Does scrolling through LinkedIn lately feel like walking through a minefield? One minute you’re congratulating a connection on a new role, the next you’re seeing a dozen “open to work” banners from people at big-name companies. It’s not just you; the vibe is definitely off.
Layoffs have surged to their highest levels since the pandemic, but this time it’s not a virus—it’s a perfect storm of AI, economic jitters, and a massive corporate rethink about who (and what) they really need to get the job done.
Crunchbase News reports that the tech sector alone has shed over 90,000 jobs this year. This isn’t just a headline; it’s a fundamental shift in the job market, and it’s happening fast.
First, let’s talk numbers (and yes, they’re big)
It’s easy to get numb to the headlines, but the scale of these job cuts is pretty jaw-dropping when you break it down.
We’re seeing about 1.6 million workers laid off each month on average. That’s not a slow trickle; it’s a steady, heavy downpour. Official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics backs this up, reporting 1.8 million layoffs and discharges in July 2025 alone—a number that won’t seem to budge. Overall, DemandSage notes that job cuts in the U.S. are up 5.9% from 2024, indicating the pace is accelerating.
Tech takes the biggest hit
The tech industry, often a bellwether for the broader economy, is bearing the brunt of the pain. According to Layoffs, a site that tracks tech job cuts, over 90,000 employees have been laid off from more than 200 tech companies so far this year.
The giants are leading the charge:
- Intel announced plans to reduce its workforce by up to 25,000 jobs by the end of 2025.
- Microsoft has cut over 15,000 jobs this year through multiple rounds of layoffs.
- Salesforce cut 4,000 people from its customer support team, nearly halving the department overnight.
And it doesn’t stop there. Google, Oracle, and Meta have all undergone significant, multi-round layoffs, leaving almost no corner of Big Tech untouched.
It’s not just tech
If you think this is just a Silicon Valley problem, think again. The cuts are happening everywhere. Logistics giant UPS is laying off 20,000 employees. The retail sector has seen over 80,000 job cuts in the first half of the year.
Believe it or not, the single biggest job-cutter so far in 2025 has been the U.S. government, with over 200,000 terminations announced by June. The widespread nature of these layoffs shows this is a systemic economic shift, not just a blip in one industry.
How does this compare to the COVID-19 chaos?
It’s tempting to say, “We’ve been here before,” but the 2025 layoff wave is a totally different beast than the one we saw in 2020.
Let’s not forget how brutal 2020 was. In just two months, from February to April 2020, the U.S. economy lost an unbelievable 22 million jobs as the world shut down. The unemployment rate shot up to 14.8%. It was a sudden, shocking economic heart attack.
The total number of layoffs in 2020 reached 41.7 million—a catastrophic figure that makes today’s numbers, although high, appear smaller in comparison.
Different crises, different causes
The 2020 layoffs were a reaction to an external crisis. Businesses were forced to close, and many layoffs were initially seen as temporary furloughs. The hope was that once things reopened, jobs would come back. And many did.
Today’s layoffs are different. They are proactive, strategic, and, for many, a permanent fixture in their lives. They are happening while the economy is still running. Companies aren’t being forced to shut down; they are choosing to restructure, driven by the rise of AI, a relentless push for efficiency, and a correction from the hiring boom during the pandemic.
This is arguably more unsettling for many professionals. In 2020, the enemy was a virus. In 2025, the threat feels like it’s coming from inside the house—a strategic decision from leadership that your role is no longer needed.
So, what’s really going on? The rise of the machines (and other culprits)
There isn’t one single reason for this massive shake-up. It’s a mix of technology, economics, and a significant shift in how companies approach their workforce.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it has become a core business strategy, reshaping the workforce as we speak. A World Economic Forum survey found that 41% of companies expect to reduce their workforce due to AI’s impact. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, directly blames AI for over 10,000 job cuts this year.
We’re already seeing it play out:
- Salesforce is using AI agents to handle a million customer conversations, which directly led to those 4,000 layoffs.
- Google laid off contract workers who said they spent their days training the very AI models that made their jobs redundant.
The economy is feeling squeezed
Beyond AI, the economy is in a peculiar, stagnant state. Following the boom years, we’re now facing slowing growth and high operational costs, forcing companies to tighten their belts. Many tech companies that hired aggressively during the pandemic are now realizing they overdid it and are “right-sizing” their operations.
