'Risk of losing job is real': Techie warns job security is no longer guaranteed amid AI, layoffs

Techie couple quietly building a side business alongside their full-time jobs. (Representational image/AI)

• Tech couple starts side venture despite stable, high-paying jobs
• Salary and skills alone don't guarantee job security
• Diversifying income crucial for adapting to AI changes

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A tech couple with over a decade of experience, each working at a multinational company, has stated building their own side venture despite earning well and has warned about job security amid AI advancements and frequent layoffs.

Taking to X, the man, Shikhar shared a thoughtful conversation he had with his cousin about job security and the changing work trends.

“Yesterday I had a serious conversation with my cousin. Stable jobs. High income. Comfortable life. But he told me something unexpected,” the post reads.

The post reveals that the developer is building a small business while continuing his full-time job.

When asked why he felt the need, his response was: “The risk of losing a job is real. AI is moving fast. No role is 100% safe. Salary is not security. Skill is not security.”

Explaining his decision, he said, “The risk of losing a job is real. AI is moving fast. No role is 100% safe. Salary is not security. Skill is not security.”

The techie said salary and skills alone do not guarantee security. “Only optionality is security,” he added, explaining that having more than one income stream offers protection in uncertain times.

Yesterday I had a serious conversation with my cousin

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He is a senior software developer at JPMorgan Chase with 10+ years of experience. His wife is also an SDE at Capgemini with a similar experience Stable jobs High income Comfortable life But he told me something unexpected.… — Shikhar (@shekhu04) February 20, 2026

Shikhar pointed out that many people grow up believing a good college leads to a good job and a secure life. However, the idea is now being challenged as AI automates work and companies lay off employees regardless of experience.

“10 years in tech. Top company. Still thinking about backup. If people at the top are preparing for uncertainty, why are the rest of us assuming we are safe?” he adds.

Many users on X agreed with the post, noting that it reflects today’s job market realities.

One user wrote, “This is why building something on the side matters. Even one client, one product, or one extra revenue stream changes your leverage completely.”

Another X user commented, “Your cousin is on the right path. If you are not directly involved in building high-end software or training new models or implementing complex pipelines that include inferencing, etc., you will be replaced.”

A third user said, “Optionality is the real hedge; multiple income streams, diverse skills, and side ventures are the new safety net.”