UX Designer Layoff Survival Guide: Seeing the Signs & Taking Action
As the tech industry continues to experience waves of layoffs and restructuring, UX designers are finding themselves in increasingly vulnerable positions. According to Layoffs.fyi, over 22,692 tech employees have been laid off across 81 companies in 2025 alone. The federal government has also seen 36,091 employees laid off through DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), with 113,331 total federal departures this year.
If you're feeling that pit in your stomach wondering if you might be next, you're not alone. The good news? You can prepare yourself both to recognize warning signs and to take decisive action before or after a layoff happens.
One really important thing to remember is that - “Getting laid off is different from being fired, where the company is letting you go based on poor performance or violating company policy. Quitting is where you voluntarily leave the job.
Federal law requires employers with 100 or more employees to give 60 days’ notice of a layoff affecting 50 or more full-time employees at a single site of employment. Part-time employees are also entitled to receive notice of a mass layoff or plant closing. Each state may have its own guidelines regarding notice, and layoffs more broadly, says Davis. If your employer does not give proper notice under these laws, you may have legal recourse, Davis says, so you and your fellow laid-off co-workers can consult with an employment lawyer.” (Source)
5 Warning Signs Your UX Design Role Might Be At Risk
1. Projects Are Being Cancelled or Indefinitely Postponed
When leadership starts pulling the plug on projects or placing initiatives "on hold" with no clear timeline for revival, it's often an early indicator of budget tightening. For UX designers, whose roles are tied directly to product development pipelines, this can be particularly telling.
This is especially true in companies where design is viewed as a cost center rather than a value driver. You might notice previously approved design initiatives are being scrutinized more heavily in sprint planning meetings, or requests for design resources suddenly require additional levels of approval. Pay attention when roadmaps that previously had clear design phases begin to compress these activities or eliminate them altogether.
What to watch for: Multiple projects getting shelved within a short timeframe, especially those that were previously considered priorities. Look for patterns—are UX-heavy features being postponed while more technical infrastructure work continues? This could indicate your company is prioritizing maintenance over innovation, which often affects design teams first.
2. Design Research and Testing Budgets Are Cut
Research is often seen as a "nice to have" when companies start making tough financial decisions. If you're noticing increased pushback on user testing sessions, research participants, or tools you typically use, the company may be preparing to trim headcount.
Design research is typically one of the first activities scrutinized during budget cuts because its ROI isn't always immediately visible on the balance sheet. Watch for subtle shifts in how leadership talks about user research—changing from "How can we learn more?" to "Do we really need this study?" You might also notice subscription services like UserTesting, Optimal Workshop, or Hotjar suddenly coming under review, or hear questions about whether premium design tools like Figma could be replaced with free alternatives.
A particularly concerning sign is when your company starts pushing for "lean UX" approaches not as a methodology choice but explicitly to reduce costs. While efficiency is always valuable, be wary when it's driven primarily by financial constraints rather than process improvement.
What to watch for: Being asked to rely on existing research rather than conduct new studies, or suggestions to use internal employees for testing instead of paid participants. Look for canceled research subscriptions, delayed renewal of design software licenses, or the sudden need to "justify" every research expenditure with explicit revenue connections.
3. Reorganizations That Reduce Design's Influence
Watch for reorganizations that move design further from decision-making power. If your design team is suddenly reporting to engineering or marketing instead of having a direct line to product leadership, it could signal a devaluation of design's strategic role.
Organizational chart changes might seem innocuous, but they often telegraph upcoming priorities. When design reporting lines shift from a Chief Product Officer or Chief Experience Officer to a VP of Engineering or Marketing Director, it usually indicates design is being repositioned as a service function rather than a strategic driver. This frequently precedes headcount reductions.
Pay close attention to how design is represented in leadership meetings. If your design director or VP is suddenly excluded from key product strategy sessions, or if designers are no longer invited to roadmap planning, the company may be preparing to reduce design's footprint. Similarly, if design review meetings that once had executive attendance now struggle to get stakeholder participation, it may indicate shifting priorities.
What to watch for: Changes in reporting structure, consolidation of design teams, or the departure of design leadership without replacement. Listen for rhetoric that frames design as a "support function" rather than a strategic discipline, or new processes that position designers as "request fulfillment" rather than problem solvers.
