The Hierarchy of Anxiety
Recent survey data paints a clear picture: not all tech roles are created equal in the eyes of those who hold them. A July 2026 survey from the professional network Blind revealed a surprising paradox: the very people building the future of artificial
intelligence are among the most worried about their job security. The survey, which polled India-based professionals, found that 66% of AI and machine learning specialists expect layoffs in the near future. This placed them just behind sales and marketing staff (68%) and ahead of product and design workers (65%) in terms of layoff anxiety. Conversely, engineers and data analytics professionals reported feeling significantly more secure. Only 58% of engineers expressed concern about cuts, the lowest of any function surveyed. This data suggests a clear, if informal, hierarchy of perceived security, where roles are judged based on their perceived proximity to core business functions.
Core Functions vs. 'Cost Centers'
The logic behind this anxiety gap seems rooted in a simple question: does your role directly build the product or keep the lights on? Roles like backend data engineering, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity are consistently seen as the most resilient to layoffs. These positions are foundational; they support the entire operational and data infrastructure of a company, making them difficult to cut without immediate and severe consequences. In contrast, roles perceived as further from the core product or revenue generation—such as some marketing, HR, and even certain design and product management functions—are often viewed as more vulnerable. During cost-cutting phases, these departments are frequently seen by management as 'cost centers' rather than essential revenue drivers. Analyses of recent layoffs confirm this perception, showing that product managers and designers are significantly more likely to be laid off compared to engineers.
The Psychology of a Job Title
A job title is more than just a descriptor; it’s a powerful signal of value to both the employee and the organization. Titles like 'Principal Infrastructure Engineer' or 'Lead Cybersecurity Analyst' carry an implicit weight of indispensability. They sound foundational and critical. On the other hand, titles that sound experimental, growth-focused, or less tangible can create a sense of precarity, even if the work itself is highly valuable. This psychological effect can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The persistent, low-grade anxiety about layoffs is a real phenomenon in the tech industry, changing how employees relate to their work. It can lead to burnout and a constant feeling of needing to prove one's value, particularly for those who feel their title places them on the corporate chopping block.
The AI Complication
The rise of artificial intelligence has added another complex layer to this dynamic. While it has created a surge in demand for AI specialists, it has also intensified anxiety across the board. Interestingly, working in AI doesn't appear to grant immunity from these fears. However, data from a February 2026 Gallup survey suggests that using AI might. It found that tech workers who rarely use AI tools in their roles faced a layoff probability three times higher than those who used them at least monthly. This doesn't necessarily mean AI is directly replacing jobs; rather, during restructuring, employees who have integrated new efficiency tools into their workflow may be perceived as more adaptable and valuable. This creates a new pressure: it’s not just about your role, but how you’re evolving it with the latest technology.
