I'm a data analyst who survived 3 rounds of layoffs at Block. I saw how AI was automating my work — it cost me my job.

Ivan Ureña-Valdes, a former data analyst at Block, said he suspected AI cuts were coming before losing his job.

Ivan Ureña-Valdes

• A former data analyst at Block had survived three rounds of layoffs and wasn't a low performer.
• Ivan Ureña-Valdes suspected AI cuts were coming, and he was one of the many laid off this week.
• He saw how AI was automating his work, and believed the tech would continue to disrupt industries.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ivan Ureña-Valdes...