Layoffs continue to affect various sectors, with over 806,000 jobs cut this year alone. To prepare for this reality, it’s essential to focus on building your skills, diversifying your income, and increasing your external visibility. Here are six strategies to help you achieve job security:
1. Build Your External Network Before Layoffs Hit
Focus on delivering at work while also investing time in external relationship-building. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and leverage LinkedIn strategically.
2. Invest In Skills That Belong To You, Not Your Employer
Clarify your transferable skills, build expertise in emerging areas like AI tools and data analysis, and share your achievements online.
3. Diversify Your Income By Building Multiple Revenue Streams
Start small with consulting or freelance projects, test entrepreneurial ideas, and build passive income sources through investments or digital products.
4. Become Known In Your Industry, Not Just Within Your Company
Establish yourself as a recognized expert by writing articles, speaking at conferences, contributing to industry publications, and creating a portfolio of public work samples.
5. Interview When You Don’t Need To (Yes, Really)
Take calls from recruiters, interview periodically, and use these opportunities strategically to negotiate internally or secure external offers.
6. Make Friends With Your “Competition”
Build relationships with key players at other companies through industry events, LinkedIn, or professional associations to gain knowledge of different company cultures and growth trajectories.
Implementing these strategies proactively will give you peace of mind and help you achieve greater career success.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cynthiapong/2025/10/26/the-secret-to-finding-job-security-in-an-age-of-layoffs