Airbnb

Recruiting vs. Engineering: The internal divide

It’s getting pretty awkward in the Slack channels lately. We’re losing a significant chunk of our recruiting staff—again—but then I see open reqs for senior roles being blasted on LinkedIn every single day. The hypocrisy is starting to get hard to ignore. Management keeps talking about 'optimizing for the future,' but it really just feels like we’re burning through institutional knowledge to make the margins look slightly better for the next earnings call. The two-tier workforce issue is glaring at this point; if you’re not in a core product seat, you’re basically just waiting for your name to be on the next WARN notice. I’ve been here for three years and I don’t think I’ve seen morale this low since the big post-pandemic cuts. Is anyone actually still optimistic about the roadmap, or are we all just waiting for our RSUs to vest so we can jump ship to somewhere more stable? I’m exhausted.

·2026-09-14T10:00:48.899581+00:00·2

Layoff Report

OH WARN notice just hit: 201 impacted roles

Just saw the filings for the Ohio site. It’s official—201 people getting cut at the end of March. I’ve been seeing the whispers about the recruiting cuts in the news, but this feels like it’s hitting the operational side harder than anyone expected. It’s wild to see us selectively hiring in certain engineering pods while clearing out over 200 people in one go. Is anyone on the ground in the Dayton/Montgomery area hearing anything specific? My manager has been radio silent since the notice went public, and the calendar is looking completely empty for the rest of the week. I’m honestly just trying to figure out if this is a strategic 'rebalancing' or if the leadership is just prepping the books for a rough Q2. If you were impacted, please share what the package looks like—are they doing the usual severance or are things changing? Good luck to everyone currently sweating it out. This place hasn't felt like a 'family' for a long time.

·2026-09-14T10:00:46.219487+00:00·2

Layoff Report

Layoff rumors swirling - what's the real story?

Okay, I'm going to be direct. I've been hearing more than just rumors about potential layoffs at Airbnb. People are talking, comparing notes, and the general sentiment is anxiety. We've seen the recruiting team get hit, and now there's talk that it's expanding to other departments. Some folks are already updating their resumes, just in case. I understand companies go through cycles, but the lack of clear communication is what's really fueling the fear. Are we going to have another 'Family' moment where we get blindsided? Has anyone heard anything more concrete from HR or management that isn't just corporate speak? Trying to gauge the real risk here before it's too late.

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·2026-08-31T16:01:05.202802+00:00·2

Anyone else feeling the vibe shift at Airbnb?

Lately, the overall atmosphere feels...different. It's not just about the recruiting cuts mentioned elsewhere. I'm seeing a general slowdown in new projects kicking off, teams being a bit more hesitant to expand, and a general sense of 'wait and see' pervading. There's definitely a quiet tension that wasn't there a year ago. People are whispering, looking at Glassdoor, trying to figure out if this is a strategic pivot or something more concerning. Is it just me, or are others noticing this creeping uncertainty? Feels like we're bracing for something, even if nothing has been officially announced. The 'family' vibe is starting to feel a little strained when you hear whispers about headcount.

·2026-08-31T16:01:00.163233+00:00·2

Recruiting slowdown at Airbnb feels like a precursor...

I know there have been some posts already about recruiting cuts, and that's definitely a thing. But from my perspective, it feels like the canary in the coal mine. We're not seeing outright layoffs announced, but the vibe internally is definitely shifting. Fewer new hires are coming in, and even for critical roles, the process seems to be taking longer, with more layers of approval. My worry is that this is just the first step before more significant organizational changes. Are we seeing a pattern here that might lead to a bigger restructuring down the line? It’s hard not to connect the dots when you see hiring slow to a crawl. Anyone else feeling this unease or seeing similar signs that aren't making the headlines yet?

·2026-08-26T16:01:13.352207+00:00·2

Airbnb's internal hiring slowdown: More than just recruiting?

