The rise of AI has brought about a new era of job insecurity, with a record number of layoffs in October 2025. This is a wake-up call for professionals to adapt and navigate this changing landscape.
According to a report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the U.S. experienced the worst layoffs in October since 2003, with a staggering 153,074 job cuts. This trend is not limited to one industry; tech giants like Amazon and Salesforce have let go of thousands of employees, citing investments in AI as the reason.
But here's where it gets controversial: some experts argue that AI is being used as a scapegoat for layoffs. Fabian Stephany, an assistant professor at the Oxford Internet Institute, emphasizes the need for skepticism. He believes that companies might be using AI as an excuse for other issues, such as past hiring mistakes or economic downturns.
So, what should professionals do if they find themselves laid off due to AI? Stephany suggests that if the layoffs are not truly about automation, finding a similar role at a different company is a straightforward solution. For instance, software developers are still in high demand across various firms.
However, if your role is becoming obsolete due to AI, it's time to upskill and adapt. Glassdoor's Chief Economist, Daniel Zhao, advises professionals to explore adjacent skillsets. He believes that upskilling can open doors to more promising career paths.
Stephany refers to this as the 'bundle of skills' approach, where professionals should recognize and leverage the diverse skills they already possess. For example, a software developer with programming and debugging skills might also have management and communication abilities.
Learning new skills doesn't always mean a complete career change. Zhao suggests that acquiring statistical skills, for instance, is an adjacent step for developers, as it builds upon their existing skill bundle.
AI literacy is another crucial skill to develop. LinkedIn's Skills on the Rise report found that AI literacy is highly favored by recruiters and professionals alike. Zhao predicts that AI literacy will become a baseline requirement for many jobs in the future, much like computer literacy is today.
Stephany's research supports this, showing that demonstrating AI skills signals a willingness to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. These skills can range from writing prompts for chatbots to understanding how to use AI tools like Copilot.
The key is to develop AI skills that complement your existing expertise. For example, if you work in business operations, learning to program might not be the most efficient use of your time and resources. Instead, focus on learning how to effectively communicate with AI and prompt the best responses, which is a more relevant and accessible skill for your role.
And this is the part most people miss: AI might be great at certain tasks, but it still can't replace certain soft skills. Effective team management, for instance, is a skill that AI struggles with. So, consider upskilling in areas that are complementary to your existing strengths and adjacent to your current role.
In conclusion, while AI-driven layoffs are a reality, professionals have the power to adapt and thrive. By staying skeptical, exploring adjacent skillsets, and developing AI literacy, you can navigate this changing job market and secure your future career.
