![Tech professionals staying put](https://www.zdnet.com/a/img/resize/abb06f84ad892ec53e1949a68a95a8935c314c8e/2025/10/21/c46edd6e-e1ea-4143-99cc-578b9a8abe77/gettyimages-2212773352-cropped.jpg?auto=webp&width=1280)

## The Great Stay: Why Tech Talent Isn't Job Hunting

Technology professionals appear to be less likely to be job hunting and seem to be more satisfied with their current positions. Or perhaps they're staying put because the job market has become increasingly challenging?

**Professionals are significantly less concerned about layoffs** according to a recent survey from Indeed. Currently, only 31% express worry about layoffs at their companies, down from 39% a year ago. Even more dramatically, the percentage who would consider looking for new jobs after layoffs that didn't directly impact them dropped from 70% to just 41%.

## The AI Factor: Reality vs. Perception

While AI concerns persist, the data reveals some surprising trends:

- **26% of tech professionals report colleagues being let go due to AI implementation**
- **35% are concerned that AI could potentially take over their roles**
- Tech management postings have decreased by 19% from a year ago
- Non-management tech professional postings are down by 34%

Indeed's findings are based on comprehensive job-posting data and surveys of 1,000 tech professionals conducted between May 22 and June 10, 2025.

## High-Demand Skills Gap

On a positive note, Indeed identified several **tech skills in high demand but rarely listed on candidate resumes**:

- **Distributed computing**
- **Machine learning frameworks**
- **Model deployment**
- **Site reliability engineering**

## Market Risk vs. AI Threat

"The threat from AI is not what's causing tech people to stay put," emphasized Steve Morris, founder and CEO at NewMedia.com. "It's the riskiness of the job market."

So far, AI has **largely not led to the widespread job cuts many feared**. Morris added: "Most tech workers do not want to quit right now because it's such a risky time to find a new job. And those who do have a say in how AI is deployed in their teams are, on average, happier about it."

## Multiple Factors Driving the 'Great Stay'

Caroline Stokes, workplace author and coach, described the current environment as "a cacophony of unstable environments—tariffs, AI, geopolitics—that are making people stay, make do, or lock in."

Professionals are increasingly skittish about joining new companies they don't deeply know. "What looks like a solid bet to join a major company falls short right now when they hear of big companies closing studios and projects later in the year because of financial impacts," Stokes explained.

## The Competitive Job Market Reality

Phil Willburn, vice president of people analytics at Workday, confirmed that **market and economic uncertainty—more than AI—are holding back job hunts**. Workday's data shows that while hiring demand in tech remains high with new job requisition volume growing 29% year-over-year, the market itself is slow and hyper-competitive.

**More than half of open tech roles (57%) take over 30 days to fill**, and each job offer attracts an average of 40 applications. "This challenging process means that even if employees want to leave, they struggle to find a new role," Willburn noted.

## Strategic Career Moves in Uncertain Times

Thalia-Maria Tourikis, certified health coach at Headway app, observed that "people aren't staying put because they're comfortable, but it's kind of a strategic move in their careers."

Roei Samuel, founder and CEO of Connectd, described how professionals are responding: "It's about agency in a time of stagnation, taking control of their careers by diversifying income streams, choosing meaningful projects on their own terms, and building resilience against whatever disruption comes next in the market."

Samuel concluded: "For the smartest and most-driven portion of the talent field, the fear just got channeled into something more productive than panic or paralysis."

A variety of factors could be convincing tech professionals to stay put.

Beyond AI Fear: The Real Reasons Tech Professionals Are Staying Put in Their Jobs

![A woman with long black hair and a floral dress sits in a decorated room, pointing at a lightbulb graphic that appears over her shoulder.](https://technical.ly/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Idea-Lightbulb-GIF-by-Shelly-Saves-the-Day.gif)

*Bright idea. (Gif via Giphy.com)*

Every week we ship an email newsletter featuring the region’s most exciting career opportunities. We’ve lovingly called it **This Week in Jobs** (aka TWIJ). Below is this week’s edition; it’s meant to live in your inbox. [Sign up for the newsletter here](https://technical.ly/newsletters/twij/).

