How to Safeguard Career Choices

💭Layoffs are not under your control, but your future is. When Michael found himself suddenly unemployed after his company's "restructuring," the shock was real. 7️⃣ years of dedication ended with a brief meeting and an escort to the door. The layoff wasn't personal, it was business, but that distinction offered little comfort as he drove home midday, career plans suddenly uncertain. The truth about professional security is: Layoffs happen 📉 Companies pivot 🔄 Markets shift, positions disappear despite your value 🌪️ External business decisions are rarely in your control. ⚠️ What happens next? That's up to YOU. 👇 Build your career safety net: Michael took one week to process his emotions. 😔 Then rebuilt his approach to career security, realizing it wasn't tied to job titles but factors he could influence: ✅ Skills diversification: Expanded beyond specialty, becoming valuable across multiple roles ✅ Financial preparation: Emergency fund provided breathing room for thoughtful decisions 💰 ✅ Network cultivation: Career connections became opportunity sources 🤝 ✅ Continuous learning: Committed to evolving knowledge for marketplace relevance 📚 ✅ Personal branding: Built a personal brand on LinkedIn and X. From job security to career security His mentor's wisdom: "Don't chase job security; build career security." 💡 ❌ Job security depends on external factors ✅ Career security comes from transferable skills, financial flexibility, relationships, adaptability Four months later, Michael found a better-aligned role with greater potential. The painful transition led to positive change. Remember: You can't control every circumstance, but you control how you prepare, respond, and grow through uncertainty. #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment #careersecurity #jobs

In today's unpredictable economy, career security isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about becoming too valuable to lose. 🔎 The reality? Over 600,000 job cuts have already been announced in the U.S. this year—an 87% increase from the same period last year. It’s eye-opening, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait for stability—you can build it. Here are three simple steps I share with my clients to create your own career insurance: 1️. Build Transferable Skills Focus on high-demand skills that travel with you, regardless of your company: *Data analytics (Tableau, GA4) *Project management methodologies *Strategic resource allocation *Crisis communication planning *AI literacy and prompt engineering 2️.  Create Visibility Beyond Your Team Keeping your head down might feel safe, but it won’t make you indispensable. *Volunteer for projects that impact the broader organization *Share wins and results with leadership *Position yourself as the "go-to" person who solves problems 3️.  Build a Strategic Support Network Networking isn’t just for job-hunting—it’s career insurance. *Join industry organizations that matter *Check in regularly with 5-7 key people in your field *Be the connector who helps others find opportunities *Create a personal "board of advisors" who can vouch for your value One of my clients, Sarah, decided to lean into networking with a simple goal: five conversations a week. She started reaching out to former colleagues, attending virtual events, and reconnecting with industry contacts. Within six weeks, she’d landed three interviews—one of which led to an offer. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional steps that open the biggest doors. 📌 Want to take action? Book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session to explore how you can future-proof your career. [https://lnkd.in/dS3PggYB ] Which of these three steps are you planning to take first?

Job security is a myth. The smart ones always have a plan B. You don’t need to be in the middle of a job search to be preparing for one. Because when things shift in the market, it happens fast. And by the time you realize it, you’re already behind. I’ve spent nearly 12 years helping people land better roles. And the biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: The people who get ahead are the ones who play offense, not defense. Whether you’re actively looking or sitting in a “stable” job, you need a strategy. Here’s how to protect yourself in today’s market: 1. Know the market Openings are down, competition is up. You can’t afford to wing it. 2. Build leverage Start a side hustle. Build your brand. Learn a high-value skill. Give yourself options. 3. Strengthen your network People hire people they know and trust. Start showing up before you need help. 4. Refine your assets A great resume and LinkedIn profile won’t get you a job. But a bad one can cost you a shot. 5. Sharpen your interview skills Most people aren’t bad candidates; they’re bad at communicating their value. Fix that before you need it. 6. Create visibility If no one knows what you do or how good you are, you’re forgettable. Be visible now so you’re top of mind later. 7. Think long-term Don’t wait for your company to change your career plan. Start owning the direction of your future. This isn’t about panic. It’s about preparation. Play offense. Build leverage. And stop relying on a job title for your security. What’s one thing you’re doing right now to future-proof your career? Reshare ♻️ to help others who need to hear this. And follow me for more posts like this.