4. Your Workload Dramatically Changes (Either Direction)
Both extremes can signal trouble. A sudden drop in assignments might mean your role is being phased out, while an unexpected increase could indicate the company is trying to extract maximum value before cuts.
When your calendar suddenly empties of the projects and meetings that once filled your days, it's rarely a good sign. This "bench" period often precedes layoffs as companies quietly reallocate work away from roles they plan to eliminate. Conversely, if you find yourself overwhelmed with urgent requests to document your design systems, create comprehensive handoff documentation, or train colleagues on your processes, the company may be preparing to distribute your responsibilities among remaining team members.
Pay particular attention to the types of tasks being assigned or removed. If your strategic work (like discovery research or conceptual design) is being reassigned while you're left with production-level tasks (like creating assets or making minor UI adjustments), it could indicate the company is redefining the role to require less senior talent.
Another red flag is when your long-term projects are suddenly reassigned without clear explanation, or when your input is no longer sought on initiatives where you were previously a key stakeholder. This "organizational ghosting" often precedes formal role elimination.
What to watch for: Being removed from meetings where you were previously essential, or conversely, being assigned work that seems designed to document your processes or train others. Watch for your projects being reassigned to contractors, offshore teams, or generalist roles, which may indicate the company is testing alternative resourcing models.
5. External Signals: Industry Layoffs and Government Contract Changes
As one industry expert notes, "The government pulling contracts is hitting hard, and a lot of companies are feeling it. It's a ripple effect... and it's going to impact hiring in ways people don't expect." If competitors or companies in adjacent spaces are announcing layoffs, or if your company relies on government contracts that are being reduced, prepare accordingly.
The interconnected nature of the tech economy means trouble rarely remains isolated. With Layoffs.fyi reporting 22,692 tech layoffs across 81 companies in 2025 already, these patterns can help you anticipate trouble at your own organization. Pay special attention to layoffs at companies with similar business models, customer bases, or investment structures as yours.
Government contracting changes have been particularly impactful recently, with 36,091 government employee layoffs and 113,331 total federal departures in 2025. If your company serves government clients or operates in regulated industries affected by federal policy changes, these shifts can quickly cascade to your team.
Watch for early warning signs like procurement freezes, delayed contract renewals, or changes in government agency priorities. These upstream disruptions often reach design teams within 2-3 months of initial policy changes. Similarly, if venture capital funding is drying up in your industry segment, design often experiences cuts as companies extend their runway by focusing on core technical capabilities.
What to watch for: News of layoffs at similar companies, changes in government spending policies in your industry, or sudden hiring freezes at your company. Monitor resources like Layoffs.fyi, Crunchbase funding announcements, and government contract award notifications relevant to your company's business areas.
6. Bonus. There are no red flags. Companies announce layoffs out of the blue.
You can try to look at WARN tracker to see which companies are preparing for layoffs.
One of the most jarring warning signs is the unexpected scheduling of company-wide meetings with vague agendas or cryptic titles like "Company Update" or "Business Announcement." These meetings are often scheduled with minimal notice (sometimes just hours) and might come from executive leadership who rarely sends direct invites.
The timing is also telling—layoffs are frequently announced early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) and early in the day, giving the company time to process the fallout within the same work week. If you see a company-wide meeting suddenly appear on your calendar for 9 AM on a Monday or Tuesday, especially if it's mandatory attendance, it deserves your attention.
Another red flag is when your direct manager starts scheduling unexpected 1:1 meetings with team members, particularly if these meetings are short (15-30 minutes) and scheduled in rapid succession. HR representatives might also suddenly appear in meeting invites where they normally wouldn't be included.
What to watch for: Unexplained company-wide meetings with vague titles, scheduled with minimal notice and mandatory attendance. Watch for unusual meeting patterns, such as your manager suddenly scheduling brief 1:1s with everyone on the team on the same day, or the sudden involvement of HR in routine meetings.
How to prepare for a layoff - 5 steps
1. Update and Optimize Your Portfolio and Resume
Your portfolio is your most powerful tool as a UX designer. Now is the time to make sure it's not just updated but strategically positioned.
