What is layoff fatigue? Surviving the endless job cut jitters |
Imagine this scenario: A calendar invite pops up on your laptop, with no subject, just a time slot and an HR name you half-remember. Your stomach flips. You ditch the lunch, recall all the emergency fund details, and mentally prepare yourself for the worst. You click join on the online meeting link… And it turns out to be a boring benefits update. You feel relieved! But also drained. Sounds familiar? Well, that’s layoff fatigue in action— the deep emotional exhaustion from constant dread of losing your job, even if it is safe at the moment.Considering the brutal job market in 2026, layoff fatigue is everywhere– be it in the tech, finance, or retail sectors. A few days ago, Reuters reported that Amazon axed 16,000 jobs as it pushes for AI and efficiency; Oracle, too, aims at cutting up to 30,000 jobs, as per several reports. The lay-off numbers are staggeringly high. No wonder, then, that having layoff fatigue is driving you nuts. Headlines highlight the instability of the job market, turning inboxes into anxiety bombs.
The sneaky symptoms draining your energy
Layoff fatigue isn’t just worry— it’s a full-body burnout. It increases one’s heart beats, and even cause anxiety. Careerminds’ January 2026 survey of 1,000 full-time workers found that 64.1% feel pressured into side hustles for “career insurance.” Nearly 66.5% juggle extras, but 54.9% report moderate/severe burnout from it—87.4% note stress spikes, reported Forbes.For employees who are untouched now, they too are working in survival mode: They are hypervigilant, second-guessing every meeting with their manager or HR. It’s a “layoff loop,” which breeds morale meltdowns and destabilises teams.
Why AI and cost-cuts fuel the fire
Blame cost-slashing and AI automation for the job losses. Employers aim at trimming headcounts for better efficiency, creating gaps that survivors fill. But this also leads to work overload. In such volatile job markets, many professionals switch to side hustles for financial safety. But juggling a full-time job with side gigs, is a recipe for collapse and more stress in the long run.
Breaking free: Reclaim your sanity
Here are some simple ways to deal with layoff fatigue: First, name it— talk to trusted colleagues, as sharing your troubles can help you feel better and find solutions to them. Remember, setting healthy boundaries at work matters: Clock out at 6 PM, no emails. Meanwhile, build buffers— aim to have atleast three months’ fund, learn new skills, and upgrade your resume. If you wish to side hustle, then do it smartly: Pick one viable gig, not five at the same time. And if anxiety of losing your job persists, then do seek therapy or counselling.Here’s a pro tip: Demand transparency from your manager or leaders, if possible. Meanwhile, leaders too should avoid vague invites and communicate straight.Layoff fatigue is real, but not forever. This glitchy era tests one’s resilience— so, emerge sharper, well-networked, and unbreakable. What’s your coping hack? Share below.
