Main image of article Hired and Laid Off Again? How to Break the Cycle

For some tech pros, the latest layoffs by big tech firms were a painful déjà vu. They’re posting online about being laid off two, three, even four times over the last few years. Can these demoralized technology pros who keep getting laid off break the cycle?

Truth be told, layoffs are becoming a more normalized part of the “ecosystem” in big tech companies, so mitigation is often the better strategy when avoidance isn’t feasible.

“Over the long term, there really are no safe companies or jobs,” explained Nick Corcodilos, host of the “Ask the Headhunter” podcast.

Despite the obstacles, it is possible to minimize the risk of being laid off again. Here’s a look at some ways to break the cycle.

Summary

Don’t automatically blame yourself or assume that you were laid off because of your work performance.

If the layoffs impacted thousands of people and resulted from your employer’s financial difficulties, strategic changes or over‑hiring, your best bet is to adjust your target list and job search with intention in today’s dynamic environment.

However, if you were one of the few cut from your team or department, this is the perfect time for introspection and an honest assessment of the root causes. Breaking out of a pattern requires recognizing and actively changing repetitive circumstances or decisions that are no longer serving you.

“Was it really the right fit for you?” asked Rachel Serwetz, career‑exploration coach and founder of WOKEN.

Being stuck in the wrong role or situation at work can make you more vulnerable to layoffs. Were you growing professionally, learning new skills or bringing new tech and leadership to the company? If you weren’t thriving but merely surviving, or simply functioning, then this is a good time to pivot to something new.

Making a career shift or pivot to a new specialty or industry doesn’t require you to be at the height of your career, Serwetz said. Even better, you don’t need to start over. Career pivoting is about shifting direction using the foundation you’ve already built.

While there’s no guarantee, numerous studies show that satisfied employees are more engaged and motivated, leading to higher productivity levels and longer tenure. Being in the right position and culture can help professionals overcome negative work habits or cycles like burnout or layoffs.

Forget about looking for the next hot thing. Analyze potential employers like an investor.

Assess the financial health of a company and its history of layoffs before deciding whether to add it to your target list. Some research suggests that companies that have laid off employees once are more likely to do so again.

Non‑cyclical industries that provide essential goods and services—food, health care, defense, financial services and utilities—tend to be more stable. Even some areas within technology, such as cybersecurity and cloud computing, are expected to be resilient.

“Watch out for job‑search scope creep,” Serwetz warned. Sometimes when people get laid off multiple times, they start applying to anything and everything. Taking the first job offered—rather than one that aligns with your long‑term career goals—increases your chances of being laid off again.

Tech pros who are seen as essential contributors, rather than overhead, are more likely to be retained.

Playing an integral role in the company’s success and doing things that others cannot makes you more valuable, and frankly, it gives you greater control over your fate.

Whether it’s a promotion, a transition to a mission‑critical project or a shift to a new role or organization, you can break a job‑loss pattern by selecting work that is strategically important to the organization and offers both high impact and high visibility.

Having a legitimate side hustle can diversify your income, hedge against job loss and increase your professional network.

One of the best ways to exercise control over your career—and potentially avoid future layoffs—is to start your own business. Many tech pros use a side hustle to test the waters, develop new skills and then transition to a full‑time venture.

At the very least, spending time with people who do the work you want to do can provide the chance to change jobs proactively or land a new opportunity quickly should the worst happen.

You don’t need to be searching for a job all the time (which can be exhausting). What’s critical is to consistently make new contacts and stay connected with your existing network.

“If networking feels ‘icky,’ you’re doing it wrong,” Corcodilos said. Seek opinions or ask others for advice about creating a business plan. Don’t ask for job leads—talk shop.

In today’s environment, you have to be ready to change employers at the drop of a hat. Recognize that, no matter what happens, you can control your ability to move quickly and be an expert in your field. Being “in demand” and having options gives you the confidence to break the cycle.