuts, which only amounted to 1.5 percent of its workforce.”
The company’s cash flow for 2022 was $9.3 billion, which was well below its $10 billion target and stemmed from working capital needs that were higher than expected. In addition, their forecasted annual revenue growth fell below the 12 percent that was reported last year.
IBM has seen its software and consulting business’s growth slowing down, although there were some positive movements in cloud spending, with its hybrid cloud revenue climbing 2 percent during the quarter that ended on December 31.
However, a spokesperson for IBM told CNN that the cuts were related to the reorganization of two business units and were “not an action based on 2022 performance or 2023 expectations.” The affected units were their IT infrastructure services business Kyndryl and their healthcare analytics business, which is being acquired by an investment firm.
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna noted that the company’s lack of a consumer business gives them confidence, saying that most of their clients expect to “emerge stronger.”
JD’s manually curated links for God-fearing MAGA patriots
“So I think, consequently, we might be seeing a little bit different subset of the economy than those who might have a large direct exposure to a consumer business,” he noted.
IBM joins other Big Tech names in laying off thousands of workers
The layoffs at IBM are just the latest in a series of similar announcements from major tech firms like Microsoft, Google and Amazon. Earlier this week, the music streaming service Spotify announced that it would be culling 6 percent of staff, which amounted to 600 jobs, as its advertisers reduce their spending. The move will see them take on $38 million in charges related to severance.
Earlier this month, Microsoft began laying off 10,000 employees in the face of the current economic climate and slowing customer demand. These layoffs impacted 5 percent of the company’s global workforce and followed a previous round of layoffs that affected 1000 employees across different divisions last year.
CEO Satya Nadella wrote in a company memo: “We’re also seeing organizations in every industry and geography exercise caution as some parts of the world are in a recession and other parts are anticipating one.”
Last week, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, announced that it would be cutting 12,000 jobs in a brutal round of layoffs that are expected to affect its engineering, products and recruiting teams.
Retail giant Amazon, meanwhile, announced layoffs that will affect more than 18,000 jobs at the company, and Facebook parent company Meta said it would be cutting more than 11,000 employees, or 13 percent of its workforce, last November in the face of rising costs and a weak advertising market.
Rideshare firm Lyft recently laid off 13 percent of its workforce, while cloud software company Salesforce cut 10 percent of its workforce, which amounted to 8,000 workers, due in part to over-hiring during the pandemic.
Apple is one of the few tech companies that has yet to announce major layoffs, but their CEO, Tim Cook, announced that they have been slowing their hiring.
Sources for this article include:
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.