This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Isaac Casanova, who has worked at Block for nearly three years as a senior software engineer. It has been edited for length and clarity.
In a surprising turn of events, Isaac Casanova, a senior software engineer at Block, discovered his role was eliminated when urged by a friend to check his email. “I read the email from Jack Dorsey, and I was like, whoa, I guess I don’t have a role anymore,” Casanova recalled.
The Block community was aware of ongoing layoffs, initially expected to affect around 1,000 positions. However, the scale and timing took many by surprise. “For it all to happen at once like that is obviously a shock,” Casanova said. Despite performing well in his role, the layoffs were deemed necessary due to a shift in business strategy, not individual performance issues, as noted in Dorsey’s memo.
1. Check your ego — the industry is tough
As Casanova navigates the job market, he finds that companies are being more selective about hiring. “It seems like companies are tighter with headcount and more picky about who they want,” he observed. The number of available positions has decreased, and compensation offers, including stock grants and bonuses, have diminished, reflecting broader industry trends. The competitive environment necessitates a reevaluation of one’s self-assessment, as Casanova highlights, “You’ve got to check your ego.”
2. Separate your identity from your job
In the corporate realm, decisions are often driven by shareholder interests. Casanova reflects on the communication from Dorsey, stating, “Jack’s memo came across as what someone in that position making a tough decision would say.” Recognizing that job security is not guaranteed, Casanova emphasizes the importance of not tying personal identity to one’s job. “These things happen, and you need to adjust,” he advises, underscoring the value of professional networks during such transitions.
3. Be flexible — AI is changing the role
The integration of AI in the tech industry is transforming roles, as Casanova experienced firsthand. Initially performing manual coding tasks, he later utilized AI interfaces like Cursor, Claude Code, Goose, and ChatGPT to enhance productivity. “Software engineering, for a long time, was so by the letter, by the design, by the spec. Exact and precise, but slow,” Casanova explained. The shift requires engineers to adopt a more exploratory approach, embracing adaptability and leveraging new tools to broaden their expertise.
