Job security doesn’t look the same as it used to. Many millennials thought they were entering their strongest career years, but layoffs and firings are becoming more common. Technology changes and new workplace expectations are leaving a lot of workers struggling to keep up. Here are eight reasons many are losing their jobs altogether this year.
Middle Management Cuts Hit Home
Many companies are flattening their org charts. As roles like manager or director are cut, millennials in those positions are disproportionately affected. Fewer layers in leadership mean fewer of those mid-level roles remain.
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Rising Tech and AI Demands
Automation and AI are reshaping job descriptions. Tasks that once required human oversight are now done by software or machine learning. Millennials whose roles involve repetitive or data-driven work are facing more scrutiny and risk.
Skills Mismatch and Rapid Change
Skills that were marketable a few years ago may not be enough today. Employers increasingly expect digital fluency, ability to adapt quickly, and newer soft skills like cross-team collaboration and communication. Millennials who haven’t continuously upskilled are more vulnerable.
Performance Pressures Are Higher
Employers expect more output, often with the same or fewer resources. Tight deadlines, stretched teams, and increased expectations mean there’s less tolerance for anything less than strong performance. Mistakes or misses that once were overlooked are less likely to be tolerated now.
Economic Uncertainty and Layoff Waves
Recession fears, rising interest rates, and global instability mean companies are more likely to cut costs. Millennials nearing the 35-44 age range are seeing higher rates of involuntary terminations in part because many work in management or are among longer-standing employees. Business Insider reports that involuntary manager terminations for that cohort rose over 400% between 2022 and 2024.
Changing Work Values & Mismatched Expectations
Millennials want meaningful work, flexibility, and well-being. Employers still operating under older norms often expect long hours, rigid attendance, or traditional hierarchy. When expectations don’t align, relationships strain—and that leads to departures or firings. Deloitte finds many millennials reporting lack of mentorship or growth opportunities as a key dissatisfaction. Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey highlights how meaning, wellness, and growth are now central for retention.
Poor Onboarding and Feedback Loops
New hires, including many millennials, are more often left to fend for themselves. When orientation is rushed or feedback is vague, small performance gaps don’t get corrected early. Problems grow until termination becomes the default.
Burnout and Stress Have Real Consequences
High workloads with little support lead to burnout. Millennials often juggle family obligations, financial challenges, and job instability. Burned-out employees have more errors, lower engagement, and are more likely to be let go.
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Read it Here: 12 Lifestyle Shifts That Can Save You Thousands Annually