Many designers make the critical mistake of treating their portfolio as a gallery rather than a business case for hiring them. In today's competitive market, pretty screens aren't enough—you need to demonstrate how your design decisions drove measurable business results. For each project, clearly articulate:
The business problem you were solving
The constraints you were working within (time, budget, technical limitations)
Your specific contributions to the solution
Quantifiable outcomes that resulted from your work
Utilize Google’s resume storytelling formula to showcase the value of your work. Google describes this as: “Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].” But just to make it easier to remember, let’s shorten it to X-Y-Z. For example, instead of saying "Redesigned the checkout flow," say "Redesigned the checkout flow resulting in a 23% increase in conversion rate and $1.2M additional quarterly revenue."
Your resume should follow similar principles. As one career expert advises: "Your resume should be clean, simple, and full of results. No fluff. No walls of text. Just proof of what you've done and why it matters. Value added is your mantra!"
For UX designers specifically, your resume should emphasize both your technical skills (research methodologies, prototyping tools, design systems) and the soft skills that make designers valuable (cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, design thinking facilitation).
Action items:
Update your portfolio with measurable results and business outcomes, not just beautiful artifacts
Create case studies that emphasize problem-solving and strategic thinking
Include metrics that demonstrate the value you brought (conversion increases, user satisfaction improvements, etc.)
Ensure your portfolio works on mobile devices and loads quickly
Add testimonials from product managers, engineers, or other stakeholders
Follow NN Group's tips for creating a standout UX portfolio - for researchers , resume advice, general job search advice
2. Leverage LinkedIn Strategically
LinkedIn isn't just for job postings—it's a visibility tool that can bring opportunities to you. With the current job market, passive visibility is essential as many opportunities never reach public job boards.
Recruiters use specific search strings to find UX talent, so understanding how to optimize your profile for these searches is crucial. Begin by researching job descriptions for roles you're targeting and identify recurring keywords and phrases. These are likely the same terms recruiters use in their searches.
Your LinkedIn strategy should be two-pronged: optimize for algorithmic discovery and human connection. For the algorithm, use the exact terms from job descriptions in your headline, About section, and Experience entries. For human connection, focus on telling compelling stories about your work and engaging authentically with your network.
As one LinkedIn expert advises: "Your goal is to hit 500+ connections as fast as possible. Make a list of those you will return to. Ask absolutely everyone you think would connect with you if they are active on LinkedIn, to connect. I don't care if you went to kindergarten with them, if it's your Mom or your barista. Connect, connect, connect."
Action items:
Optimize your profile with UX-specific keywords that recruiters search for (e.g., "user research," "interaction design," "design thinking," "Figma," "prototyping")
Add your top five UX skills directly in your About section using phrases like "Expertise in: UX Research, Interaction Design, Design Systems, Figma, Usability Testing"
Create a headline that clearly defines your UX specialty (e.g., "Product Designer specializing in FinTech UX & Design Systems")
Use the Featured section to highlight portfolio pieces directly on LinkedIn
Turn on the Open to Work banner (visible to recruiters only if you're currently employed)
Connect with at least 30 people daily to expand your network rapidly—focus on UX leaders, recruiters, and product managers at target companies
Post insights and case study snippets weekly to demonstrate thought leadership and interest in various industries
Use LinkedIn's job alert features to stay informed about new opportunities
Follow companies you're interested in to track their hiring patterns
3. Secure Your Critical Work Information
If layoffs are on the horizon, you need to preserve important information before you lose access. Many designers make the critical mistake of assuming they'll have time to gather materials after receiving notice—in reality, many companies immediately revoke system access when delivering layoff news.
The information you save now can make a significant difference in your job search success. Performance metrics and positive feedback serve as evidence for your claims about impact, while documentation of completed projects provides raw material for your updated portfolio.
As advised in a recent career article: "Make sure you periodically save or download important documents tied to your employment, such as payslips, contracts, benefit information, performance reviews and anything else you may need or want after leaving your employer. Also, if you can, write down or save the email addresses and phone numbers for your HR business partners or the general HR department. These can be especially difficult to find once you're locked out from an employer's internal systems."
For UX designers specifically, preserving evidence of your design process can be particularly valuable. Future employers often want to see not just final designs but how you think and iterate. Save documentation of research plans, synthesis artifacts, wireframe progressions, and stakeholder presentations that demonstrate your end-to-end process.
