How to Build an IT Career That Survives Layoffs

💼 Microsoft just laid off 9,000 people.

Let’s be honest – layoffs in tech aren’t rare anymore. Amazon, Google, startups… no one is immune. As an IT professional, how do you build a career that stands strong no matter what the market throws at you?

Here’s what I’ve learned from my own journey.

🏢 The Reality of Tech Layoffs

You’ve seen the headlines. Microsoft cuts 9,000 roles. Amazon, tens of thousands. Google, the same story.

Why does this happen? Sometimes it’s missed revenue targets, other times, strategic pivots or integrations after acquisitions. And often, it’s about increasing shareholder value by reducing payroll costs.

Whatever the reason, when it happens to you, it feels personal.

The truth is, companies can be profitable and still lay people off. Layoffs are often strategic financial decisions, not reflections of your performance.

📦 My Layoff Stories

I’ve been laid off twice in my career.

The first time was after more than 15 years with a company. Imagine dedicating over a decade and a half of your life to building teams, delivering results, and then one day, it’s over. That call took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, over video. It was brutal.

That experience taught me the importance of protecting myself and my family. I had to advocate for myself in ways I never had before.

The second time came just two years into my role at a global company. A few months before my layoff, the CIO told me, “Mike, you know what your problem is? You’re too nice.” Two months later, I received my full bonus. I must be doing a good job! Three months later, they let me go. The reason? “We’ve decided to move in a different direction.”

What hurt most was hearing that after I left, they told my team I only brought problems, not solutions. That narrative never came up in my performance reviews.

That’s when I realized: companies will create their own narratives to justify decisions.

If you’ve been laid off, remember – it’s often not about your value or capability. Sometimes, it’s just business.

👨‍💻 Staying Relevant – Beyond Degrees

So, how can you protect yourself?

Stay relevant. Keep your skills current.

Here’s my belief: You don’t need a university degree to succeed in IT.

Throughout my career, I’ve hired incredible people who never graduated from university. What mattered was:

• Can they demonstrate their ability to do the job?
• Are they adaptable?
• Do they understand how their work impacts the business?

One of my best hires didn’t have a degree, but they had deep technical knowledge, a strong work ethic, and solved problems under pressure.

Personally, I’ve reinvented my skills multiple times – from programming BASIC on a TI-99/4A as a kid, to networking, databases, cloud, security, and leadership. Not all of it came from school. Much came from hands-on work and continuous learning.

That’s what keeps you relevant.

⚖️ Protecting Yourself – Legally and Financially

Now, I’m not a lawyer, so always seek professional legal advice. But here’s what I’ve learned:

✅ Never accept the first termination package without legal review.
Companies craft these to protect themselves. The deadlines they give you to respond? Not always final. Ask for an extension, and consult an employment lawyer who specializes in severance negotiations.

✅ Build a financial safety net.
Even if it’s just $25 or $50 every payday, automate your savings. Here’s a strategy I love:

Start this Friday by saving $1. Next Friday, save $2. The Friday after, $3. Keep increasing by $1 every week for a year. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved $1,378, plus a bit of interest if it’s in a high-interest savings account.

Having a buffer buys you confidence and time to negotiate your exit properly and to find the right next opportunity without panic.

✅ Negotiate upfront.
Your hiring package matters too. Companies expect negotiation. Discuss salary, vacation, title, and severance terms upfront if possible. You’re worth it.

🤝 The Power of Your Network

One of your biggest assets in a layoff isn’t just your skills – it’s your network.

• Keep your LinkedIn updated before you need it.
• Stay in touch with colleagues, bosses, and mentors.
• Comment on their posts, share insights, and check in occasionally.

During my first layoff, I signed up for a Udemy AWS Cloud Practitioner course. I passed the certification exam, and my next role required knowledge of AWS. That small investment of under $80 paid off fast.

In my career, opportunities have come through my network, including my current role.

Your reputation, combined with your relationships, will carry you through times of uncertainty.

👥 How Leaders Can Retain Great People

For the leaders reading this: retention isn’t about free coffee or ping pong tables. It’s about:

• Trusting your team
• Empowering their growth
• Valuing their input
• Creating psychological safety to own mistakes and learn

I’ve had team members follow me from one company to another, not for perks or pay alone, but because of how I treated them. Respect and authentic care go a long way.

✨ Final Thoughts: You Are the CEO of Your Career

Your career is a business, and you’re the CEO. Invest in yourself. Protect yourself. Build relationships that last beyond any job title.

Layoffs don’t define your worth. They just redirect your path.

Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this, check out the full episode on the Tech It From Me podcast wherever you listen. Until next time – keep building the career you deserve.

🎙️📄 **Transcript** >> Click here to view or download the full episode transcript