Why You Should Always Be Ready to Get Laid Off

Here’s the brutal truth:

Tech isn’t stable. Design jobs? Even less so.

In 2023 alone, over 262,000 tech workers were laid off. The trend hasn’t slowed down — 2024 saw more than 150,000 layoffs across hundreds of companies. Even in 2025, roles are being cut daily. Designers, PMs, and engineers who thought they were “safe” were suddenly jobless.

You’re not immune. No one is.

That’s why the smartest designers aren’t just designing — they’re future-proofing.

Because waiting for a layoff to start preparing is how you get left behind.

Want to stay ready? Here’s how:

Keep your portfolio sharp — always

Don’t wait until your contract ends or your calendar clears. Update your portfolio every time you finish a project — while the strategy, design thinking, and outcomes are still fresh in your head. This way, when an opportunity (or crisis) comes, you’re not scrambling through old files — you’re ready to send.

Network before you need to

Networking isn’t just for when you’re job hunting — it’s career insurance. Set a standing reminder to connect, attend a local UX meetup, join a webinar, or just check in with someone in your field once a month.

Join design communities (Slack, Discord, LinkedIn)

Most of today’s hiring signals start in DMs and group chats — not job boards. The best design communities don’t just offer support — they post leads, freelance gigs, and internal referrals before roles go public.

Share your work, your process, your thinking — build visibility

Don’t just design in silence. Post your work on LinkedIn, write case studies on Behance, tweet your UX insights — show the thinking behind your designs.

Don’t tie your identity to one company, one tool, or one title

Here’s a hard truth: you are not your job title. That tool you’ve mastered might be irrelevant in 6 months. That company you love might cut your role to save margin.

Companies are solving for their bottom line — not your long-term career. Stay flexible, stay learning, and never let one logo define your value.

Being laid off isn’t the end — it’s part of the industry now. But being caught off guard? That’s optional.

The designers who thrive aren’t lucky. They’re ready, visible, and always in motion.