Layoffs have hit companies from Starbucks to Meta to Intel this year amid a backdrop of cost-cutting and technological change.

It's a tough time for the job market. Amid wider economic uncertainty, some analysts have said that businesses are at a “no-hire, no fire” standstill.

When layoffs rise, people spend less, which leads to tighter bottom lines and more layoffs. Wash, rinse, and repeat.

Amazon's massive layoffs spark fears of a broader reduction in the white-collar workforce, with AI being blamed.