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Writer's pictureRenata Bernarde
Oct 21

Corporate Layoffs

Episode 261 - Why Restructures and Redundancies Are on the Rise




Corporate Layoffs, Career Transitions, and the Uncertain Path Forward for Today’s Professionals


Corporate restructuring, economic instability, and a surge in technology-led change are reshaping the career landscape for professionals everywhere. We’re witnessing seismic shifts in the workforce, and for many seasoned corporate professionals, this often translates into redundancy, unexpected career changes, or a push toward independent ventures like consulting. In recent conversations with clients, as well as a recent podcast episode featuring Natasha Silveira, founder of VeiraMal Consulting, these themes emerged again and again. Let's explore why these changes are happening and what they mean for professionals navigating this uncertain landscape.


Redundancies and Corporate Restructuring: The New Norm?


In 2024, corporate restructuring have become all too familiar. High-profile layoffs at companies like Meta, Disney, and Amazon have dominated the headlines, leaving thousands of professionals in search of a new path. What’s particularly striking is that these layoffs aren't isolated to tech giants—they’re affecting industries across the board. Factors such as post-pandemic reorganization, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty have prompted companies to adjust staffing levels to maintain profitability.


In this environment, professionals must understand that traditional career stability is increasingly elusive. Redundancy has become a part of the corporate experience, and adapting to it is crucial. At the heart of this adaptation is a need for what I call skill security. This involves regularly updating skills to stay relevant rather than relying on job tenure or company loyalty as safeguards. As I discussed with Natasha, it’s essential to cultivate a set of core skills that are transferable across roles and industries—think project management, data literacy, and strategic thinking. The days of counting on job security are gone; today’s professionals must instead invest in lifelong learning and personal development.


The Myth of Job Security in the Corporate World


For decades, job security was tied to the notion of the “safe” career path: you joined a large company, worked diligently, climbed the ladder, and retired with a pension. However, the rapid pace of change in today's economy has rendered this concept obsolete. Even “safe” industries like healthcare, finance, and retail are seeing increased automation and AI integration, reducing the demand for certain roles and changing job requirements altogether.

Companies are now hiring not just for existing roles but for adaptability and future potential. For corporate professionals, this means building a diverse portfolio of experiences that goes beyond their immediate role. Instead of viewing career paths as linear journeys, it’s time to think of them as a collection of experiences and skills that, when combined, create a unique value proposition.


Career Transitions: More Common, Less Stigmatized


The bright side of these shifts is that career transitions have become more acceptable, and even expected. A recent survey by LinkedIn found that nearly half of all professionals anticipate changing careers at some point in their lives. This trend is particularly pronounced among Generation X and Baby Boomers, who are often seeking new meaning or flexibility in their careers. Professionals today are increasingly open to exploring roles that were once considered unconventional—consulting, freelancing, or even entrepreneurship.


Many of my clients, particularly those with decades of corporate experience, find themselves drawn to consulting. This is where expertise becomes invaluable, and the ability to build a business around that expertise is a skill in itself. Natasha, who moved from a corporate HR role to consulting, is an example of how this transition can be both challenging and rewarding. She shared that starting her consultancy gave her more control over her work-life balance, and it allowed her to use her corporate skills in a new way. For many professionals, consulting offers the autonomy to build a career on their own terms and the flexibility to pursue varied interests.


Unlearning the Old Rules of Career Success


For those who have spent years in traditional corporate environments, making a career transition often means unlearning old habits and ways of thinking. In the corporate world, there’s a tendency to value tenure and experience over innovation and adaptability. However, as careers evolve and take on different shapes, professionals must embrace a mindset of continual learning, agility, and openness to change.


Natasha shared in our discussion that one of the biggest challenges she faced was letting go of the “perfect” career path she had envisioned. Shifting from a steady corporate role to the unpredictability of consulting required her to redefine her ideas of success. This is a common theme among career changers: they must become comfortable with uncertainty and learn to measure success by their own metrics, not by the benchmarks they were once taught to value.


The Road Ahead: A Call for Resilience and Adaptability


As corporate professionals navigate this era of change, resilience and adaptability have never been more crucial. It's no longer about staying in one role or climbing a single ladder; it’s about creating a unique career path that’s flexible enough to withstand changes in the economy, technology, and industry. This means investing in skills that allow professionals to pivot when necessary, whether that’s moving into a new field, starting a consulting business, or exploring a freelance role.


In the face of these changes, I advise my clients to take a proactive approach:

  • Invest in Transferable Skills: Skills like data analysis, strategic thinking, and digital fluency are valuable across industries. By building a strong foundation, you can stay competitive regardless of your field.

  • Expand Your Network: A robust professional network can provide support, job leads, and opportunities for collaboration. Attend industry events, engage on LinkedIn, and be open to connecting with others.

  • Embrace Lifelong Learning: With technology advancing at a rapid pace, staying relevant requires continuous learning. This can be through online courses, certifications, or professional development workshops.

  • Consider Multiple Income Streams: The future of work may involve juggling multiple roles or projects. Consulting, freelance work, or even passion projects can provide income and professional fulfillment.


Ultimately, as corporate professionals look ahead, they must be prepared to redefine their careers on their own terms. It’s an exciting time to reshape what it means to be successful. This new landscape of work isn’t just about survival; it’s an opportunity for reinvention. For professionals willing to adapt, the road ahead is filled with possibilities.


About our guest, Natasha Silveira


Natasha Silveira is the Founder and Managing Director of VeiraMal Consulting. Leading the firm with innovative expertise in the people and culture sector, Natasha has grown the team from 3 to 12 since establishing VeiraMal in 2018. Her background includes experience at UGL Limited and Mondelez International, and her firm now serves over 20 clients from their Melbourne office. Natasha’s leadership has earned VeiraMal recognition as a finalist for the Australian Small Business Champions. Her impressive client list includes Starbucks, Don Foods, Catch.com.au, Newcrest Mining, MMG, and O-I. Natasha also shares her insights through her blog, Tash Talks, and enjoys travelling, with Dubai being a cherished destination.




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