Are AI Layoffs a Crisis or the Antidote to Superficial Change?
The Existential Pivot™ & The Void Paradox™
The Existential Pivot™—Redefining Purpose Amid Disruption
What would you do if the job that defined you suddenly disappeared? AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a mirror reflecting how quickly the ground beneath us can shift. As algorithms replace jobs once thought untouchable, they force us to confront a startling question: Who are we without the work that defines us? This is what I would call an Existential Pivot™—the process of rediscovering who we are when the world forces us to change direction.
An Existential Pivot™ happens when life throws us a curveball—whether it’s a layoff, an industry shift, or even a global crisis—and leaves us questioning everything we’ve built. It’s uncomfortable, sure. But it’s also a chance to start fresh. Think back to the COVID-19 lockdowns. Life hit pause, and for many, it felt like the ground had disappeared. But in that strange stillness, something else happened. People rethought their careers, values, and relationships. AI layoffs offer a similar opportunity to step back, reflect, and figure out what comes next—even when it doesn’t feel like it yet.
Introducing the Void Paradox™
This brings us to the Void Paradox™—a concept I developed to describe how moments of stillness, like losing a job or facing uncertainty, can lead to transformation. It’s called a paradox because what feels like emptiness is often the very thing we need to clear the clutter and make room for something better.
Imagine walking into a room that’s been emptied. At first, the space feels unsettling—bare, unfamiliar, maybe even a little too quiet. But then, something shifts. You start to see possibilities: a new layout, a chance to design the room in a way that works better for you. That’s what AI-driven layoffs do. They create a void that forces us to pause, take stock, and decide what we genuinely want to build next.
But here’s the catch: jumping into quick fixes won’t cut it. That’s where the Existential Pivot™ is different. It’s not about scrambling for the next paycheck; it’s about creating work and meaning that last—work rooted in purpose, not panic.
When Work Disappears, Who Are We? Let’s be honest—losing a job feels personal. Work isn’t just about making ends meet; it’s how we define ourselves and how others see us. So when that identity is suddenly stripped away, it can feel like freefall.
But what if losing a job wasn’t the end of the story? What if it was the beginning? History has shown that big changes often create big opportunities. Work has always been a foundation for identity, but when that foundation shifts, it’s an invitation to ask bigger, more meaningful questions—about who we are, what we value, and what we’re building.
The Existential Reckoning—Freedom or Fear? Big changes stir up big emotions. Fear and anxiety are usually the first to show up—fear of failure, fear of the unknown. But there’s another side to the coin: freedom. Losing a job can open doors we never considered before.
Psychologists have studied this for decades. Freud believed work gave us an outlet for anxiety and purpose. Take it away, and all that uncertainty rushes in. But here’s the thing—fear can also fuel creativity, courage, and reinvention. The real question is, will you let fear hold you back, or will you let it push you forward?
Breaking the Narrative Trap: We all love stories. But sometimes, the stories we tell ourselves keep us stuck. We assume life has to follow a script—school, career, retirement. Then AI comes along and flips the script. And maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Philosophers like Albert Camus saw life as messy and unpredictable. Instead of fighting that, he argued we should lean into it (The Myth of Sisyphus). When we stop clinging to the stories we thought we had to follow, we permit ourselves to create new ones—and that’s where reinvention begins.
Practical Strategies: Building Purpose in a New Era
Reflect and Reframe: Example—Software engineers facing redundancy due to AI code generators. Rebuild by focusing on roles like AI integration specialists, ethical AI consultants, or project managers overseeing AI-driven teams. These positions leverage existing skills while pushing toward purpose-driven work that shapes how AI is used.
Reconnect with Relationships: Example—Technical project managers displaced by AI tools. Shift to freelance consulting, startup advising, or coaching teams transitioning to AI workflows. These roles build revenue streams while strengthening professional networks.
Lean into Communities of Innovation: Example—Data analysts replaced by AI automation. Think about leading open-source AI collaborations, or participating in hackathons focused on socially responsible AI solutions. These roles not only create income but also influence AI’s impact.
Channel Creativity: Example—Content creators impacted by AI tools like ChatGPT. Develop niche newsletters, podcasts, or premium online courses that highlight human insights AI can’t replicate. These options generate revenue while allowing for creative exploration.
Mark the Transition: Example—UX designers impacted by AI-driven prototyping tools. Build portfolios emphasizing strategic design thinking or offer mentorship programs to upskill junior designers. Both build credibility and revenue while preserving creative expression.
Rebuild through Contribution: Example—Coders replaced by low-code/no-code platforms. Teach specialized coding languages, create AI-driven SaaS tools, or offer AI automation workshops. These approaches balance purpose with stable income.
Explore Micro-Purposes: Example—AI engineers facing project slowdowns. Develop side projects like AI-powered personal tools, productivity apps, or SaaS solutions. These low-cost experiments test ideas while potentially scaling into full businesses.
The Existential Pivot™—An Antidote to Surface-Level Change
The AI has changed the rules, but it hasn’t changed our ability to adapt. The Existential Pivot™ isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about doing the deeper work to create a life that fits who we’re becoming. Unlike the Change Mirage, which masks stagnation with surface-level shifts, the Existential Pivot™ pushes us to face disruption head-on and use it as fuel for lasting growth.
The Existential Pivot™ can be framed as an antidote to the Change Mirage. It challenges individuals to resist surface-level fixes and instead engage deeply with their values, priorities, and identity. The Pivot process helps avoid falling into the Mirage by demanding honest introspection and gradual, purposeful steps toward transformation.
And that’s where the Void Paradox™ comes in. Emptiness doesn’t have to be scary. It can be the starting point for something better. So, what’s next for you? What part of your identity are you ready to reinvent?
