‘I traded a part of my soul just to have a paycheck,’ says laid-off tech employee: 5 ways to rebuild your career

After months of unemployment, a laid-off tech worker took a low-paying survival job, realizing the emotional cost of stability over fulfillment. Yet, rebuilding a career is possible through strategic steps—identifying skill gaps, reconnecting with networks, setting clear goals, prioritizing well-being, and exploring new opportunities. With focus and planning, survival roles can become bridges to purposeful work.