Employers cut nearly 1.2 million jobs through November 2025, the highest total since 2020, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
That is only the sixth time since 1993 that cuts have crossed this level before December.
Tech leads with more than 153,000 layoffs, while retail has trimmed nearly 92,000 positions as consumers pull back. Government efficiency drives, economic uncertainty, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) are adding pressure.
Here are the sectors with the largest confirmed cuts, so far:
- Technology: 153,536
- Retail: 91,954
- Services: 69,089
- Telecommunications: 38,035
- Food industry: 34,165
- Nonprofits: 28,696
- Media: 17,163
Spot the warning signs early
Hiring freezes, canceled projects, and sudden budget cuts often show internal strain. Leadership language is another clue. When earnings calls start focusing on restructuring or efficiency, it usually reflects real cost pressure. Challenger data shows restructuring alone accounts for more than 128,000 job cuts this year.
Industry trends matter too. When competitors reduce staff, your employer may follow. Telecommunications firms have cut more than 38,000 jobs, and media companies have shed over 17,000. These patterns typically land across the sector, not just in isolated companies.
Fewer check-ins with your manager, being left out of important communications, or seeing your responsibilities shift away from your role often indicate that change is ahead.
Strengthen your financial foundation
A stronger financial base now gives you more control if layoffs hit.
- Build your emergency fund while your income is steady. Aim for three to six months of core expenses, and more if your industry looks unstable. Even small automatic transfers help.
- Cut discretionary spending to create breathing room. Review subscriptions, takeout, and impulse purchases so you are not scrambling if income stops.
- Reduce high-interest debt. Credit card balances become costly during unemployment, so avoid adding to them now. Explore solutions for cash, debt relief or help funding a major expense you cannot avoid.
- Know your essential monthly costs. List only housing, utilities, food, insurance, and required payments so you understand how long your savings could last.
- Review your benefits while you still can. Know your severance terms, health coverage timeline, and what happens to stock options or retirement contributions. If you have an HSA, boost contributions now to cover future medical costs.
Protect your career and plan your next move
Strengthening your financial position is always a good idea, but strengthening your value within the company is equally important. Volunteer for high-visibility projects tied to revenue or key initiatives. Document your wins with specific results. Decision-makers notice measurable contributions.
Upskilling is also important. AI is cited as the reason for nearly 55,0000 layoffs in 2025. Learning to work effectively with new tools may help you stay relevant, even in a shrinking department.
Prepare your strategy early. Update your resume now, not when emotions are high. Reconnect with former colleagues, attend industry events, and keep your network warm. Explore sectors that are hiring rather than contracting. Not every employer is tightening headcount.
Consider building a small side income stream. Freelancing, consulting, or monetizing a hobby can provide a buffer and reduce pressure during a job search. Take surveys in your free time and earn a little extra with barely any effort.
Taking these steps does not eliminate uncertainty, but they help shift the odds in your favor. The workers losing jobs today include many talented people. What may separate those who recover quickly from those who struggle is foresight and preparation.
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