Action items:
Save copies of performance reviews and positive feedback (with sensitive information redacted)
Download templates, snippets, or non-proprietary resources you've created
Document project outcomes and metrics for your portfolio (conversion rates, engagement metrics, satisfaction scores)
Screenshot dashboards or analytics reports showing the impact of your design work
Archive process artifacts that demonstrate your design thinking (research plans, affinity diagrams, user journey maps)
Save copies of presentations you've created, especially those showing before/after comparisons
Download any design system components or pattern libraries you've contributed to (if not proprietary)
Gather contact information for colleagues, professional connections, and especially supportive managers
Save any training certificates or professional development documentation
Download your last several pay stubs and benefits information
Secure copies of any award nominations or recognition you've received
Back up all this information in at least two locations (cloud storage and local drive)
4. Build Your Support Network Before You Need It
Don't wait until after a layoff to start building connections. The strength and breadth of your professional network is often the determining factor in how quickly you land your next role.
Research consistently shows that most jobs are filled through network connections rather than applications. For UX designers, who often need to demonstrate both technical skills and cultural fit, these warm introductions are particularly valuable. They can help you bypass application tracking systems and get your portfolio directly in front of decision-makers.
Your network building should be intentional and reciprocal. Don't just connect with people when you need something—offer value consistently by sharing insights, providing feedback, or making introductions. This "relationship banking" approach ensures you have goodwill to draw on when you need support.
As one career expert advises: "Your network is everything. You should be connecting with at least 30 people a day. You're not asking for favors, just building relationships."
For UX designers, building a diverse network is crucial. Beyond fellow designers, connect with product managers, engineers, design recruiters, and business stakeholders who understand the value of design. These cross-functional connections often lead to opportunities that aren't publicly posted.
Action items:
Participate in UX communities like Her UX Path, Designer Hangout, and Design Buddies
Attend local UX meetups through Meetup.com and virtual events through Eventbrite
Connect with former colleagues now in other companies and schedule casual catch-up conversations
Follow UX leaders and engage thoughtfully with their content (comment, share insights, ask questions)
Schedule regular coffee chats with peers in your field (aim for 2-3 per month)
Offer to provide portfolio reviews or mentorship to junior designers (building goodwill)
Volunteer for local design events or conferences to expand your network
Participate in design workshops or hackathons to meet potential collaborators
One layoff guide specifically recommends: "By definition of a layoff, you were not the only one laid off from your company. Reach out to those who were also laid off and see if you can help each other." (Source)
5. Develop a Financial Runway and Career Plan
Preparation isn't just about finding your next job—it's about creating stability during the transition. The current job market reality means design job searches can take 3-6 months or longer, making financial planning essential.
For UX designers, career planning should include both financial preparation and strategic skill development. The field is evolving rapidly, with increased demand for designers who understand emerging technologies and specialized domains. By identifying high-demand niches and developing targeted skills, you can position yourself more competitively regardless of general market conditions.
A career advisor with experience in tech layoffs advises: "Evaluate your regular fixed expenses and any variable expenses that may have been incurred in your previous job. With the knowledge of your severance pay (if applicable), unemployment benefits, personal savings, and other assets you can liquidate, calculate how long you can financially sustain yourself without a regular paycheck."
Read more from- “Laid off recently? A guide to navigating layoffs as a tech worker”.
Beyond finances, use this time to honestly assess your career direction. A potential layoff can sometimes be the catalyst for meaningful career realignment. Perhaps you've been wanting to shift from product design to UX research, move from agency work to in-house, or develop expertise in a specialized domain like accessibility or voice interfaces.
Action items:
Calculate your minimum financial runway needed (3-6 months of expenses is ideal)
Create a detailed budget and identify discretionary spending that can be reduced
Research unemployment insurance benefits in your location and understand the application process
Move savings to high-yield accounts (currently paying 4-5% as noted in layoff resources)
Identify UX-adjacent skills you can develop that might open new opportunities:
UI development skills (HTML/CSS/JavaScript)
Advanced prototyping (Framer, ProtoPie)
UX writing and content design
Design systems management
UX research specialization
Accessibility expertise
Research companies still hiring UX designers despite industry trends on platforms like Still Hiring Today and Layoffs.fyi's hiring tracker
Consider freelance or contract options through platforms like:
Toptal (for vetted, higher-paying projects)
Designhill (for diverse design opportunities)
Working Not Working (creative industry focused)
Upwork (wide range of opportunities for short term work)
Fiverr (for quick projects to bridge gaps)
Explore specialized UX niches that might be more resilient:
Healthcare UX (consistently growing sector)
Fintech UX (particularly compliance and security focused)
Accessibility and inclusive design (regulatory requirements driving demand)
Enterprise UX (typically more stable during economic downturns)
Government digital services (especially state and local levels)
Create a structured learning plan to acquire or strengthen high-demand skills
Develop a "Plan B" career option that leverages your UX background (UX teaching, content creation, etc.)
