Sometimes it doesn't matter how hard you work, your going to get laid off either way.
Just showing up can sometimes make the difference.
Your not paid to be a software developer. Your being paid to be a problem solver.
I was once made a boss over this particular employee who was better at their job than me, and much older. I made it clear to her that I had no desire to wield any authority over her and that I considered us peers.
If my bosses knew what I'd done I would have been roasted but I feel like I made the right call. And having her respect was more invaluable than anything my bosses ever did.