Salaried employees have faced intense challenges continuously, especially with AI raising concerns over job replacement. News of organizational layoffs, even by major technology firms cutting tens of thousands of positions, has forced Millennials still employed to seriously question how long their current jobs or careers will last.
The working world constantly demands ongoing self-improvement, yet not everyone can adapt as swiftly as organizations require. This has led to frequent discussions about burnout and the rising trend of Quiet Quitting.
Currently, the phenomenon known as the Great Millennial Career Crisis is steadily engulfing workers. Many Gen Y individuals, raised with the mantra “effort leads to success,” have prioritized work as a central life focus. Although they may have advanced beyond entry-level roles in position and salary, many feel their compensation does not meet expectations, and their jobs remain insecure. Continuing in their current roles feels unlikely to lead to significant progress, unlike the clear career paths they once envisioned.
Recently, a survey from elvtr found that 33% of Gen Z and 37% of Gen Y are dissatisfied with their current jobs. Delving deeper into Gen Y, many experience a mid-career identity crisis, questioning their current work. Over 55% feel their jobs are unsettled and are still seeking their true career path.
Additionally, 25% of Gen Y seriously plan to change career fields, and 59% wish for an external “excuse” such as being laid off to leave jobs they feel do not suit them.
This is not mere laziness or unwillingness to work but stems from an unclear future and doubts about the value of their chosen path. Certainly, layoffs come with legal severance pay, and many feel relieved not to face questions at work or from family about why they left a seemingly good job.
Amid widespread layoffs, organizational downsizing is occurring worldwide. In Thailand, Kasikorn Research Center projects that by 2026, layoffs under the social security system (Section 33) will not fall below 40,000 people per month. This is driven by weak economic conditions, intense competition, geopolitical tensions between Israel, the US, and Iran, and trends toward increased use of labor-replacing technology.
In 2025, layoffs under Section 33 totaled 531,779 people, a 20% year-over-year increase. The top three sectors with the highest layoffs were:
This data reflects that workers must adapt and choose growth industries, while the country and government must invest in infrastructure, education, and workforce development to foster long-term economic growth and employment.
In unexpected layoffs without fault—whether due to downsizing or company closure—workers are entitled by law to severance pay based on their length of service and final wage, divided into six tiers:
Additionally, if the company fails to provide advance notice as required, workers may be entitled to “shock pay” or compensation equivalent to one wage period or as agreed with the employer.
Those who have contributed to social security continuously should register on the Department of Employment’s website within 30 days to receive unemployment benefits at 60% of wages for up to 180 days, capped at 63,000 baht.
To maintain social security medical rights, if still unemployed, one should register as a Section 39 insured person within six months after leaving their previous job to retain hospital care benefits.
Amid uncertainty and uncontrollable factors, it is essential to understand these basic rights and prepare for unexpected events—such as having emergency savings or supplementary income sources to support oneself if the main income disappears.
References: elvtr, SET, Ministry of Labor, Fast Company
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