In the last few years, companies have begun laying off talent, leading to tough and depressing times for many. Some layoffs came as a big surprise, especially from companies that promoted a “don’t be evil” ethos. Yet, in the end, it’s all about business.
Taking it personally doesn’t make sense. The system demands growth, where even stable profits can be seen as a failure. Company leaders can’t magically press a button to increase revenues. What do you do then? Cutting costs becomes the go-to. They try to cut costs but eventually it comes to labor. That’s pretty much the situation.
So, what can we do about it? That’s our focus here, but more importantly, is it possible to be immune to layoffs? The short answer is no. I’ve witnessed director-level and above employees being let go, and often, it has nothing to do with individual performance. For instance, if a company decides to exit an entire country, those jobs are simply gone. The crucial factor is how prepared you are. Let’s concentrate on that now.
Your Career Currency
There’s always a demand for the right talent. Keep polishing your skills, and you’ll become that talent. Staying ready is key. Aim to excel in a few critical areas. I often emphasize the ‘what’ and the ‘how’. ‘what’ is about accomplishments and ‘how’ is about your path to get there. To stand out, you need to master both. Top talent aren’t just tech geniuses or orchestrators. They usually shine in both technical skills and soft skills. They blend the right level of expertise with interpersonal abilities.
Here are a few things I think makes anyone stand out in the crowd.
- Stay updated: The tech world changes fast. Keep learning new stuff through courses or training to stay relevant.
- Talk better: Good talkers stand out. Work on explaining things clearly and confidently. I have been trying to improve this for a long time. It takes ages, especially for non-native speakers.
- Be an owner: Everyone should be able to count you on to solve problems. You have better stories to tell even if you are affected by a layoff.
- Pick a lane: Specialize in something you’re good at, but also be ready to learn new things. It’s harder to let these people go.
- Own your growth: Look for chances to learn, from anyone, anywhere. It makes you better at your job.
- Ask questions: As my Kung-fu instructor always reminded me at the beginning of all lessons. There are no stupid questions. Keep asking.
The Time is Now
Waiting for the “right” moment to kickstart your job search? That moment is now. Despite the headlines, the demand for tech talent is still there. The key is to act swiftly. Job openings and opportunities are out there, but they won’t wait for you.
It’s important to stay warmed up. You don’t have to schedule interviews every month, but it’s beneficial to remain prepared. Interviewing is almost like developing a separate skill set, so it’s wise to continually work on improving your abilities in this area. Even if you’re content with your current job, it’s beneficial to engage in occasional interviews. This way, when the time comes, you’ll be well-prepared.
Networking
The value of a strong professional network cannot be overstated, especially in times of transition. Networking helps you to get introduced to the right people at times like layoffs. You want to keep your community of peers, mentors, and industry contacts who can provide support, advice, and insights.
Engage with your network with intention. Share your goals, seek advice, and be open to helping others in return. I use LinkedIn on a regular basis. I connect with people from my work and people I meet. Remember to connect with old colleagues. Find out about layoffs and open positions through shared spreadsheets and posts.
Tech has changed in the last few years. The fueled growth conversations aren’t on the horizon any time soon. In this new cycle, it seems layoffs are part of it. Our best skill is being able to keep up with these changes. There are a few things we can do. The first one is to keep investing in ourselves. Second one is being prepared. And the last one is networking. Let’s make these moves to be ahead. Remember, there’s a new bull market at the end of every bear market. And I wish you good luck! Please drop me a line if you need help!