AI Layoffs Are Just the Beginning. Here’s How to Stay Relevant in 2026

November 21, 2025 - 3 minutes read - AI News, LinkedIn Content, LinkedIn Tips, Social Selling

 

The phrase “AI isn’t taking jobs” sounds good… until you look at what just happened.

91,000 people were laid off in October 2025 alone.

That’s not a typo. That’s a signal.

Amazon cut 14,000.

Verizon: 15,000.

Meta, Target, UPS, Delta, they all made cuts too.

This wasn’t a one-time market blip. It was a pivot.

And it wasn’t just about budgets. These roles weren’t paused.

→ They’re being redesigned for automation.

→ Or eliminated altogether because AI can do the job cheaper and faster.

I asked Alexa what her employer is really up to.

Her answer confirmed what many of us suspected—companies aren’t downsizing. They’re restructuring for a machine-first future.

What this means if you work in B2B tech:

Whether you’re in sales, marketing, or strategy, your job isn’t just about performance anymore. It’s about positioning.

We’re moving into a cycle where being invisible is a liability.

The professionals who win in 2026 won’t just be skilled. They’ll be the ones who are:
→ easy to find,
→ impossible to ignore,
→ and clear on the value only they can bring.

Three ways to stay ahead of the automation curve:

1. Rework your messaging.

Don’t just list responsibilities. Talk about outcomes. Talk about strategy. Talk about what you do that AI can’t replicate.

2. Share your perspective publicly.

This is the moment to become a visible expert in your niche. Share posts that explain how you’re helping your industry adapt, not react.

3. Stay in motion.

Pick one human-forward skill to strengthen now—storytelling, judgment, complex problem solving, creative leadership. Build a track record and make it known.

People keep asking: Is AI really taking over?

The better question is: what are you doing to future-proof your role before it happens?

The cuts from 2025 weren’t just numbers. They were a preview. The next 12–24 months will reward those who are proactive, visible, and clearly valuable.

If you’re not already positioning yourself that way, start this week.

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Tags: AI, Branding, Linkedin, Social selling