US tech sector is shaken up with massive layoffs. Over 50,000 tech jobs vanished in early 2025 as giants like Microsoft, CrowdStrike, Meta, and Block slashed roles. Layoffs hit hardest in tech and government sectors, fueled by AI shifts, cost-cutting, and federal downsizing, according to a layoff tracker website layoffs.fyi. Recently, Microsoft announced sweeping global layoffs affecting nearly 6,000 employees—about 3% of its total workforce—despite recently reporting strong sales and profits. Instead of celebrating its financial wins, the tech giant is opting for one of its largest rounds of job cuts since early 2023.
Amid this scenario, one 31-year-old software engineer has quietly crossed a milestone many spend decades chasing: a net worth of over $1 million. The software engineer has shared on internet that after 10 months of unemployment and a string of unsuccessful onsite interviews, the Bay Area-based worker, hit the seven-figure mark thanks to years of disciplined saving, investing, and living by the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) philosophy.
What was their financial strategy?
In the post, the engineer wrote, “I became a millionaire this month. Hah,” they shared with a mix of disbelief and pride. “I’m not feeling too hot about my skills and belonging in tech right now, but this is a big deal for me.” Their portfolio includes home equity, retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, HSA), liquid savings, and after-tax investments. They carry no credit card debt, their student loans are on track to be paid off within two years, and the only liability remaining is a mortgage. According to the post, the wealth didn’t come from a high-paying exit or viral crypto bet, but from consistent, long-term choices grounded in financial literacy. Inspired by the FIRE movement since 2018, the engineer built their portfolio around low-cost index funds, automatic contributions, and a “pay yourself first” mentality.
“I maxed out my 401(k) and Roth IRA every year I could, stashed funds into an HSA, and prioritized taxable brokerage accounts after that,” they explained. “Everything went into diversified index funds like VTI, VXUS, and bond ETFs depending on market conditions and risk tolerance.” They also credited the habit of aggressive saving — sometimes up to 50–60% of income during high-earning years — along with minimal lifestyle inflation.
The post further stated, “I didn’t chase the car, the clothes, or the big apartment. I tracked my spending religiously and made sure every dollar had a purpose. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked.” While real estate also played a role, which is their their primary residence, they view it primarily as a hedge and a stability anchor rather than a growth vehicle. “I’m not out here flipping houses. I just didn’t want to be at the mercy of Bay Area rent prices forever.” Though currently on a break from job searching, they took a moment to reflect on the journey — and the deeper significance of the moment as a Black American. “My great grandpa was a sharecropper. My great grandma and grandma were house workers in Georgia. They didn’t have the opportunity to build wealth like this — in large part because they were Black. Weird. Wonder why that was.” They say that sharing this context isn’t about seeking validation, but acknowledging history — and inspiring others. They concluded the post saying, “Don’t compare yourself to other people. Know what enough looks like for you.”