Post-Layoff Action Plan
If you do experience a layoff, remember this advice from career experts: "I get that being laid off is overwhelming. Take a week or two to get your head straight. But after that? You need a plan."
The psychological impact of a layoff shouldn't be underestimated. Many designers report that the emotional recovery is as challenging as the professional transition. Give yourself permission to process these feelings, but set a concrete date to shift into active job search mode.
Once you're ready to begin your search, approach it with the same methodical process you would apply to a design project: research, strategy, execution, and iteration.
Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)
Apply for unemployment benefits immediately while beginning your job search. The process can take weeks, so starting early ensures you don't miss out on benefits you're entitled to receive.
Review your severance agreement carefully before signing. As one layoff guide advises: "Unless your company gives you a deadline, there is no rush to sign a severance agreement. We've heard stories of workers signing the severance agreement within the layoff day, without looking carefully, and then having to negotiate the fine print after signing." Consider consulting with an employment attorney if your severance is substantial or if you have concerns.
Secure your health insurance coverage by understanding COBRA options or investigating marketplace alternatives. For designers with specialized healthcare needs or families, this should be prioritized.
Announce your availability thoughtfully. Create a well-crafted LinkedIn post that highlights your expertise and the value you can bring to potential employers, rather than focusing on the negative aspects of your layoff.
Week 1-2: Building Structure and Support
Join layoff support groups specific to your company or industry. As one guide notes: "By definition of a layoff, you were not the only one laid off from your company. Reach out to those who were also laid off and see if you can help each other." Many tech companies now have dedicated alumni Slack channels specifically for those affected by layoffs.
Create a structured job search routine with dedicated time blocks for different activities. For UX designers, this might include:
Portfolio refinement (2-3 hours daily initially, then 2-3 hours weekly)
Job application research and submission (2 hours daily)
Networking and outreach (1-2 hours daily)
Skill development (1 hour daily)
Interview preparation (1-2 hours as needed)
Set up a dedicated workspace for your job search to maintain focus and professional mindset.
Weeks 3-4: Strategic Search Execution
Create templates for networking messages, job applications, and follow-ups. As one expert advises: "Templates will save you time. Have a template for connecting with people. Have one for asking for introductions. Have one for reaching out cold. Make them personal, but don't reinvent the wheel every time."
Research companies actively hiring using resources like:
4 Day Week (for companies with flexible work arrangements)
Key Values (search jobs by company values)
Wellfound (formerly AngelList, for startup roles)
Behance Jobs (design-specific opportunities)
Tailor applications strategically rather than using the "spray and pray" approach. As one career advisor notes: "Search for 5-10 jobs that match your skills. Read the descriptions carefully. If they all mention the same thing, make sure that skill is front and center on your resume."
Remember: The Market Is Still Moving
Despite the challenges, opportunities exist. As one expert reminds us: "People are getting hired. The job market is brutal, but it's moving. If you're sitting back waiting for things to get better, you're going to get left behind."
The UX field continues to be vital, even as companies restructure. Your skills are valuable, and with strategic preparation and action, you can navigate this challenging period successfully.
Offboard newsletter which talks about layoffs.
Looking for more support? Consider these resources:
Her UX Path Discord Community - Our community with portfolio feedback reviews, resume reviews, work critique, UX book club, etc.
Offboard newsletter - Weekly newsletter where jobseekers gain their edge with trends, tools, & more.
Taro - Career development platform (20% off yearly subscriptions with referral links)
The Pragmatic Engineer Newsletter - Industry insights and job market analysis
WARNTracker's Bounce Back Toolkit - Free resources for those affected by layoffs
UX Coffee Hours - Free mentorship sessions with experienced designers