On Oct. 21, 1879, Thomas Edison tested a lightbulb that burned for more than 12 hours — a moment we now celebrate as a breakthrough in modern technology. But the story didn’t end there.

To make electric light practical for everyday life, inventor and draftsman **Lewis Howard Latimer**, born to parents who escaped slavery, refined the carbon filament, allowing bulbs to last longer and be manufactured more efficiently.

Latimer’s innovation helped make the lightbulb better and more affordable. His work reminds us that behind every great idea, there are those who improve and adapt it.

Whether you’re solving a tricky [engineering](https://technical.ly/workforce/penn-engineering-vanessa-chan-how-i-got-here/) problem or mentoring the next generation of tech talent, it’s often as much about the refinement as the revelation.

**Job listings have never been this fun:** Keep up with openings, career opportunities and trends in our weekly newsletter about employment in the innovation economy.

## The News

- [What is US-East-1](https://technical.ly/entrepreneurship/aws-us-east-1-outage-explainer/)? Why AWS Northern Virginia server issues took down half the internet.
- At [Penn Engineering](https://technical.ly/sponsored-articles/penn-engineering-photonics-innovation/), researchers are building energy-efficient displays and light-powered chips that could transform how we compute and communicate.
- How [19 US Tech Hubs](https://technical.ly/civics/tech-hubs-nofo-220m-federal-funding/) are competing for their share of $220M in EDA grants.
- [Eliza Erickson](https://technical.ly/civics/government-tech-innovation-eliza-erickson-how-i-got-here/) is working to make public services simpler, faster and easier for residents to navigate, from Philadelphia to across Pennsylvania.
- Americans are [starting more high-growth businesses](https://technical.ly/workforce/entrepreneurship-boom-business-filings-august-2025/) than ever before (again).

## Partner Spotlight

At [Susquehanna](https://technical.ly/company/susquehanna-international-group/), quantitative finance is approached with a commitment to scientific rigor and innovation.

The firm’s research leverages vast and diverse datasets, applying **machine learning** to uncover actionable insights and driving data-informed decisions from predictive modeling to strategic execution.

[Learn more and explore careers here.](https://technical.ly/company/susquehanna-international-group/)

![A group of technologists gathered around a screen displaying a dashboard with various charts and stats.](https://technical.ly/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/SIG-Technically-Philly-8-Banner.jpg)

*Want to feature your company or program? [Learn more about advertising opportunities here](https://technical.ly/advertising/).*

## The Jobs

### Greater Philly

- [Comcast](http://technical.ly/company/comcast) is hiring a [Sr. Software Development Lead- MuleSoft](https://builtin.com/job/sr-software-development-lead-mulesoft/6987721).
- [Susquehanna](https://technical.ly/company/susquehanna-international-group/) needs a [Database Administrator](https://technical.ly/job/data-analytics/philly/susquehanna-international-group-database-administrator-mariadb-experienced-hire-271511/) and a [Threat and Vulnerability Engineer](https://technical.ly/job/information-security/philly/susquehanna-international-group-threat-and-vulnerability-engineer-security-monitoring-experienced-hire-271518/).
- Motion Recruitment is hiring a [Software Architect](https://motionrecruitment.com/tech-jobs/philadelphia/direct-hire/software-architect-/792187).
- Doordash has an opening for a [Sr. Applications Engineer](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/doordashusa/jobs/7318479).
- University of Pennsylvania is seeking a [Senior IT Director, Innovation & AI, Wharton Computing](https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/details/Senior-IT-Director--Innovation---AI--Wharton-Computing_JR00113267-1).

### DC + Maryland

- Capital One in McLean is hiring a [Manager, Cyber Technical](https://www.capitalonecareers.com/job/mclean/manager-cyber-technical-iam/1732/87475994496).
- BAE Systems, Inc. in Falls Church is seeking an [Information Systems Security Engineer](https://builtin.com/job/information-systems-security-engineer-isse/6805391).
- Scale AI has a listing for an [Engineering Manager, Public Sector](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/scaleai/jobs/4586116005?gh_src=acad35425us).
- Peregrine is looking for a [Staff Software Engineer](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/peregrinetechnologies/jobs/4580241005?gh_src=406019a55us).
- Booz Allen is hiring a [Full Stack Software Engineer](https://careers.boozallen.com/careers/JobDetail?jobId=115187&source=JB-16500).

