AI layoffs hit your company? Here’s your survival plan

Dear Chuck,

Several people have been laid off at my company because of AI. I hope I don’t, but I feel I need to prepare anyway. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Prepping to Lose My Job

Dear Prepping to Lose My Job,

While AI and automation led to a sharp increase in layoffs in 2025 and early 2026, the Wall Street Journal reports that trend has slowed significantly. Workers in the technology and transportation sectors were hit the hardest. While it is likely that your fears are unfounded, it is never a bad use of time to be aware of the risk and have a backup plan in place.

I was laid off years ago. It is a very unsettling experience and can be especially painful if you are living with very little financial margin. Let’s look at some wise steps you can take now.

Be grateful

We only have today, so thank the Lord for providing you with the job you currently hold. Be truly grateful for every paycheck you receive. Make the most of each day by stewarding your time well. Work with excellence to protect your position. Volunteer to take on projects you can do well. Aim to make yourself hard to replace by investing in important skills. You will gain a good reference should you get laid off. In all things, remember, it’s the Lord you are serving (Colossians 3:23–24 ESV).

Do your research

Whether you get laid off or not, it is always smart to be aware of available positions in the job market. Does your employer have other opportunities in the company that you are qualified for? If not, research industry trends, and browse job boards. Determine the skills and certifications that make you marketable. Can you gain any skills at your current job or acquire certifications in your spare time? Explore courses of interest and value that are recession-proof. Anything in AI is a hot skill set right now.

Review your resume

Do you have a current resume? Update it on a regular basis and know that it will need to be adapted for every application. Keep track of accomplishments, awards, and promotions. How about your LinkedIn profile? Be sure it is up to date and sharp.

Keep active in your network

Do you have a strong network of professional colleagues? Stay in touch with them and former co-workers by making time to strengthen those relationships. Meet in person when possible and try to be of help to them so you don’t just focus on yourself. Seek meetings with respected individuals in your industry and learn as much as you can from them. Find trusted people willing to mentor you. Determine if anybody at church may be helpful to you in the networking process. Most people find new jobs through referrals.

Get your finances ready for a transition

There are several things you can do to protect your finances. Prioritize an emergency fund that can cover three to six months of expenses. Consider multiple income streams. Begin preparing now, whether a layoff happens or not. Crown’s Crisis Budget can help you get a head start and gain margin. In general:

• Reduce debt and increase savings.
• Cut unnecessary expenditures and sell what you can to add to savings.
• Ask God to prepare you for whatever He has next.

If laid off

As difficult as losing a job is, it can actually be God’s method of launching you into a better position. Preparation is vital!

Make sure you understand your severance package before signing it. Read the fine print, and get all questions answered. Don’t sign any waivers unless you fully understand the terms. Determine your health insurance coverage. Check into COBRA, coverage through your spouse, or a group-share option like Christian health-share co-ops. Protect your 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account. You can roll it over to a new employer’s plan or an IRA. Know the best options so you avoid paying any taxes and penalties.

If you file for unemployment, it can take several weeks before benefits kick in. So immediately reduce all variable spending. Contact your creditors and ask for payment options. Update your resume, and begin the job search. Reach out to people in your network and maintain good relations with your previous employer. Above all, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 ESV).

Keep things in perspective, remembering that your identity is in Christ — not a job. Stay positive by trusting the Lord and doing all you can to secure the next job. Ask God to teach and refine you during this time so you come out of it with greater wisdom and discernment and the ability to identify with others who face the same challenges.

Thank you for your question. I pray that you are equipped with a plan that you never have to use!

Additional Resources

• https://www.crown.org/all-resources/ask-chuck-preparing-for-a-layoff/
• https://www.crown.org/all-resources/ask-chuck-get-prepared-for-layoffs/
• https://www.crown.org/resource-your-14-step-lay-off-recovery-plan/
• https://www.crown.org/all-resources/searching-for-a-new-job/
• https://www.crown.org/all-resources/job-loss/

If you have any credit card debt, now is the time to work on eliminating it. Christian Credit Counselors can help. As a trusted Crown partner, they provide personalized debt management plans designed to reduce debt, lower financial stress, and help you regain control of your finances.