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Start your free trialThomas Oliver Bastable
Python Development Techdegree Graduate 29,026 PointsLayoffs at Treehouse
I'm not sure if any of you are aware, but it looks like Treehouse have just had some major layoffs. It looks as if most key teachers have been laid off and more seem to be tweeting as time goes on.
Treehouse are non-responsive on Twitter, email and currently there isn't a staff member replying in the iOS Techdegree slack group which is especially odd.
As someone who is half way through the tech degree, having spent a respectable amount on it thus far, I'm concerned right now about the investment I've made and the company doesn't seem to be offering any reassurance.
Is anyone in the same boat? Are there any active staff members in the other tech degree slack groups? Is there life out there?
27 Answers
Thomas Oliver Bastable
Python Development Techdegree Graduate 29,026 Pointshttps://twitter.com/JoshSullivan/status/1135953766346371072 https://twitter.com/chelseyvrich/status/1135964226839810049 https://twitter.com/benjakuben/status/1135916735880544256 https://twitter.com/nickrp/status/1135898867403243521 https://twitter.com/aimee_ebooks/status/1135584008916623361 https://twitter.com/treasureporth/status/1135692790589841409 https://twitter.com/pasanpr/status/1135642633899057152 https://twitter.com/randomjake/status/1135923738518654981 https://twitter.com/bbrit1002/status/1135903516680163329 https://twitter.com/ahl389/status/1135738979909656576 https://twitter.com/jaymcgavren/status/1135705792307351552 https://twitter.com/madcowley/status/1135624887425470468 https://twitter.com/keaton_taylor/status/1135619553860423680
And more seem to be cropping up at the moment...Most surprising is Nick and Pasan, but that could just be because they were the main teachers I came across. It looks like some of the others were key teachers in other areas too.
I hope you're right and it doesn't have any effect, however I don't recall the 2016 changes including so many key players? I'm hoping for the best, but the lack of reassurance from Treehouse is making me panic a tad.
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsI don't know some of those folks, but Nick, Jay, and Ben are big surprises. I have no doubt they will all be successful in their next endeavors, whatever (and wherever) they may be.
I imagine those that are still there have their hands pretty full. But if they stay true to form, there will be some information forthcoming soon, perhaps on Ryan's blog.
And Ashely's tweet clearly indicates production of new material is still underway. That may not remove all concern, but hopefully it's enough to reduce it below "panic" level.
<noob />
17,062 PointsYep somethign is going on Craig Dennis
Craig Dennis
Treehouse TeacherHi bot .net ! Thanks for reaching out!
I unfortunately don't have that much more information than you do at the moment. I believe Dave McFarland might have more answers to your concerns.
Stick with it!
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsAt least it sounds like Craig and Dave are is still on board.
Craig Dennis
Treehouse TeacherHey Steven Parker ! I actually took another job in January, just got tagged in this post. But yes Dave McFarland is still around.
Hope all is well with you! Thanks for all the help!
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsOops, sorry Craig, it slipped my mind when you responded so quickly. I hope you're enjoying Twillio.
But didn't you say you'd left some content still to be released?
Thomas Oliver Bastable
Python Development Techdegree Graduate 29,026 PointsYeah Dave was also recommended on slack and was tagged, but there hasn’t been anything posted there yet. Cheers for the reply though Craig.
Sheila Anguiano
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 35,239 PointsAs someone that started using TH after being laid off by surprise, I definitely can relate to all the teachers, but it also makes me worry about TH future...
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsI think many of us share the same concerns. The remarkable quality of the courses here has made Treehouse my favorite online learning resource, and the forum community has extended that even further. I hope both the course quality and forum will continue, though how that might happen is a bit of a mystery.
The good news is that much of the inner workings of Treehouse have been mysterious all along, so maybe they have something "up their sleeve" that will allow them to pull it off. We'll see!
In the meantime, if you have space available you might want to download the videos from courses you're interested in. .
And ironically, one of the first promotional videos for Treehouse that I ever saw was one where a guy was laid off by surprise — and that guy was played by Nick Pettit.
<noob />
17,062 PointsSteven Parker how i do it without pro account?
Jessica Angela Campisi
2,123 PointsYou need a pro account.
Jessica Angela Campisi
2,123 PointsUnfortunately for me I don't have that pro membership to be able to do that :( I've enjoyed the courses and have been an on and off customer since way back when they had their conspiracy videos mixed in.
Kevin Archer
2,619 PointsConspiracy videos?!
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsThose were actually known as the "Adventure & Reward Videos".
They can be seen on YouTube. I posted a list of them in my answer to this other question.
