High-Paying Professions Now Becoming Fields of Unemployment

High-paying professions such as those in the technology sector are no longer sought after by companies. This also includes AI skill-based professions that are currently needed as the world enters an era of massive technological development.

Janco’s Executive Head, Victor Janulaitis, explained the reasons why companies are delaying or reducing IT recruitment, as the world is facing inflation and economic uncertainty.

“Why should they hire AI specialists for something that might not generate returns?” said Janulaitis, quoted from the Wall Street Journal on Monday (11/5/2026).

However, AI remains an important role in recruiting someone. One example occurred at the online transportation service platform, Lyft, which reviewed all existing positions on how AI could change those roles.

Yet, six months ago, Lyft’s Executive Vice President, Jason Vogrinec, explained that software engineers were not allowed to use AI tools during job interviews.

Meanwhile, an analysis by consulting firm Janco Associates based on findings from the US Department of Labor revealed that the IT job market unemployment rate was 3.8% in April, a slight increase from 3.6% in March.

Layoffs have also continued to occur in the early part of 2026. Several businesses, particularly in the technology sector, stated that AI was one of the reasons for staff reductions.

AI became the reason for Meta to reduce around 8,000 employees or 10%. The company explained that it is working to streamline operations and fund investments in the field of AI.

Nike also reduced 2% or 1,400 employees. Most came from the technology department, with the reason being to simplify global operations.

Snap will lay off 16% of its workforce or 1,000 roles, with the reason being to improve efficiency.

Other technology fields, such as telecommunications and data processing, experienced an 11% reduction or 342,000 jobs. The peak of this condition occurred in November 2022.