I recently experienced a layoff from my role at a tech company where I was seen as a jack-of-all-trades. Before I was hired, I had to fill out a document that showcased my broad skill set, which ultimately led to me being viewed as the go-to person for various projects. I constantly upskilled and took on more complex tasks, while my coworker focused on a narrower scope. This dynamic shifted over time, and I felt my coworker and manager began to view my contributions as a threat. My coworker would often silo information and misinterpret my input in meetings, while my manager, who lacked expertise in my field, seemed oblivious to the tension. Despite my efforts to maintain professionalism, I was let go during layoffs, even after my manager praised my work just a week prior. It was disheartening to learn that a senior leader would have considered me for a role in their department if they had known I was available, but my manager never advocated for me. This experience has taught me that being the most skilled person on a team doesn’t guarantee job security, especially if your manager is inexperienced and insecure. I now realize the importance of finding a team that values competence and collaboration.