Hey everyone. Seeing a lot of chatter on here about recruiting cuts, which is concerning, but I'm sensing something broader might be happening. Over the past few months, it feels like new projects are being greenlit very cautiously, and existing ones are having their scope significantly trimmed before they even get off the ground. It's not just a feeling; I've seen multiple roadmap discussions where initiatives we were excited about are either shelved indefinitely or reduced to a bare minimum. Is this just standard Q4/budgeting stuff, or are others feeling a similar slowdown across different departments, not just hiring? Trying to gauge if it's a company-wide belt-tightening or if I'm just in a department that's facing specific headwinds. Curious to hear if anyone else is experiencing this and what their take is.

·2026-08-26T16:01:10.767643+00:00·2

Anyone else seeing significant project scope cuts at Airbnb?

Feeling a bit uneasy lately. Been at Airbnb for a few years now and while there haven't been any official layoffs announced, I'm noticing a definite shift. Several key projects I'm involved in have had their scope drastically reduced, and some initiatives seem to have been quietly shelved altogether. Team leads are being cagey about the reasons, just saying 'strategic adjustments.' It feels like a pre-layoff environment where they're trimming fat before making any bigger moves. We're still shipping features, but it feels like the ambition is being dialed back significantly. Is anyone else seeing this trend? Are these resource constraints, or a sign of something bigger coming down the pipeline? This constant uncertainty is exhausting.

·2026-08-21T16:02:01.968634+00:00·2

·2026-08-21T16:01:59.635735+00:00·1

Airbnb hiring freeze rumors circulating?

Hey everyone, has anyone else heard whispers about a potential hiring freeze at Airbnb? I'm not seeing any official announcements, but there's definitely a strange vibe in a few teams. Some projects seem to be slowing down, and internal job postings are disappearing. I've also noticed fewer recruiters reaching out for roles that were previously quite active. It's making me a bit nervous about job security, even though we've been told things are stable. Just trying to gauge if this is a company-wide thing or if it's isolated to certain departments. Curious to hear if anyone else is experiencing this or has any insights. Trying not to panic but the lack of clear communication is definitely unsettling.

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Is it just me, or is the 'return to normal' narrative for travel companies a bit shaky?

I'm seeing a lot of articles and hearing from leadership about how strong the travel market is right now, and Airbnb is supposed to be perfectly positioned. But honestly, when I look at what's happening in the industry beyond the surface-level buzz, it feels more complex. We've had some whispers about hiring slowdowns in specific areas, and I've seen discussions about how some roles are being re-evaluated. It makes me wonder if the 'boom' is going to last, or if companies like ours are already bracing for a potential slowdown or a shift in how they operate. It's not a layoff report, but the uncertainty is palpable. Anyone else in the travel tech space feel this disconnect between the public narrative and internal realities?

·2026-08-16T16:01:02.914011+00:00·1

·2026-08-16T16:01:00.898634+00:00·1

Anyone else feeling the pressure at Airbnb? Lots of whispers...

Hey everyone, just wanted to see if I'm alone in this. Been at Airbnb for a few years now, and lately, the vibe feels... off. We keep hearing about selective hiring and the 'travel boom' is supposed to be huge, but internally, things feel pretty tight. There's been a lot of talk about restructuring in certain departments, especially recruiting from what I've heard. Not a layoff announcement, obviously, but it's creating a lot of anxiety. People are looking over their shoulders, and the usual internal mobility feels a bit frozen. Is anyone else in different teams seeing similar signals? Curious to hear if this is just my perception or if there's a broader trend.

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·2026-08-11T16:01:10.784327+00:00·1

Is the 'travel boom' narrative starting to fray?

Remember all the hype about Airbnb being perfectly positioned for the post-pandemic travel surge? It felt like we were untouchable for a while. Now, with economic indicators looking shaky globally and inflation hitting discretionary spending, I'm starting to wonder if that narrative is holding up. Are bookings actually slowing down, or is it just market sentiment? Feels like the company is starting to prepare for a less rosy future, even if they aren't saying it directly. Anyone else feeling a disconnect between the public messaging and the internal reality?

