Is AI the Culprit Behind Recent Tech Layoffs?
Tech layoffs have dominated headlines this year. In April alone, over 23,000 tech workers lost their jobs. Klarna, Duolingo, Cisco, and Amazon all made cuts. But if you look closer, the picture is not as bleak as it seems. The tech world is not falling apart; it is shifting gears.
These layoffs reflect a deeper change. Companies are rethinking how they work, what skills they need, and what roles are really essential.
AI Is Creating New Roles
Let’s be honest. AI is a big part of this. It is changing what companies need from their teams. Salesforce, for example, just opened dozens of new jobs in AI product strategy. Amazon is hiring for machine learning engineers and data architects.
So, while some roles are disappearing, others are popping up fast.
Eca / Tech layoffs are happening, but they don’t spell the end of the road. They signal a new direction.
Businesses want fewer generalists and more specialists who can work with AI, data, and digital infrastructure.
Adaptability Is the New Job Security
The workers who are thriving now are not necessarily the ones with the longest resumes. They are the ones who can adapt. Automation is speeding up. Job security now comes down to how fast you can learn and shift.
So, it is not about where you were. It is about where you can go next.
In many cases, tech layoffs open new doors. People who once worked in mid-level IT roles are now moving into fields like aerospace tech, HVAC, or cybersecurity.
Think of the 2025 job market as a chessboard that just got reset. New players are rising. Cybersecurity is booming, especially in banks and hospitals. So is AI product development. DevOps engineers, data analysts, and cloud architects are getting job offers even as other teams shrink.
However, it is not just the private sector, either. Public tech teams are growing too, especially in healthcare, education, and climate-focused projects. The nonprofit world needs tech talent, and it is willing to pay for it. That is a win for workers looking for purpose along with a paycheck.
Fauxels / Pexels / Many experts are telling laid-off workers to treat this like a reset, not a failure. Use the time to learn a new tool, build a portfolio, or jump into a different field.
Don’t Take Layoffs Personally
The biggest mistake you can make during a wave of tech layoffs is thinking it is your fault. It is not. This is business. Companies are pivoting, not punishing. If you see it as a chance to rebrand and redirect your skills, you will stay ahead. The ones who pivot fast often land better roles than they had before.
This shift is also about efficiency. Jack Kelly notes that AI boosts productivity, meaning companies can do more with fewer people. That is not great news if your job was one of the “fewer.” But it is a wake-up call to level up and stay competitive.
Still, don’t believe the hype that there are “no jobs.” That is not true. The job market is active, but it is evolving. You just have to look in the right places. Think less about titles and more about skills. Can you solve problems with data? Can you make tech more secure? Can you help a company go digital faster?