Managing Your Career During Layoffs

Leaders, if you're going ahead with mass layoffs, you can't seriously be thinking that your #diversity, #equity, or #inclusion work will have any credibility left after the fact. Fundamentally, DEI work is about showing people that they matter by building a workplace where they can thrive. And fundamentally, mass layoffs communicate the exact opposite: that no matter a person's skill, experience, productivity, contribution, passion, or loyalty, they ultimately are just another cost to be cut. That people mean nothing in the face of short-term profit. The consequences of mass layoffs on your people, your biggest assets, are immediate and catastrophic. 📉 One study found a 41% decline in job satisfaction among survivors of a layoff, leading to a 36% decline in their desire to stay with the workplace. 📉 Another study found that a 1% workforce layoff resulted in a 31% increase in voluntary turnover. 📉 One study found a 20% decline in job performance, with another finding that 77% of layoff survivors see more errors and mistakes made. 📉 Another study found that layoffs tanked the quality of products, the safety of the workplace, and the quality of layoff survivor mental health and wellbeing. 📉 A bevy of other studies find a cascading set of issues triggered by layoffs that create a vicious cycle: worse morale and wellbeing leads to poorer job performance, overwork and forced productivity drives mass exoduses of skilled workers; reputational damage and loss of trust dampens the ability to hire fresh talent. Trying to achieve any sort of DEI impact amid this kind of avoidable chaos is like trying to renovate your house after setting it on fire. It's downright offensive to employees, especially those with marginalized identities, to be asked to continue their unpaid, voluntary efforts to benefit the business after you've destroyed any reason for them to undertake this extra work. It's a moot point—they're far too busy applying to your competitors, anyways. This is the point in time when those workplaces and leaders with empty promises and performative actions will be weeded out from those that get ahead by doing right by their people, their customers, and the world. There are many ways for a workplace to earn a spot in the latter group, but in case it wasn't clear? Mass layoffs aren't one of them.

Bad news: The next layoff could be yours. Good news: You can still be on the safer side. Sounds harsh? That’s because it is. We’re in a job market where even high performers aren’t safe. In just one year, 4 Indian IT giants laid off 64,000+ employees: – Infosys: 25,994 – Wipro: 24,516 – TCS: 13,249 – And Tech Mahindra continues to trim staff, with 1,757 employees let go in just one quarter. These weren’t underperformers. These were loyal, experienced employees who believed that “it won’t happen to me.” And it’s not just Indian IT. Global tech is bleeding too: Amazon, Google, Meta, and top-funded startups have made cuts. Stability is no longer guaranteed. So if you think your job is safe because you’ve been: ✔ Consistent ✔ Loyal ✔ Hardworking …that’s just not enough anymore. The reality is… > Your company has a backup plan. > Your company has multiple revenue streams. > Your company will survive. Will you? If not, here’s how to stay on the safer side: ✅ Invest in your personal brand What are you known for? What comes to mind when someone hears your name? Start sharing your learnings, results, and expertise. You don’t need to be famous. You need to be trusted. ✅ Learn skills of tomorrow. AI. Data. Product thinking. Communication. These are no longer “nice to have”—they’re survival tools. ✅ Grow your network. Because the best opportunities rarely come from job portals—they come from people. ✅ Set up an emergency fund. 6–12 months of savings = peace of mind + the freedom to choose your next move. ✅ Start a side income stream Consulting, freelancing, selling digital products or templates—don’t depend on one paycheck. Build an income buffer while you still have your 9-5. ✅ Follow industry trends Stay updated with what’s changing in your field. Subscribe to newsletters, attend webinars, and follow thought leaders. You can’t play the game well if you don’t know the new rules. The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second-best time? Today. Start preparing now, before you're forced to. #layoff #career #growth #jobsearch #sidehustle

If I were laid off today, after taking a few days to process and feel all the feelings, I would: 1. Prioritize my finances - explore any flexibility around my severance package - cancel unnecessary subscriptions and services - apply for unemployment (takes weeks to come through!) - explore side hustles (or in my case, double down on the one I already have) or get a bridge job since I know searches often take 6+ months 2. Leverage my network - let my friends and former colleagues know exactly what I'm looking for - talk about my work and skills on LinkedIn - strengthen my networks through attending networking events - engage with content from companies of interest to me 3. Build my skills - I'd focus on skills that are in demand in my field (big one would be AI) - I might consider taking a relevant course 4. Strategically apply for jobs - I'd prioritize referrals (real ones from people who know my work) - I'd apply with really strong apps for jobs I'm a 90%+ match for - I'd leverage outreach and my networks to help with intros - I'd probably do some "extra" stuff - videos, decks, etc. to stand out from others 5. Protect myself - I'd minimize the number of "reach" jobs - too many rejections is bad for my mental health - I'd keep my content positive, and focused on highlighting what I bring to the table vs focused on challenges to avoid being seen as a risk - I'd familiarize myself with signals of scams since unemployed folks are often targets (though even being employed, I get 2-3 a day as it is!) And the last thing I'll say is that a number of the steps above become easier if you do them before you have to. No need to wait until you're unemployed to: - get familiar with the highest impact skills or tech in your field - connect with your network - build additional income streams - strengthen that resume and linkedin profile - start using content in ways that benefit you - cut unnecessary spending Any of us could face a layoff at any moment - planning ahead for it can position you to navigate it more effectively.