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·2026-08-11T16:01:08.7299+00:00·2

Hiring freezes and internal transfers - what's the signal?

Seeing a lot of chatter on other platforms about hiring slowdowns and some internal reshuffling. It feels like there's a lot of belt-tightening happening across the board, even if nothing official has been announced. Recruiters seem to be the first to feel it, which often precedes broader cuts. Has anyone else noticed anything similar within their teams or heard whispers about potential hiring freezes or reassignments? Feels like a classic 'wait and see' period, but the vibe is definitely shifting from growth to consolidation. Curious if others are getting the same impression.

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·2026-08-06T16:01:03.977833+00:00·2

Anyone else feel like the 'efficiency' talk is a prelude?

We've been hearing a lot about "driving efficiency" and "streamlining operations" in recent all-hands and team meetings. On the surface, it sounds like standard corporate jargon, but given the current economic climate and the news about other tech companies, it's hard not to feel a bit uneasy. It feels like a carefully worded way to prepare us for something, and not necessarily good news. Is anyone else picking up on this vibe? Are there specific examples of these "efficiency" drives impacting your day-to-day work? Wondering if this is just my paranoia or if others are feeling the same way. It definitely feels like more than just a general economic adjustment.

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·2026-08-06T16:01:01.190276+00:00·2

Recruiting cuts - are other teams feeling the squeeze?

Saw the news about recruiting being cut by 30%. Seems like a pretty significant number. Makes me wonder if this is a targeted move, or if it's a sign of a broader slowdown impacting other departments too. We haven't had any official word internally about hiring freezes or anything, but with the economy feeling a bit shaky, I'm starting to get a little anxious. Has anyone else heard whispers or noticed any changes in their team's hiring plans or project scopes? Trying to gauge the overall sentiment here. Is it just a focused adjustment in recruiting, or is this the start of something bigger? Curious to hear from others, especially in engineering or product.

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·2026-08-01T16:00:58.876299+00:00·2

Is the hiring freeze a sign of things to come?

Heard through the grapevine that hiring has slowed down considerably, almost to a standstill in some departments. Combined with the recent news about recruiting staff reductions, it's hard not to get a little nervous. I know the travel industry can be cyclical, but this feels different. It's not just about a seasonal dip; it feels more strategic. Are we seeing a proactive move to cut costs before a potential downturn? Or is it a sign that certain product areas aren't performing as expected? It's tough to gauge the true health of the company when internal communication is so guarded. Trying to stay optimistic, but the lack of new hires and the whispers about restructuring are definitely raising red flags for me. Anyone else notice this hiring slowdown and have any theories about what it means for the rest of us?

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·2026-08-01T16:00:56.706206+00:00·2

Company-wide 'efficiency' push - what does it really mean?

Been hearing a lot of buzzwords around 'efficiency' and 'streamlining' lately. It's starting to feel a bit ominous, especially with the recruiting team cuts mentioned in some places. Is anyone else getting the same vibe? Feels like management is getting ready to make some tough decisions, and 'efficiency' is just a nice way of saying layoffs. Honestly, the constant talk without clear explanations is making me anxious. Are we optimizing processes, or are we optimizing headcount? The lack of transparency is what's really bothering me. We're all working hard, and then we hear these vague directives. Makes you wonder if your role is secure. Anyone else in a similar boat or have insights into what this 'efficiency' drive is actually about at Airbnb?

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Rant

The "efficiency" talk is making me uneasy.

I'm not going to name names or departments, but the constant talk about 'optimizing' and 'driving efficiency' is starting to sound like code. We've been hearing it in town halls, seen it in emails, and it's trickling down. Projects are getting delayed, budgets are being tightened, and there's a general sense of 'do more with less'. It's hard not to connect the dots with what's being reported externally about other tech companies. Is this just the new normal, or is there something specific happening at Airbnb that we're not being told directly? It feels like a pre-layoff atmosphere, and frankly, it's stressful. Anyone else picking up on this and feeling the same way?

·2026-07-27T16:02:29.893636+00:00·2

Anyone else feeling the recruiting pressure at Airbnb?