### Pittsburgh

- Gusto is hiring a [Principal Software Engineer – Payroll](https://builtin.com/job/principal-software-engineer-payroll/4693095).
- CGI is seeking a [Java Tech Lead – with UI](https://cgi.njoyn.com/corp/xweb/xweb.asp?clid=21001&page=jobdetails&jobid=J0925-1246&BRID=1236004&SBDID=943&lang=1).
- Tata Consultancy Services needs a [Technical Architect](https://ibegin.tcsapps.com/candidate/jobs/373618J).
- Google has a listing for a [Senior Product Manager, Core Experience](https://www.google.com/about/careers/applications/jobs/results/79355727914640070-senior-product-manager/).
- PNC has a listing for a [Software Security Specialist Sr – Application Security](https://careers.pnc.com/global/en/job/PNC1GLOBALR203386/Software-Security-Specialist-Sr-Application-Security).

### Remote

- 8am has a listing for a remote [Full-Stack Software Engineer](https://builtin.com/job/fullstack-software-engineer-ruby-rails/7225121).
- Cybercoders is looking for a remote [Lead Engineer – Health Tech](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4291866041/?alternateChannel=search&eBP=CwEAAAGaAq8th4XuNmBTh5sZTdrvv1O5qo8uwO0IU4Jx915PdO3WkA6BhhH0cIW94EtrjNJeujcdgYYaQ-TAPrZwKwKjT__F8CexjyGyIXCiEeyGd-z0MWUYos9-lufHpLuqKrQOL9TU8Vsc7CcPEatxiLj6NLQifPEfhuiIOI21xnov8bfCYHmmE5HiU-TdpD8LXZ1r6f06vTQpDXGbuAnykqrn7hxSrfBIOSV-efTwmhli4xRNfr_QvmeL5kSIeS1PGs0pdwicztxj8ESdUBJ_TqoZ5DadqEt8nybs3AlY6QIi9MTcNm2Y8NySlxwf3gdyiJGatTImqU4cHSVeTObvXefkT2gvMubgNiCuR-kcMfGDIq17uqifvHo94qgWrpy2To5GgVf6YSPpjAhexDl9hoKNxB_Q_ujK2PFD2i9JPqeP5W-dqf8PqrYMzOn4MF9Dt07reg7pjaeWuICxdgLPxBsytJ4pv13pMuFWSXKt6oLJIDMkDhZ4foNIO50&refId=NViw9kBXNqybmFvVigPTXQ%3D%3D&trackingId=YdxbwbRz1fJBD9lt0odklQ%3D%3D).
- CapitalOne has a listing for remote [Lead Software Engineer](https://www.capitalonecareers.com/job/-/-/234/84767057584?p_sid=RO-s1gb&p_uid=psFLiXqD7C&source=rd_linkedin_job_posting_tm&ss=paid&utm_campaign=tech_25&utm_content=pj_board&utm_medium=jobad&utm_source=linkedin+slotted).
- Speechify is seeking a remote [Tech Lead, Web Core Product & Chrome Extension](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/speechify/jobs/5624641004?gh_src=pbwj36a24us).

The next breakthrough could be yours. Keep working to improve and we’ll see you next week!

Your story is part of the bigger picture. Help us understand how our work has impacted you, your business or your community. **Tell us your Technical.ly story.**

As you explore new roles, remember that innovation is about making things better.

Unlock Your Career Breakthrough: 20 Game-Changing Tech Jobs You Can't Miss

## Inside Manila's Robot Control Center

In a modern office building in Manila's financial district, **60 young tech professionals** monitor and control **AI-powered robots** that are restocking shelves in Japanese convenience stores thousands of miles away.

When a robot accidentally drops a can, operators don **virtual reality headsets** and use joysticks to manually recover the item. This hybrid approach combines **autonomous operation** with human oversight when needed.