Stealth layoffs aren't just another corporate trend. They're the new normal. The trend I have started to notice: → Workday: 1,750 cuts for AI push → Dell: 25,000 cuts over two years → Autodesk: 9% cut amid "sales changes" → HPE: 5% cuts through "expected attrition" → Meta: Fired top performers despite claims → Google: Switched to quiet monthly reductions Despite record profits, headcount growth across these companies remains stagnant or shrinking. Traditional mass layoffs are being replaced by a more calculated approach. The new playbook is nearly invisible: → Performance reviews target even top performers → Gradual reduction through attrition and hiring freezes → RTO mandates designed to drive voluntary departures → Restructuring justified as "investing in AI" (Workday) Multiple strategies now run in parallel: → Expanding "span of control" (more direct reports) → Increasing technical-to-non-technical staff ratios → Strategic office closures and "space consolidation" → Cuts spread across quarters, not single events The impact goes far beyond headcount. When organizations flatten, everything changes: → Same output is expected from fewer employees → Institutional memory erodes with each departure → Decision-making concentrates among fewer people → Career paths narrow as management layers disappear For employees, navigating this change requires strategy. Here's how to build resilience: → Upskill aggressively: Focus on high-growth areas → Build cross-functional visibility: Network widely → Understand the metrics: Know your company targets → Maintain financial readiness: Build emergency funds → Manage your mindset: Don't let fear drive decisions The goal isn't surviving the next cut. It's positioning yourself to thrive regardless of organizational shifts. What we're witnessing isn't another corporate cost-cutting strategy; it's the fundamental rewiring of the employer-employee relationship. Those who recognize this shift will not just survive; they'll define success on your own terms

You are not your job. But how you manage your career is on you. (Avoid the shocker): I stayed loyal. Showed up early. And worked late. Took pride in my work. Thought that would protect me. My first downsizing was in the "safest" industry. That’s when I learned: companies aren’t villains. They’re just built to protect themselves. You need to do the same. 🛡 Here are 8 lessons every professional should act on before they’re forced to: 1. = Skill decay is real. Yesterday’s expertise won’t always translate tomorrow. Keep evolving. Treat learning like rent-due every month. 2. = Your job isn’t your safety net. Even high performers can be seen as line items. Build a six-month financial cushion. That’s peace of mind, not paranoia. 3. = Relationships open doors resumes can't. Colleagues may care -but they can’t stop a reorg. Widen your network. Be valuable before you need help. 4. = Ownership thinking changes everything. Employees wait to be promoted. Builders create momentum. 🔎 Start asking: “What would I improve if this were mine?” 5. = Company growth ≠ personal growth. A rising company doesn’t guarantee your own development. Take charge. Don’t let your learning be optional. 🔎 I've been involved in courses outside of my immediate job role for decades. Huge payback! 6. = Multiple lanes mean fewer roadblocks. One paycheck is convenience. Two is insurance. A side project doesn’t have to be big to give you power. It’s having a second gear. 7. = No one is coming to ‘tap’ you. Waiting to be noticed is not a strategy. Show your impact. Make your work hard to overlook. 🔎 I was recognized by others as a coach long before I created this career. Be open to signals. 8. = Playing it safe is situational. In a shifting work culture, the real risk is staying still. Take thoughtful bets. They compound faster than comfort. Work smart. Be a great teammate. Respect the mission. But don’t lose yourself in it. Careers shift. Titles fade. Be as loyal to your potential as you are to your performance. That’s how you build something no layoff can take. image credit: Babs Share your thoughts on this in the comments. ♻️ Repost to help others work smarter and kinder. 🔔 Follow me Ronnie Kinsey, MBA for more like this. 📥 Get more of my actionable insights on leadership, personal development, and thriving here, Free: ➤ https://lnkd.in/dkagD_Wp <+>

