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In January 2025 alone, over seven thousand employees from 31 major tech companies lost their jobs. Over the past few years, tens of thousands of highly skilled tech workers have faced unexpected layoffs as AI and automation disrupt traditional software engineering, IT and product management roles. But a new study explores how laid-off tech workers are successfully pivoting careers amid ongoing AI-driven layoffs, finding higher-paying careers in unexpected sectors.
Unexpected Careers For Laid-Off Tech Workers In 2025
There’s no longer any question that AI is replacing many more jobs this year, but in general, experts agree that many fears of AI job loss are not justified. In fact, there are still high-paying, in-demand jobs. Plus, new research shows that thousands of laid-off tech workers have transitioned into surprising, lucrative career paths.
According to Danny Veiga, AI strategist and founder of Chadix, some former Tech professionals are making shocking career pivots into industries that they never considered before—in some cases finding better job stability and pay. Veiga reports that some former software engineers are earning $120,000-plus as aircraft mechanics and cybersecurity experts in adult entertainment tech.
Chadix researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of real-world job pivots shared online, identifying laid-off tech’s most lucrative career transitions and analyzing thousands of firsthand Reddit discussions from tech workers navigating career changes post-layoffs. The Chadix findings from organic discussions and firsthand accounts yield a data-driven look at the best alternative careers for displaced tech workers in 2025.
1. Aviation & Aerospace Mechanics. Veiga informed me that former software engineers and IT specialists are transitioning into aircraft maintenance and aerospace mechanics, a sector that provides exceptional job security, with median salaries ranging between $80,000 and $120,000 annually. He states that many professionals are obtaining FAA certifications in as little as 18 months, allowing them to enter a highly specialized field with steady employment prospects. Veiga mentions the case of a former Google engineer who retrained as an aircraft technician who now earns a six-figure salary maintaining commercial jets, illustrating the financial potential of this career shift.
2. Skilled Trades (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing and Welding). Veiga points out that skilled trades remain impervious to automation, making them one of the most recession-proof career paths for displaced tech workers. Fields such as HVAC repair, electrical work, plumbing and industrial welding continue to see a high demand for skilled labor, with experienced professionals frequently earning well into six figures. He cites a former cloud engineer who transitioned into HVAC repair and reported greater financial stability and job security than in his previous role.
3. Cybersecurity & AI-Powered Fraud Prevention. Veiga explains that the rise of AI-powered cyber threats has increased the demand for human cybersecurity experts who can detect, prevent and mitigate cyberattacks. “With cyber crime on the rise, industries such as finance, healthcare and government are aggressively recruiting professionals with expertise in AI security, fraud detection, and network defense,” adding that salaries in cybersecurity remain highly competitive, averaging $120,000-plus per year, exceeding earnings in traditional tech roles.
4. Adult Entertainment Tech Administration. The adult entertainment industry might be one of the most surprising fields of all. Veiga explains that it’s home to some of the most stable IT positions in the tech sector. “Major content platforms require advanced cybersecurity, AI-driven content moderation and cloud infrastructure management, leading to a steady demand for experienced IT professionals,” he tells me. Veiga cites the case of one former software engineer now administering adult content servers that has provided a highly stable and well-compensated remote IT career.
5. Medical IT & Healthcare Technology. Veiga mentions that the healthcare sector depends on AI-driven diagnostics, cybersecurity and IT infrastructure, creating a growing demand for tech professionals to manage critical systems. He adds that former product managers and software engineers are transitioning into medical IT roles, overseeing electronic health records (EHR), AI-driven patient data systems and healthcare cybersecurity compliance. “With salaries exceeding $100,000 and government-backed job security, this field offers exceptional stability and long-term career growth,” he suggests. As an example, he describes a former SaaS startup executive who successfully pivoted into hospital IT management, leveraging technical expertise to optimize healthcare technology solutions.
6. Freelance & Independent Tech Consulting. Veiga points out that companies are increasingly shifting towards contract-based employment. As this happens, freelance and independent consulting have become attractive alternatives for tech professionals seeking greater autonomy and financial control. “Many laid-off engineers, data analysts and AI specialists are earning more as consultants than they did as full-time employees,” he observes.
5 Tips For Laid-Off Tech Workers Looking To Pivot
If you’re a laid-off tech worker looking to pivot, Veiga identifies five strategies to keep in mind.
1. Identify transferable skills. He underscores that AI isn’t eliminating all jobs, but it’s reshaping them. He recommends looking at skills in data analysis, automation and AI strategy that are still in demand.
2. Learn AI-enhanced tools. He advises that knowing how to leverage AI-powered platforms for marketing, sales and operations can give you a competitive edge.
3. Consider freelancing or consulting. He comments that many companies prefer to contract experts for AI integration instead of hiring full-time, creating new opportunities.
4. Focus on cybersecurity and compliance. As AI increases privacy concerns, he mentions that tech professionals with knowledge of AI ethics and security are in high demand.
5. Leverage AI for job searching. He suggests that tools like AI-powered resume scanners and job-matching platforms can help laid-off professionals find the best next step faster.
A Final Takeaway On Laid-Off Tech Workers
Veiga told me he believes tech layoffs are not the end of opportunity—just a shift in where the jobs are. His insistence that AI isn’t killing tech jobs, but it’s changing the rules of the game fits with studies showing that fears of AI job loss are not justified.
“The truth is, AI is forcing people to reinvent themselves,” he argues. “We’re seeing software engineers become cybersecurity experts, product managers shift into medical IT, and even tech support specialists transition into skilled trades like HVAC or electrical work. The key is understanding where technology is growing—and where human expertise is still needed.”
“AI and automation are forcing professionals to rethink career paths, and this isn’t just theory—it’s happening right now,” Veiga declares. “We’re seeing former software engineers building AI security systems, tech support specialists becoming electricians and laid-off SaaS employees moving into aerospace mechanics. It’s a wild transformation, but one that presents huge opportunities for those willing to adapt.”
“I always tell laid-off workers: you have two choices—chase shrinking opportunities or get ahead of where the job market is going,” Veiga concludes. “The smartest professionals are already making bold moves, and those who hesitate risk being left behind.” Perhaps the final takeaway is for laid-off tech workers to consider their layoff an opportunity in disguise.