Houston Experts Warn of Rising Layoffs Across Sectors

Unemployment experts see more job cuts coming in the Houston area and offer tips for those seeking new opportunities.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Houston employment experts are reporting a concerning rise in layoffs across various industries in recent months, with the Texas Workforce Commission seeing a year-over-year increase. Trish Ruff-Cunningham and Marilyn Emanuel, local career coaches, advise job seekers to focus on highlighting their value and tapping into their professional networks to find their next role, whether it's an entry-level or executive position.

Why it matters

The surge in layoffs is impacting hardworking individuals at all levels in the Houston area, underscoring the need for job seekers to proactively position themselves for new opportunities as the employment landscape shifts.

The details

According to a recent CNBC report, the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas recorded more than 108,000 layoffs nationwide in January, the highest mark since 2009. In the Houston region specifically, experts cite technology changes and broader economic factors as driving the uptick in job cuts across multiple sectors.

  • The Texas Workforce Commission has seen a year-over-year rise in layoffs.
  • In January 2026, the national layoff figure reached over 108,000, the highest since 2009.

The players

Trish Ruff-Cunningham

A Houston employment expert and the owner of Ruff Hires, a career coaching firm.

Marilyn Emanuel

The owner of Marilyn's Coaching Solutions, a firm that helps executives find new opportunities.

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What they’re saying

“Your resume should not look like a job description. It should be like, here is what I've done previously and I can quantify those results and here is what I will do for you Mr. Potential Employer.”

— Marilyn Emanuel, Owner, Marilyn's Coaching Solutions (click2houston.com)

“The best piece of advice is going to be basically that you must project and communicate your value.”

— Marilyn Emanuel, Owner, Marilyn's Coaching Solutions (click2houston.com)

“I encourage everyone to get out there, press the flesh make sure you are meeting people and utilize your networks in the best sense of the word utilize and make sure you are asking for referrals.”

— Trish Ruff-Cunningham, Owner, Ruff Hires (click2houston.com)

What’s next

Experts advise job seekers to proactively update their resumes, network extensively, and highlight their unique value to potential employers as more layoffs are expected in the Houston area.

The takeaway

The rise in layoffs across Houston's industries underscores the need for job seekers to take a strategic, personalized approach to their job search, leveraging their professional networks and emphasizing their quantifiable achievements to stand out in a competitive market.