A couple of weeks ago I received a distressing call from an old colleague whose well-funded and well backed employer shutdown overnight. As she shared the news of over 350 stranded employees, it dawned on me that this is the same story across so many organisations & startups. God forbid, that this happens with anyone , here are some insights on what to do in the first few days after suddenly losing your job. Here are 9 essential points to consider: 🔥 TAKE A MOMENT TO ABSORB THE NEWS: It's natural to feel shaken and upset. Allow yourself time to process the situation and acknowledge your emotions before taking action. 🔥 ASSESS YOUR FINANCIAL STANDING: Sit down with your spouse/partner and evaluate your financial situation. Take stock of loans, EMIs, and your inflow of funds. Determine how much liquid savings you have and calculate your runway—knowing how long you can manage without income can alleviate some pressure. 🔥 COMPILE A LIST OF CONTACTS: Create an Excel sheet with the names and details of colleagues, bosses, and professional acquaintances who can provide referrals or job leads. Treat it as you would a sales prospect list—networking is crucial during this period. 🔥 AVOID IMPULSIVE DECISIONS: While the urgency to find a new job may be overwhelming, it's essential not to jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. Exercise patience and wait for the right opportunity that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 🔥 EVALUATE BUSINESS IDEAS: Use this transitional period to work on that business idea you've always wanted to pursue. Evaluate its feasibility and potential, and consider whether entrepreneurship is a path you'd like to explore further. 🔥 FREELANCING OR CONSULTING: While searching for a job, consider freelancing or offering consulting services to generate income in the meantime. Leverage your skills and expertise to provide value to clients and keep the cash flow steady. 🔥 EXPLORE UPSKILLING & ENHANCING YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Take advantage of the downtime to invest in self-improvement. Identify areas for professional development, enroll in online courses, attend webinars, or acquire certifications to bolster your skill set. 🔥 MAINTAIN A ROUTINE: Establish a daily routine that includes job searching, networking, skill-building, and self-care activities. Structure and consistency can help maintain focus and motivation during this challenging period. 🔥 SEEK GUIDANCE: Don't hesitate to seek professional career counseling or guidance from experts in your field. They can offer insights, strategies, and support to navigate the job market effectively. Remember, losing a job can be disheartening, but with the right mindset, resilience, and proactive approach, you can transform this setback into an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Stay positive, keep moving forward, and trust that new doors will open along the way. #SamparkSeSampark #JobLoss #Career #Resilience #startups #business

Last week a friend sent me a nervous text: “Is my job safe?” I’ve heard this question too many times lately. Headlines come and go. What stays is how we prepare. Hard truth Most of our “safety” stories are fragile: • My manager likes me • I’m in the critical path • This company never does layoffs • I’m the only one who knows this system They feel comforting… until one decision changes everything. What real security looks like in tech ✔ Show your impact → ship, unblock, document, mentor. Leave receipts in tickets, PRs, and design notes. ✔ Be visible → share learnings, small demos, internal posts. Quiet excellence is often invisible. ✔ Keep options warm → help people, reply to DMs, stay active with peers and ex-teammates. ✔ Upgrade continuously → one skill at a time: debugging, systems, AI literacy, comms. ✔ Build runway → 6 months of expenses gives you leverage and a clear head. ✔ Own your narrative → a tight resume, a crisp LinkedIn, and a portfolio that proves it. Bottom line Job security isn’t a promise. It’s a practice. Skills, options, network, and the confidence to choose before someone chooses for you. What’s one habit you’ll start this week?

