It’s hard to avoid hearing about mass layoffs at big tech companies. And while it can be disheartening, it’s important to remember that high-profile layoffs at companies like Twitter, Google, Meta, and Amazon don’t necessarily spell bad news for the industry as a whole.

Instead, many laid-off tech workers simply find new jobs in other industries that require their skills. In fact, a recent survey found that 59% of laid-off tech professionals went on to work outside the tech sector in industries such as financial services, consulting, manufacturing, etc. And that means there’s still demand for those with tech skills.

However, it’s also important to remember that the days when a job at one of these large private-sector tech companies could be considered a career for life are long gone. Inflation, rising interest rates, and recession fears are causing firms to tighten their budgets and reduce staffing levels. And as technology enables businesses to automate functions and streamline processes, many roles are being eliminated entirely as they’re deemed unnecessary.

As a result, those who are most vulnerable are mid-career professionals who have invested their careers in Big Tech and might not have the flexibility to switch employers or transition into other sectors that can offer them stability. In addition, a growing number of tech pros are choosing to freelance and expand their portfolio of clients in order to increase their income and gain experience in different areas of the field.