Amazon and Meta Are Laying Off, Should You Be Worried? Understanding Job Security in the New Era

Last year, the tech industry shed nearly 150,000 jobs across more than 500 companies, including Tesla, Intel, Microsoft, and TikTok, like a cold wave sweeping across the globe. Recently, Amazon’s massive job cuts have dominated headlines, while other tech giants continue to carry out workforce restructuring.
But behind these numbers lie countless individuals and families facing life-changing upheavals. Many assumed that working for a big-name company meant guaranteed stability, only to see everything wiped out overnight.

The Collapse of Traditional Beliefs

In the past, landing a job at a well-known corporation was seen as the ultimate career victory. Parents would often tell their children, “Work for a big company, it’s secure.” This mindset has been especially deep-rooted in Asian societies.
But reality has delivered a harsh wake-up call. A McKinsey study found that in 2024, the average layoff rate among large global corporations hit 8.2%, the highest in nearly a decade. Even industries once considered the most “stable,” such as finance and manufacturing, have not been spared.

Citibank, for instance, announced plans to gradually cut about 20,000 employees by 2026, roughly 10% of its global workforce. Toyota, meanwhile, has begun restructuring some of its domestic divisions in Japan as it shifts toward electric vehicles. While no specific numbers were disclosed, the move highlights the massive transformation pressures even traditional industries now face.

The Side Effects of Digital Transformation

Behind the wave of layoffs lies the double pressure companies face, balancing digital transformation with economic uncertainty. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence and automation technologies is steadily replacing many mid-level and support roles.
As early as five years ago, the World Economic Forum predicted that by the end of 2025, 85 million jobs worldwide would be displaced by automation. The reality is clear: certain roles simply no longer require human labor. This isn’t just about cutting cost, it’s about ensuring business survival.

How the New Generation Is Responding

Younger generations have reacted to the recent wave of layoffs with surprising calm. Many professionals say they are actively building diverse skill sets and no longer rely on a single employer to guarantee career security.
“I never believed a company would take care of me for life,” said a 31-year-old software engineer. “Real stability is something I create for myself.” Beyond her full-time job, she has built a personal brand that now earns more than twice her regular salary.
This “multi-hyphenate mindset” is quickly becoming the new norm. More and more people are developing multiple income streams, from freelancing and online businesses to investments, as a strategy to spread risk and secure their future.

Skills Matter More Than Titles

In today’s shifting landscape, what carries the most value is no longer the company name on your résumé, but your core capabilities. The skills that will be most in demand in the future are diverse and multi-dimensional:

• Advanced Cognitive Skills: analytical thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity.
• Social and Emotional Skills: communication, collaboration, empathy, leadership, adaptability, resilience.
• Digital and Technical Skills: AI literacy, data analysis, digital tools proficiency, cybersecurity awareness.
• Learning and Growth Mindset: lifelong learning, curiosity, self-management.

A single technical specialty is no longer enough to thrive. The real advantage comes from combining uniquely human soft skills with rapidly evolving digital and AI capabilities, while maintaining a commitment to continuous learning. This is what will define the most valuable talent in tomorrow’s job market.

What Does “Stability” Really Mean?

In the past, stability meant staying with the same company until retirement, enjoying steady benefits and a pension. But in today’s fast-changing world, that kind of “stability” has become a risk.
True stability lies in the ability to stand back up no matter the environment. That means cultivating a mindset of continuous learning, staying flexible in the face of change, and building skills that create value. Ultimately, each of us must take responsibility for our own careers. Instead of waiting for companies or systems to provide security, it’s better to proactively create your own sense of stability.

Take Charge of Your Own Future

The wave of layoffs at major corporations serves as a harsh but vital reminder: no one can give you true stability except yourself. Stability doesn’t come from a job; it comes from your ability. When you have the courage and skills to start over at any time, no layoff storm can truly knock you down.
The real winners are never those who stay in their comfort zone, but those who dare to take on challenges and keep growing. Big companies may no longer guarantee a secure job, but you have the power to create your own.

 

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Published by iNSearch 卓恩管理顧問有限公司
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