## The Technology Behind the Operation

These **AI robots** are designed by Tokyo-based startup **Telexistence** and run on **Nvidia and Microsoft platforms**. Since 2022, the company has deployed these machines in over 300 FamilyMart and Lawson stores across Tokyo, with plans to expand to 7-Eleven locations soon.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8C_OKyh0hq4?feature=oembed" title="Telexistence to Install AI Restocking Robots in 300 Convenience Stores Across Japan" width="640" height="360" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>

## Addressing Japan's Labor Crisis

Japan faces a severe **worker shortage** due to its aging population and restrictive immigration policies. Telexistence's solution allows **physical labor to be offshored** to the Philippines, where young, tech-savvy workers operate the robots remotely.

"It's hard to find workers to do stacking in Japan," explained Juan Paolo Villonco, founder of Astro Robotics, which employs the tele-operators. "If you get one who's willing to do it, it's going to be very expensive. The minimum wage is quite expensive."

## The Daily Life of a Robot Pilot

Each tele-operator, called a "pilot," monitors approximately **50 robots simultaneously**. The robots operate autonomously about **96% of the time**, but when they encounter problems—which happens about 4% of the time—human intervention becomes necessary.

![Workers at Astro Robotics using VR headsets to control robots](https://fastly.restofworld.org/uploads/2025/10/Telexistence-Inline-scaled.jpg?width=800&dpr=2&crop=16:9)

**Engineering and computer science graduates** fill these roles, earning between **$250 and $315 per month**—comparable to call center wages in the Philippines. Their responsibilities include monitoring robot performance and preparing detailed reports.

## The Human Cost of Automation

Workers face significant challenges, including **cybersickness** from extended VR headset use. During a typical eight-hour shift, operators take control of robots about **50 times**, with each intervention lasting up to five minutes.

"It can be really tough," said Rowel Atienza, a machine learning professor at the University of the Philippines. "Imagine teleporting, the sudden disconnect from your surroundings, elevation—everything can cause accidents."

## Training the Next Generation of Autonomous Systems

The tele-operators' movements are helping train **fully autonomous robots**. Telexistence has gathered "a large amount of unique 'embodied' teleoperation data and know-how" from its human workers, which it's providing to San Francisco-based startup Physical Intelligence to develop foundation AI models.

This partnership aims to give robots **human-like physical intelligence**—the ability to perform basic physical tasks like grasping and manipulating objects.

## The Broader Impact on the Tech Industry

The Philippines is experiencing an **AI and automation boom** in IT service work, even as layoffs affect similar workers in wealthier countries. Filipino tech professionals are increasingly working with **industrial robots, autonomous vehicles, and AI agents**.

About **one-third of computer science students** at the University of the Philippines are employed by foreign firms, according to Professor Atienza.

## The Economic Reality for Filipino Tech Workers

While these roles require more technical skills than traditional outsourcing jobs, workers often face familiar trade-offs. They're typically employed as **contractors without healthcare or retirement benefits**, earning significantly less than their counterparts in developed nations.

An engineering graduate working for a U.S. consulting firm through an outsourcing company earns **$874 per month**—about 30% less than the American minimum wage for full-time work.

## The Future of Work: Human-Machine Collaboration

Lionel Robert, a robotics professor at the University of Michigan, believes full automation may never be completely achieved. "The future is a **robotic-AI-automation-human hybrid workforce**," he said. "Are robots and AI gonna take all the jobs from humans? The answer is no—because humans are pretty useful."

This hybrid future is already visible globally. A World Economic Forum survey of 1,000 employers found they expect the share of **human-only jobs to decline rapidly**, replaced by jobs done together with—or solely by—machines.

## Local vs. Global Opportunities

Despite lower pay, Filipino workers are eager to work for foreign companies because they still offer better compensation than local firms. Marc Escobar, CTO of Philippines-based startup Sofi AI, turned down a $1,500 monthly offer from Anthropic to support local tech development.

"I want to show that we can also upscale with AI in the Philippines," Escobar said, despite his company paying about half what foreign firms offer.

Tele-operators in Manila control robots and train AI for global firms, as offshoring automation creates new tech jobs and new risks in the Philippines.

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