The day after Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter (now X), employee reactions were largely characterized by uncertainty, anger, fear, and a sense of shock. The acquisition, finalized in late October 2022, was swiftly followed by significant and drastic changes.

Here's a breakdown of common reactions and experiences:

Mass Layoffs and Firings: One of the most immediate and impactful actions was the widespread layoffs. Reports indicated that roughly 50% of Twitter's workforce was terminated within days, with some employees losing access to their work accounts and laptops without prior notice. This led to widespread frustration and disbelief, with many taking to Twitter itself to share their farewells and express solidarity using hashtags like #OneTeam and #LoveWhereYouWorked.

Executive Departures: Top executives, including then-CEO Parag Agrawal, CFO Ned Segal, and legal affairs and policy chief Vijaya Gadde, were fired almost immediately upon Musk's takeover. This "boardroom massacre" further signaled the dramatic shift in leadership and direction.

Fear and Anxiety: Employees who remained were gripped by fear and anxiety about their job security and the company's future. Internal meetings held by the previous management aimed to quell anger and address concerns about potential mass exoduses. There was a pervasive feeling of uncertainty about what the new leadership would mean for their roles and the company culture.

Demanding Work Culture: Musk quickly imposed a new "extremely hardcore" work culture, demanding long hours and intense commitment. This led to many employees resigning voluntarily, as they were unwilling or unable to meet the new expectations. Some reports even described conference rooms being converted into makeshift bedrooms, reflecting the demanding environment.

Criticism and Concern: Many employees expressed concerns about Musk's approach to content moderation and free speech, fearing a rise in misinformation, harassment, and hate speech on the platform. Some senior figures, like the former head of trust and safety, later described their experience as the "hardest" of their careers, citing a lack of alignment with Musk's principles.

Mixed Public Reactions (Outside Employees): While many former employees and liberals voiced concerns, a segment of the public, particularly conservatives, expressed enthusiasm for Musk's proposed changes, especially his emphasis on "free speech absolutism."

In essence, the day after Elon Musk's takeover marked the beginning of a highly tumultuous period for Twitter employees, characterized by significant job cuts, a rapid shift in company culture, and profound uncertainty about the future.