Stock Compensated Workers Bet on Themselves Amid Big Tech Layoffs

Stock compensation has long been a lucrative incentive for Big Tech workers to stay put. Since the end of 2022, shares of Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft have at least doubled. However, years of Big Tech layoffs have reminded some workers that their stock compensation isn't guaranteed.

The AI boom has created another path to potential equity riches. Julie Zhu, a former Apple employee, had wanted to become a founder since she was 18. She developed a 'love-hate relationship' with the company and was grateful for what she learned but felt it was a high-pressure environment. With her Apple stock, she was able to afford the risk of leaving and pursue her own business.

Yousuf Imran also built up a financial cushion during his six years at Google. He set aside $350,000 for business and personal expenses before leaving in April to start an AI sales tools company. The potentially 'life-changing' equity packages at companies like OpenAI and Anthropic shaped his decision.

For some workers, years of gains on vested stock have given them the financial security to leave Big Tech on their own terms. Dave Lewis credited stock compensation for giving him the flexibility to consider career options outside Big Tech. He joined Emberos, an AI startup, as head of partnerships in May.