What the bosses are saying
The most significant change is how CEOs are talking about layoffs. The apologetic, somber tone is gone. Now, it’s all about strategy and strength.
- Intel said its cuts are designed to create a “faster-moving, flatter and more agile organization.”
- Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, flatly stated that with more AI, “we will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today.”
- Microsoft’s Satya Nadella called the decisions “difficult” but necessary for “success in a dynamic marketplace.”
CEOs are no longer justifying layoffs; they are framing them as smart, forward-thinking business moves. And Wall Street is rewarding them for it, which means this trend is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Which jobs are on the chopping block?
While no job is entirely safe, some industries and roles are clearly at a higher risk. It’s not just about industries; specific job functions are becoming vulnerable to automation and restructuring. The roles disappearing fastest often involve repetitive or predictable tasks:
- Customer Support: AI Chatbots Are Taking Over.
- Human Resources: Internal AI tools are handling basic HR questions.
- Content Creation: AI is writing marketing copy and articles.
- Data Entry and Analysis: AI can process vast amounts of data in seconds.
- Junior-Level Coding: AI assistants, such as Microsoft’s Copilot, are helping senior developers write code more efficiently, thereby reducing the need for junior-level support.
But it’s not all doom and gloom: a look at the safe havens
Okay, take a deep breath. It’s not all bad news. While some doors are closing, new ones are opening. You just need to know where to look.
Some sectors are not just surviving; they’re thriving.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This is the big one. With an aging population, the demand for healthcare professionals is exploding. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this sector will be the primary driver of job growth for the next decade.
- Renewable Energy: The global push for green energy is creating millions of new jobs in solar, wind, and other sustainable technologies.
- Engineering: From building resilient infrastructure to designing sustainable products, engineers are in high demand.
The skills that pay the bills
In this new world, your skills are your security. Even in the tech industry, companies are desperately hiring for the right kind of talent. The key is to focus on skills that machines can’t easily replicate.
How to future-proof your career, starting now
Feeling a little anxious? That’s totally normal. But anxiety doesn’t have to lead to paralysis. Here are a few practical things you can do right now to make your career more resilient.
You have a choice: learn to work with AI or risk being replaced by it. Don’t be intimidated. Start small. Take a free online course on the basics of AI. Experiment with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to understand how they function. Learn about “prompt engineering“—the art of asking AI the right questions to get the best results. The goal is to view AI as a tool that can enhance your job performance, rather than as a threat to it.
Never stop learning
The single biggest mistake you can make right now is getting comfortable. That feeling of knowing your job inside and out creates a “false sense of security” in a world that’s changing this fast.
Embrace “microlearning.” Spend 15 minutes a day reading an article about your industry, listening to a relevant podcast, or watching a short tutorial on a new software tool. These small, consistent efforts will keep your skills sharp and up to date.
Build your personal brand and network
Your network is your single greatest safety net. It’s not about schmoozing; it’s about building genuine relationships. Be active on LinkedIn. Share your expertise. Join online groups in your field. Volunteer for projects at work that get you in front of people from other departments.
When layoffs happen, it’s often the people who are visible and well-regarded who find their next opportunity the fastest.
Document your wins
Start keeping a “brag file” today. It’s a simple document for tracking your accomplishments, big and small. Whenever you complete a project, solve a problem, or get positive feedback, write it down.
Importantly, try to quantify your achievements. Instead of “helped with a sales campaign,” write “Contributed to a campaign that increased division sales by 15%.” This isn’t just great for your resume; it’s a powerful way to demonstrate your value to your current employer when times get tough.
Key Takeaway
- The Numbers Are Real: Layoffs are at their highest level since the 2020 pandemic, affecting tech, retail, and even government jobs.
- AI is the Main Driver: Unlike the pandemic, this wave is fueled by AI adoption and corporate restructuring for efficiency, meaning many of these jobs are unlikely to return.
- Some Sectors are Safe: Healthcare and renewable energy are still booming, offering more stable career paths.
- Your Best Defense is Offense: The key to job security is no longer loyalty to one company, but a commitment to continuous learning and growth. Focus on building skills in AI, data analysis, and critical thinking to stay essential.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here, and let’s break down how.
