Chicago, Illinois-based Illinois Institute of Technology, a private research university, has announced a staff reduction prior to the commencement of its fall semester.

The reduction in force will impact 160 faculty and staff members.

According to Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi, “The university's finances have taken a hit from declines in research funding and foreign student enrollment. The university has no choice but to pursue targeted reductions to address these challenges and protect our mission as an opportunity engine for all. As always, we will continue to place students at the center of all that we do and to ensure educational excellence at Illinois Tech.”

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

Baltimore, Maryland-based Johns Hopkins University, the iconic private research university, has announced a reduction in force driven by budgetary issues related to federal research funding.

The reduction will impact 110 employees, mostly in administrative roles.

According to a company spokesperson, “As our federal research portfolio shrinks, the infrastructure around it must change in parallel.”

University President Ron Daniels noted, "Colleagues have expressed confusion, uncertainty, and frustration with the pace and character of decisions from federal granting agencies, especially in the natural and life sciences. Though our colleagues continue to submit strong research proposals, the sluggish or stalled pace of awards is debilitating.”

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE

Princeton, New Jersey-based Educational Testing Service, the iconic private educational testing and assessment organization, has announced a major reduction in force as it concludes its contract with the State of California. The work will be assumed by Durham, North Carolina-based Measurement Incorporated.

The reduction in force will impact 757 California employees, most of whom work remotely, effective December 31, 2025.

According to a company statement, “These individuals were all given the opportunity to apply for roles and continue performing their work with the new vendor. This change is part of an operational shift and does not represent a discontinuation of the work or services provided.”

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?