Is AI killing jobs? The headlines say yes. The data says something else entirely. Over the past year, we've been told AI is behind mass layoffs. But when you look at the research from The Brookings Institution, The Budget Lab at Yale, and Stanford's Nick Bloom, the answer is clear: AI directly caused very few job losses in 2025. Every time a company attributes layoffs to AI, Molly Kinder at Brookings is skeptical: "Our best labor market data show that we’re really actually not seeing much of an impact on the labor force.” My newsletter this week dives into the real drivers behind "AI layoffs": 🎯 Fear as motivation: CEOs tie layoffs to AI to push remaining employees to adopt the technology faster, according to Fortune's Diane Brady 💰 Wall Street signaling: Companies mention AI to signal efficiency, even when they're just cutting costs to hit quarterly earnings 😨 CEO job security: 50% of CEOs believe keeping their job depends on getting AI right by 2026, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Then there's the Big Tech companies making the tools, where layoffs are needed to hit quarterly earnings. Their layoffs also serve as marketing: we're doing it, so can you. Want more? In a survey of 1,006 executives by Tom Davenport and Laks Srinivasan: 🔺 60% made headcount cuts in anticipation of AI 🔺 29% froze hiring on the anticipation of future AI impacts 🔺 Only 2% made cuts due to actual AI implementation But what about Erik Brynjolfsson's paper, showing new college grads, especially in engineering, CS and content, being impacted? New work by  Zanna Iscenko and Fabien Curto Millet points to major flaws in that study. We're in a zone of command-and-control resurgence, a hyper-focus on efficiency for the third year. While AI can and will transform organizations, the question is whether fear and efficiency alone lead to long term success. We're seeing where that focus is taking the economy: Declining consumer confidence, frozen hiring, and a potential recession driven more by hype than reality. There is an alternate path: Focus on growth, not just efficiency. The data backs it up: PwC found more companies are successful when they use AI to drive revenue growth (29%) than cost cuts (26%). Even better, 20% of companies are hitting "efficient growth": revenue up, costs flat. The choice is yours: Follow the herd into efficiency theater, or lead with transformation that's as much about your people as your profits. 📎 Tons of data and full analysis in my latest newsletter, and check out Samantha Fields reporting, link in comments. What's driving AI decisions at your organization: data or headlines? #Layoffs #AI

The Job Market right now is brutal... Last month I wrote a post that got a lot of attention on what I would do I lost or left my job today. Hundreds of you all shared your reflections, advice, frustrations, and coping strategies for navigating career transitions in the comments. So here’s Part Two... a crowd-sourced sequel, built from your insights and experiences. If you missed the first post, it’s linked in the comments. If I lost (or left) my job tomorrow… and had to rebuild again… here are 7 more things I’d do (this time, sourced from you): 1. Rest. Seriously. As so many people reminded me, you can’t job-search on an empty tank. Sleep. Move your body. Get outside. Take a walk without headphones. It’s not wasted time... it’s recovery. 2. Process the Grief. Job loss isn’t just logistical, it’s emotional. It can mess with your sense of worth and routine. Therapy, journaling, or simply talking with friends helps keep that perspective: the layoff isn’t personal, even if it feels that way. 3. Volunteer or Give Back. A number of you said this was the game-changer. It keeps your skills fresh, expands your network, and reminds you you’re still useful. Teaching, mentoring, community clean-ups, pro bono consulting -- all count. 4. Reflect Before You React. Don’t rush into 100 applications. Take a beat to ask: what actually fits my life now? What kind of people, pace, or purpose am I looking for? As one commenter said: read the market before reacting to it. 5. Rehearse Your Story. Practice talking about your transition with clarity and confidence. People want to help, but you have to help them help you. Rehearse the story you’ll tell ... one that’s forward-looking, honest, and hopeful. 6. Experiment and Build. Start that small consulting project, side hustle, or creative outlet. It doesn’t have to become your next full-time thing, but it might. Treat it as a low-stakes lab for learning, momentum, and confidence. 7. Find (and Be) a Support System. Friends. Family. Former coworkers. Coaches. Fellow job seekers. The comment section themselves became a kind of group therapy thread... proof that community matters more than ever. None of this fixes the broken systems -- but it does make the process less lonely. If you’re currently in transition, what’s been helping you? What would you add? Sharing is CARING.

5 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Career (& Create True Job Security): Context: The Myth of Job Security Everyone wants "job security." But one company can't offer that. People make six figures at an F500 one day, only to be laid off the next. If you want security that doesn’t care what the market is doing? You need to create it for yourself. 1. Network Daily Where do you want to be 3 years from now? Identify that, then find people who can help you get there. Make a point to reach out / touch base with one per day. Networking is like investing. Long time horizons without withdrawals usually lead to the largest returns. 2. Create & Share Content Building a "personal brand" can feel cliché. But having an audience that follows and supports you is the best form of job security. It makes you more valuable to future employers. And you can leverage it to build multiple income streams. 3. Create Multiple Income Streams You never want all of your eggs in one basket. Find ways to create new income streams by: - Consulting - Coaching - Starting a side hustle - Buying assets Even if it’s small to start, having multiple streams gives you security and stability. 4. "Job Search" 2x / Year Recruiters reaching out to you? Say yes once in a while. See a job post you’re interested in? Apply for it. Even if things are good now, you never know when that can change. You also don’t know what you’re missing if you never explore. 5. Plan Ahead As You Grow When you do land that next job? Plan for the future. Don’t just take that new raise and buy a better car or nicer clothes. Allocate some of it to an emergency fund. Use some of it to invest in income-generating assets. Pay your future self first.