I've been unemployed for quite some time as a software developer with 13 years of experience.

The unemployment agency of my country tries to help, but the reality is that the amount of new jobs every week is staggeringly low since end-2024. The agent on my case was herself honest about the prospects. It's even worse for younger developers or very old folk.

I tuned into my old freelance network in Germany and the account manager told me they're seeing 60–70% less freelance work in tech.

I could get a job in the odd thing here and there, so I'm not immensely worried yet, plus it allows me to stay home and raise our baby. But I think everyone around me is worried, even outside tech.