Hey everyone, been seeing some chatter around the internet about Airbnb's recruiting team. While there haven't been any official announcements here, I've noticed a definite shift in our own department. It feels like there's a lot more scrutiny on headcount and a general slowdown in bringing new folks on board, especially outside of critical roles. We've seen some internal reorgs too, which always makes people nervous. Just wondering if others in different departments are feeling a similar vibe. Is it just a seasonal thing, or are we bracing for something bigger? Trying to gauge the temperature here without causing unnecessary panic, but the whispers are getting louder.

·2026-07-27T16:02:27.652912+00:00·1

·2026-07-22T16:01:23.66787+00:00·2

Performance review cycle feels...different this year.

This is my third performance review cycle at Airbnb and it feels way more intense than before. Normally it's a bit of a formality, setting goals and discussing career progression. This year, though, there's a LOT of emphasis on 'impact' and 'deliverables'. My manager keeps bringing up 'doing more with less' and has been pushing back on some of my stretch goals, saying they're not 'core to the business objectives'. It feels less about growth and development and more about justifying my existence. Heard some whispers about 'talent optimization' during all-hands, which sounds like corporate speak for something more concerning. Anyone else feeling like the review process is suddenly a high-stakes evaluation of your necessity?

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·2026-07-22T16:01:21.344623+00:00·2

Hiring slowdown and budget cuts, anyone else seeing this?

Been at Airbnb for a couple of years now, and it feels like things are definitely tightening up. We had a pretty aggressive hiring plan for Q3/Q4, but suddenly a lot of those reqs are going on hold or being 're-evaluated'. My manager's been tight-lipped, just saying 'budgetary constraints' and 'strategic realignment'. Seeing a lot of travel budgets slashed too, and discretionary spending is basically zero. It's not outright layoffs, but the vibe is definitely shifting from 'growth at all costs' to 'conserve and consolidate'. Anyone else in different departments experiencing something similar? Wondering if this is company-wide or just my little corner.

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Layoff Report

Sudden freeze on internal mobility applications?

I was looking to make an internal move to a different team that seemed to be growing, but my application just got rejected immediately. HR flagged it as 'currently on hold' and my current manager didn't even seem surprised. This is weird because usually internal transfers are pretty encouraged here. Then I heard from someone in another department that their team also just got a memo to pause all new internal hires for the next quarter. It feels like they're not saying it out loud, but something is definitely shifting with staffing. Anyone else running into this?

·2026-07-21T13:50:43.639528+00:00·2

·2026-07-21T13:50:35.570237+00:00·2

Anyone else getting the 'we're optimizing' talk that feels like a prelude?

Lately, there's been a lot of internal messaging about 'driving efficiency' and 'streamlining operations'. On the surface, it sounds like standard business speak, but the vibe feels... different. It's not just about doing more with less, it feels like there's an underlying current of 're-evaluating headcount' or something similar. My skip-level mentioned it again in our last 1:1, framing it as a proactive measure. Anyone else hearing this or seeing signs that it might be more than just buzzwords?

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Seeing some odd reshuffling in product teams. What's going on?

Been at Airbnb for a few years now, and typically our product roadmap and team structures are pretty stable. But recently, I've seen a couple of significant reassignments and project pivots that seem out of the blue. It feels like there's a lot of internal movement, but it's not clear what the end goal is. Some teams are being asked to drop existing work to pick up 'strategic priorities' that weren't on the radar a month ago. Is this just normal business churn or am I missing something? Wondering if anyone else has insights into what's driving these changes. Feels a bit unsettling.

·2026-07-21T13:30:38.805339+00:00·2

Anyone else feeling the pressure from leadership on 'efficiency' lately?

Lately, feels like every other all-hands or leadership update is about 'doing more with less' or 'optimizing our resources.' It's not just a buzzword anymore, it feels like a directive. We're being pushed to hit aggressive KPIs while headcount seems to be stagnant or even shrinking in some departments. My manager keeps talking about 'streamlining processes' but it just translates to more work for the remaining people. Anyone else experiencing this, and what are your thoughts on where this is heading?

