I'm trying to be proactive about finding a new job before layoffs, but the situation doesn't look much better at any company I've so far considered.
What's the point of getting a new job if chances are I'll be laid off within a year from there as well. I have to admit I'm slowly starting to panic.
How is everybody else handling this?
I'm not afraid they will screw me on severance ... I am afraid they will keep me!
The worst ideology is that you are expecting a company to save for you. That is NOT the right way to go about things. They will screw plenty of people with a severance. If you have a job elsewhere that looks promising, TAKE IT
There is a reason that the average IT tenure is about four years. Either voluntarily or involuntarily, you'll have to look for a new job eventually.
That's why i'm praying for severance. Money in the bank...
Govt job that is what I did after getting tired of constant layoffs every 2-3 years.
The point of getting a new job is having positive cash flow instead of no money at all. If you like what the company is doing, if you like the technology and/or business model around it, then it is worth pursuing.
It's something to put on your resume to add to your experience, that is most important.
The days of being employed for the same company for 20+ years are done.
The only way to ensure that you won't get laid off , is to have your own company , you are on shore watching the boat sink.
If you are concerned about being laid off again, you may want to look for a government job.