<noob />
17,062 PointsI dont think they close the website. aloyt of students including me learn from it and alot of videos had been made.
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsI sure hope not, it's been a great resource for many students.
<noob />
17,062 PointsSteven Parker do u have any videos?
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsAre you asking if I make videos? I've actually thought about it, but I haven't done any yet.
<noob />
17,062 PointsSteven Parker Lol u got me wrong although I will be happy to see toturials from u XD. Im asking if by any chance u downloaded any videos from treehouse that u can send to me without ill have to update to pro account
Another question i have is, do u know any other good node.js toturials besides the ones here?
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsSorry, but I'm pretty sure that sharing the pro videos would be a violation of the Terms of Service.
And I learned node.js right here myself! I don't have any personal experience with other info sources on it.
Jessica Angela Campisi
2,123 Pointshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuC2HflhhpLFbixKwMgf0mt-Ti9zkQG14 Found it! Was pretty epic :)
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsThat's just the first of several sets. See the complete list in my answer to this other question.
Thomas Oliver Bastable
Python Development Techdegree Graduate 29,026 PointsLatest update. It’s not looking positive for my iOS Techdegree.
Steven Parker
231,269 Points... or employment prospects, if that's really the reason it missed the cut.
Rob Allessi
8,600 PointsHey Thomas, I shot you an email a few minutes ago discussing this. Again, apologies for the delayed response.
This is mostly for anyone else who is curious, but we haven't had the number of students join that we need to keep the iOS Techdegree running. However, we'll still be supporting folks who are currently on the iOS Techdegree: our great Slack Moderators and Champions will still be around to help you out, grade projects, etc.
Thomas Oliver Bastable
Python Development Techdegree Graduate 29,026 PointsThey’ve stopped offering the iOS Techdegree on the website now. No word on what’s happening with existing students or the money we’ve spent thus far.
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsYou might want to write the Support folks. But my guess is that current students will have a reasonable time to complete their programs before things get permanently retired.
justin s.
1,009 PointsIf already enrolled, you'll get to continue
Michael Cook
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 28,975 PointsI highly doubt that they're going to pull the rug out from under you. In all likelihood they're going to allow current students to finish their iOS techdgree.
<noob />
17,062 PointsSteven Parker I saw his tweet. They are going to focus javascript,python from now on? so the other tracks will get removed?
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsHe mentions a few others they will keep, and says some new ones will be added. But yea, it sounds like about half of the current topics won't have anything new added, and will likely go away entirely at some point, starting with WordPress. And while I hope I'm wrong, the forum areas for those topics will probably go also.
Michael Cook
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 28,975 PointsThe focus will be on Python for data analysis, but not web development. This is a good move. Python web development is kind of a niche area and most companies do their server-side stuff in C# or PHP, JS+Node, Java etc.
<noob />
17,062 PointsIf they will upgrade their javascript content which means Massive upgrade with projects and more then it's not that bad.
justin s.
1,009 PointsSee this may not be a very popular opinion, and I feel bad for those who got laid off (though, lets be honest. they'll have new jobs in no time), but by focusing on a few and giving more time and resources to each, is actually a very good move.
Jamie Reardon
Treehouse Project ReviewerWhat about the FEWD techdegree? I'm at unit 4 don't tell me something is going to happen to that. This place is my hope for pursuing a successful career!
Rob Allessi
8,600 PointsFEWD is here to stay. It's doing incredibly well!
Michael Cook
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 28,975 PointsFrom what I know the FEWD techdgree is not being chopped.
Jamie Reardon
Treehouse Project ReviewerCan you confirm that? It worries me.
Rob Allessi
8,600 PointsI just confirmed it in my previous reply to you. :)
Akhilesh Sharma
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 3,237 PointsWhat about Full Stack JS?
Rob Allessi
8,600 PointsYes, that's staying and like the FEWD, is doing exceptionally well.
Unsubscribed User
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 27,351 PointsI just complete the FS JavaScript TechDegree today, and I can say that during the months I spent on it, I noticed many students joining me in my journey, and there have been considerable numbers of graduations, as well.
So, for my part, I think the FSJSTD is still getting a lot of attention.
justin s.
1,009 PointsWhat about ux?
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsIn Ryan Carson's post yesterday, he specifically mentioned four topics they will focus on:
- Full Stack Javascript
- Front End Web Development
- UX
- Data Analysis with Python
So I think that one's covered. The majority of the current topics are not mentioned, but then that would explain laying off the majority of the full-time teachers.
Rob Allessi
8,600 PointsThe UX Techdegree is also here to stay!
