On: Google lays off its Python team

[CydeWeys]

Why would they lay off the existing team first, rather than spin up the new team, have the old team train the new team, and give old team members a chance to move countries if they wanted?

[bdd8f1df777b → CydeWeys]

I can only speculate: some directors/vps got headcount reduction goals (reduce eng cost by XXX with deadline at XXX), and they couldn't meet those goals if the layoff is to be delayed until the new team is fully operational.

[mihai_maruseac → bdd8f1df777b]

This. There was a sudden push to reduce costs and people with decision power tried to make sure their teams won't get affected.

[zem → CydeWeys]

i honestly don't know, except perhaps to say "this is what google is now". your "rather than" is definitely how it used to be done in the past.