·2026-07-21T13:30:35.661616+00:00·2

Salary

Comp discussion – seeing a lot of internal movement but what about external?

Curious to hear what folks are seeing regarding compensation. Obviously, the general tech market is a bit wild right now. But internally at Airbnb, I'm hearing about a lot of role changes and some internal re-leveling happening. It makes me wonder if we're seeing a more targeted approach to compensation adjustments rather than broad market-rate increases. What are people seeing for external offers in similar roles? Are recruiters still making competitive offers, or have you seen a noticeable dip? Trying to get a pulse on whether the internal comp discussions are reflective of the broader market or if there's a different strategy at play. It's hard to gauge without concrete data points, and frankly, it's a source of stress for many. Any insights on recent offers, or even anecdotal data from colleagues who have moved roles externally, would be super helpful. Trying to understand the landscape better.

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·2026-07-21T13:21:56.470951+00:00·2

Is anyone else noticing a shift in how projects are prioritized?

Hey everyone, been at Airbnb for a few years now and things are definitely feeling different lately. Usually, we have a pretty clear roadmap and project intake process. But lately, it feels like priorities are shifting on a weekly basis, and sometimes projects that seemed like a huge focus just… disappear. It's making it really hard to plan and even harder to feel like the work we're doing has long-term impact. I've heard whispers about budget reviews and reallocations happening behind closed doors. Is this just me, or are others experiencing this kind of uncertainty? It’s creating a lot of anxiety, especially with the general market sentiment. Feels like the ground is constantly shifting under our feet and it’s tough to maintain momentum. Anyone else in a similar boat or have any insight into what might be driving this change?

·2026-07-21T13:21:52.200705+00:00·2

Rant

Performance review cycle feels... different this year.

Just went through the last performance review cycle and it felt way more intense than usual. There was a lot more emphasis on 'impact' and 'alignment with business goals,' which I get, but the tone felt different. My manager's feedback was also much more detailed, almost like they were building a case for something. I'm wondering if this is just me, or if others are noticing a shift in how performance is being evaluated, especially with the current economic climate. Feels like there's a lot more scrutiny than before. Anyone else feel like their review was under a microscope?

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·2026-07-21T13:16:34.808402+00:00·2

·2026-07-21T13:16:27.98681+00:00·2

Hiring freeze rumors swirling - anyone seeing this?

Lately, I've been hearing more and more chatter about a potential hiring freeze across a few departments. My team hasn't had any open reqs approved in weeks, and usually, we're always looking for more engineers. My manager is being super tight-lipped when asked about future headcount. It feels like budgets are being squeezed everywhere. Has anyone else heard anything concrete, or is this just the usual pre-budget season anxiety? Trying to get a read on the broader company sentiment here.

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My manager's been acting super cagey about team structure moving forward

Okay, so I'm in Trust & Safety, been here ~3 years. For the past month, my manager keeps dodging direct questions about our team's roadmap for Q3/Q4. When asked about headcount or potential reorgs, they just give platitudes about 'adapting' and 'streamlining'. I heard through a skip-level that some roles might be consolidated. It's making it really hard to plan my work and feel secure. I haven't seen any official comms, but this level of evasiveness is really unsettling. Anyone else's management team being this weirdly secretive? Trying to figure out if this is a company-wide thing or just my department.

·2026-07-01T10:01:47.496799+00:00·2

Anyone else feeling the 'quiet cutting' vibe at Airbnb?

Been here about 5 years now, on the Product side. Lately, it feels like there's been a massive slowdown in hiring, and a lot of open requisitions just... disappearing. My team's been asked to do more with less for months. Performance reviews felt extra scrutinized this cycle, and people are whispering. It's not official layoffs, but the atmosphere is tense. Anyone else on the engineering or marketing side noticing something similar? Feels like a slow bleed instead of a sudden cut, which is almost worse. Is this happening elsewhere or am I just paranoid?