<noob />
17,062 Pointssteven, which projects u done in node.js after learning here? i did the nose js basics and it was ok, it was long time ago and i’m planning to get back to the web stack, i remember that the node .js dynamic site creation is out of date and a lot of ppl couldn’t complete it.
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsI haven't done a whole lot with node outside of courses. I think the most I've done with it was solving the puzzles in the Advent of Code series. I'm probably one of very few people who have done those entirely in JavaScript (Python seems the be the popular choice).
Gustavo Florez
14,811 PointsSteven Parker, I thought Nick Pettit was the lead designer within TH. I see he is also looking for work, so I really wonder how this will influence the UX TD.
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsI can only guess that someone else will be taking the lead on UX productions. The connections to many of the contract UX course teachers (Devin, May, Dan, Anya) may not have changed this week.
Erion Pali
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 16,964 PointsYea this was a little scary I admit
Robert Conti
23,274 PointsSo I read up on everything, but does anyone have insight as to why iOS (Swift) is not an "in-demand" technology right now? Is there a dip in the job market with respect to iOS?
Michael Cook
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 28,975 Points@Bobby Conti I don't actually know, but I suspect that enrollment for the iOS techdegree was simply down. I doubt that you are going to have much trouble finding a job when you're done. I suggest you don't sweat it and keep right on coding.
justin s.
1,009 PointsNo. The reason for its departure was because not enough students were signing up.
Jessica Angela Campisi
2,123 PointsI'd sign up if it became available again.
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsIf you're really interested in starting it right away, you might contact the Support staff and see if they'll accommodate you. Let us know what happens if you do!
Daniel Turato
Java Web Development Techdegree Graduate 30,124 PointsI'm on the Java Web Techdegree and even though the course has not been listed for a while now, they haven't answered any of my questions regarding the course content for most of my time spent on the course. Then last week , they completely shut down the slack and had the audacity to say that it was inactive and nobody asked any questions! If they couldn't provide the support, they shouldn't of been willing to take my $200 a month! I'm on the last project for it now but I'm annoyed to say the least that I've had no support throughout.
Kara Proulx
Treehouse StaffHi Daniel! We did receive your email about this here in Support and we're working on getting you the help you're looking for. We appreciate your patience!
Sammy Alvarado
5,363 PointsWhat you just described sounded a lot like Office Space lol.
varlevi
8,113 PointsWhat about VR? Correct me if I'm wrong, but this seems to be predicted to become one of the widest used technologies in the next twenty years. It seems to be against Threehouse's mission to get rid of this.
varlevi
8,113 PointsAlso, I don't understand how they need more profit when they have 180,000+ students (https://teamtreehouse.com/about) each paying $25 - $199 each MONTH!
Michael Cook
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 28,975 PointsUnder capitalism, there is never enough profit. Corporations will always seek to maximize profit. Also, remember, the hosting and maintenance for a site like this is going to be gargantuan.
varlevi
8,113 PointsAnd yet in this interview he claims, and I quote:
I’m not here to make money.
Hmm...
Even if each student only paid $25, they'd still be getting 4.5 million$ per month!
Daniel Turato
Java Web Development Techdegree Graduate 30,124 PointsIt's pretty simple why they're no longer offering VR, because the past course wasn't watched enough to make it worthwhile for them to create more courses on it. I doubt their choice had anything to do with the future of VR itself, but an opportunity cost between creating courses that are popular compared to unpopular courses.
Michael Cook
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 28,975 PointsIt absolutely is about making money. It it wasn't, then Treehouse would be a non-profit organization. Don't get me wrong, it's a great service, the content is of a much higher quality than almost anywhere else, but make no mistake: the progressive, do-good vibe that Treehouse its CEO broadcast to the world is just very good marketing. This is a for-profit company and that is ultimately their first goal. If you are doing a track or Techdegree that isn't selling well, you may well log on one day to find it gone.
Rob Allessi
8,600 PointsSounds like we need to update that information to make that a bit more clear. We do not have 180,000 active students and but over 180,000 students have signed up and used Treehouse since it's creation (2011).
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsI'm confused. If 180,000 is the total number of all students current or past, active or not; then what does the figure shown as "412,277 students" on the leaderboards represent?
Rob Allessi
8,600 PointsSteven Parker I don't think that number has been updated in a long time.
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsOh, I see, but you might not guess since other info on that page is from Q1 2019.
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsSteven Parker
231,269 PointsI'd suggest caution against over-reacting. In August of 2016 there was a 21% staff reduction, but I don't think there was a noticeable impact in the services provided. Ryan Carson Blogged about the 2016 changes.