>Why should one work hard if there is a high chance of some global sweep soon, where they might randomly pick me without any reasoning.

This seems like taking huge logical leaps. If a friend expressed mine expressed it I would recommend them talking to a therapist about their self sabotaging thinking and perhaps depression.

If there is a layoff and I am at risk, I would rather have hard work to show. If Im not laid off, I would rather have hard work to capitalize on the aftermath. If I am laid off, I would rather have good reputation with my network .