I've seen all sorts get laid off during downsizing. Doesn't matter about age, tenure, usefulness, etc. Full departments just get cut. Thing that helped me most

I've seen all sorts get laid off during downsizing. Doesn't matter about age, tenure, usefulness, etc. Full departments just get cut. Thing that helped me most is diversification and conservatism. Diversification: 1) wife has job in different industry, 2) my skills are applicable to different industries and especially different locations, 3) side projects make some money. Conservatism: I only splurge on my main hobby and go cheap on everything else. I can cut my expenses down fast (house -> apartment; apartment -> live with family; car -> public transit).