In a strikingly creative response to recent layoffs, a Meta employee has turned their experience into song, using artificial intelligence to produce a series of tracks that reflect the emotional landscape of being laid off from one of the world’s largest tech companies. As part of the company’s transition to an A.I.-first model, Meta announced a staggering reduction of its workforce, eliminating 8,000 positions—a move that has understandably caused significant distress among employees.
Just before the layoffs were made public, the employee crafted a catchy song that captures the atmosphere with lyrics like:
“Meta layoff, Meta layoff,
Say it like a joke,
Meta layoff, Meta layoff,
House of cards went broke.”
This creation is part of an internal radio station named “520 FM,” cleverly referencing the date of the layoffs, May 20. Announced through an internal post that echoed the corporate tone often used by Meta’s human resources, the radio station aims to support employees grappling with heightened anxiety during this tumultuous time. The individual behind the initiative, who wishes to remain anonymous due to fears of backlash, emphasized the purpose of the station: “To support you through this transition, we’ve launched an A.I.-native initiative.”
The station offers a diverse selection of genres, from hip-hop to country, and strikes a balance between humor and heartfelt sentiment. One track, titled “Missing the People,” resonates with employees by reminiscing about the “faces” and shared “late night jokes” that will be missed in the wake of the layoffs. Another song, named “Big Beautiful Layoff,” takes a more direct approach with its blunt opening lines:
“H.R. Zoom call,
Screen frozen on the smile.”
While Meta has opted not to comment on this unique form of protest and support among employees, many have voiced their appreciation for the creative outlet. The station provides a welcome distraction during a difficult period, and its creator has been seen as providing essential emotional support to those who listened.
One internal message encouraged colleagues to remain resilient: “Stay strong. Stay tuned. Stay focused on what you can control,” capturing the spirit of solidarity that has emerged among those affected. Through this blend of humor and creativity, the Meta employee has not only highlighted personal experiences but also fostered a sense of community in an otherwise challenging environment.
