Market
7 min read
Pinterest Layoffs January 2026: What to Do If You Were Laid Off
Synopsis
Pinterest is cutting up to 15% of its workforce in January 2026. Learn what's happening, what to do next, and where to find support.
Pinterest is cutting up to 15% of its workforce in January 2026. Learn what's happening, what to do next, and where to find support.
This guide is for Pinterest employees laid off or at risk of layoffs in early 2026. It explains what to do next, how to handle benefits, and how to plan your next career step. It may also help professionals at partner companies affected by Pinterest’s move toward AI.
Pinterest announced plans to cut under 15% of its ~5,200-person workforce in January 2026—roughly 700–800 roles. The company is reallocating resources to AI products and reshaping its sales model, with restructuring expected to complete by September 2026.
Being laid off is disorienting, even if you saw it coming. Shock, anger, anxiety, or even relief are all normal responses. If possible, avoid major financial or career decisions in the first 24 to 48 hours.
Pinterest is reallocating resources toward AI-focused roles, AI-powered products, and a reshaped sales model. The company plans to reduce office space and expects restructuring-related charges of $35M–$45M.
Who is most likely affected Teams most impacted appear to include:
Focus on your individual package and timeline rather than mapping the entire restructuring.
The first few days after a layoff notice are about securing what you need and giving yourself space to process. Resist the urge to make major decisions immediately. Instead, focus on the practical tasks that protect your interests and set you up for the job search ahead.
If you still have access to internal systems, prioritize collecting the following materials where allowed:
Do not download or retain confidential data, proprietary code, or anything that would breach company policies or agreements.
You typically have time to review severance agreements. You should not sign under pressure. Before you sign:
Request a copy of your personnel file and any written feedback from your manager before your access ends. These documents can be useful when updating your resume and preparing for interviews.
Pinterest's exact severance structure for January 2026 has not been broadly disclosed as of publication. Use this checklist to review your documents and ask informed questions.
Ask HR or your stock plan administrator to clarify anything ambiguous, especially for RSUs, options, or performance-based awards.
Because Pinterest employs workers globally, local rules will vary by country and region. Check your government or local labor authority for official information on notice, severance, and benefits entitlements.
You do not have to wait for severance to end before stabilizing your financial situation. For most people, the first financial goals are: protect cash flow, understand benefits, and avoid rushed decisions.
Rules vary significantly by country. As a general approach:
In many jurisdictions, applying promptly after your last day reduces delays, even if you are still receiving severance.
Pinterest employs workers globally. Severance, benefits, unemployment, and notice rules differ by country and region. This guide provides general frameworks—always verify with your local labor authority or HR team for region-specific details.
Build a three to six month view of essential expenses, including housing, food, medical costs, and debt payments. Pause or downgrade non-essential subscriptions and recurring expenses. If you have debt, consider contacting lenders early to discuss hardship programs or temporary adjustments.
Resist the urge to make major financial decisions, such as cashing out retirement accounts or taking on new debt, until you have a clearer picture of your timeline and options.
Pinterest experience, particularly in product, design, engineering, sales, marketing, and partnerships, translates well across tech, consumer internet, and AI-adjacent sectors. The key is framing your experience in terms of measurable impact and clearly aligned skills.
Depending on your background, target roles might include:
Relevant sectors where your experience is valued:
Your resume should be ATS-friendly: clear headings, standard fonts, consistent formatting, and keyword alignment with target roles. See our 5-minute ATS guide for details. If you need help articulating your Pinterest impact, Yotru's builder can structure achievements in employer-relevant language.
How you present your situation to your network and potential employers matters. The good news is that hiring managers understand mass layoffs, especially at well-known companies. Your goal is to acknowledge the situation briefly and then pivot to your strengths and what you are looking for.
Use your headline to signal both your expertise and that you are open to roles:
"Senior Software Engineer | Distributed Systems & Machine Learning | Open to New Opportunities"
"Revenue & Partnerships Lead | Consumer Internet | Open to GTM & Platform Roles"
In your About section, briefly acknowledge the layoff and then pivot to your strengths and interests. For example:
"After four years at Pinterest, my role was eliminated as part of a January 2026 restructuring focused on AI and transformation initiatives. I'm proud of the work I did on [brief, high-level achievement]. I'm now exploring opportunities where I can apply my experience in [skills and areas] to help teams build durable, user-centered products."
For detailed optimization tactics, see our guide on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile using your resume.
Keep your explanation short, factual, and neutral:
"Pinterest announced a restructuring in January 2026, shifting resources toward AI, and my role was part of a broader round of layoffs. I'm proud of what we shipped there, especially [brief highlight]. I'm now looking for roles where I can bring that experience to [target area]."
Then redirect to your impact, skills, and interest in the role you are discussing.
A simple outreach message to your network can be highly effective: "I was recently impacted by Pinterest's January 2026 restructuring. I'm looking for roles in [target roles] at [types of companies]. If you hear of anything relevant or can recommend people I should talk to, I'd really appreciate it."
Layoffs affect more than income. They disrupt routines, identity, and relationships. Support and structure make a meaningful difference during this transition.
Connect with other Pinterest alumni and affected colleagues through informal Slack groups, alumni channels, or LinkedIn chats. Join local and virtual tech communities in your region that share job leads and support. Let your network know you are open to opportunities and be specific about roles, sectors, and locations.
For guidance on effective networking strategies, see our article on networking strategies: how to build professional connections that last.
Many regions provide free or low-cost mental health services, crisis lines, and counseling programs. These services exist specifically for periods of financial and work-related stress. If you have access to any Employee Assistance Program that extends beyond your last day, consider using it while you can.
Anchoring to small, consistent steps, such as filing for unemployment, reviewing severance, updating your resume, and contacting a few people each week, can make the transition feel more manageable.
If you are struggling emotionally, reach out for support. Job loss is a significant life event, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your local mental health services, EAP programs, and community resources are there for exactly this situati
This guide is informational only and you do not need any tools or services to follow the steps outlined here. If translating your Pinterest experience into clear, employer-ready resumes and profiles feels overwhelming, Yotru's resume builder is an optional tool designed to support that specific task. It can help you:
Yotru's work sits at the intersection of career education, workforce development, and employability technology, supporting training providers, career services, nonprofits, and public-sector programs. If you are building employability programs or hiring pathways for laid-off workers, we can help translate research and policy into tools that hold up in real hiring systems
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We build career tools informed by years working in workforce development, employability programs, and education technology. We work with training providers and workforce organizations to create practical tools for employment and retraining programs—combining labor market insights with real-world application to support effective career development. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Yes. Pinterest announced in January 2026 that it would cut under 15% of its workforce as part of a restructuring focused on AI investment and transformation initiatives. The company expects to complete this restructuring by the end of September 2026.
This article is written for Pinterest employees who have been laid off or notified of potential layoff as part of the January 2026 restructuring. It provides practical, step-by-step guidance on navigating severance, benefits, and the job search process, with a focus on helping readers make informed decisions during a stressful transition.
Yotru content is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy, relevance, and currency. We prioritize neutral, evidence-based guidance and avoid promotional language or outcome guarantees. Our editorial standards require verification from authoritative sources and regular updates as new information becomes available.
This article draws on publicly available reporting about Pinterest's January 2026 restructuring, general guidance on employment law and severance practices, and Yotru's research on job search strategy and resume optimization. We rely on authoritative sources including company filings, government labor resources, and established employment practices.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or career advice. Outcomes vary by individual circumstances, employer practices, and regional regulations. Consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.
Layoff Support and Job Search Strategy
Resume Building and Optimization
Market and Hiring Context
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