Career Cushioning: Taking job security into your own hands

Have you ever looked at job postings or answered calls from recruiters even though you're in a role you're happy with?

Or did you feel the need to develop your skills and expand your network? Should you ever be let go?

If you have, you've entered the world of career cushioning.

We get it, you're not actively looking for other roles, just preparing yourself if the worst were to happen. You're being proactive to cushion the blow of a job loss, so you're not shocked and left with nothing.

If you've come across people who have managed to bounce back after unexpected layoffs or economic changes, they've likely been career cushioning in preparation.

It not only prepares you for any changes to your role, profession and company but also leads to a more diverse skillset which can open doors for you in the future.

So whether you're looking for ways to climb the ladder and put yourself in the best position for promotion or you want a smooth transition if your company makes changes, career cushioning can help.

Find out exactly what it is, what causes it and our tips for actually doing it, so you can relax, knowing you're prepared for whatever comes your way.

What is career cushioning?

Career cushioning is essentially a safety net.

It's a series of proactive steps that can be taken to provide security when that's not available in a current role. Based on the phrase 'cushion the blow', career cushioning does just that.

Career cushioning isn't just a trend, it's becoming a necessity in today's economy.

The global pandemic, for example, changed the way we work and lots of people lost their jobs because of it. As things can change so quickly, being ahead is only going to help.

Even if you don't lose your job, you'll have gained a wider network and a more diverse skill set in the process.

What is causing career cushioning?

Economic uncertainty along with widespread corporate restructuring has encouraged people to adopt career cushioning strategies, creating backup plans for their careers.

Lack of job security

One of the main drivers of career cushioning is a lack of job security.

Whether that comes from the company directly or the economy, feeling uncertain about the future of a role means employees are looking for ways to feel more secure.

With figures like that, it's no surprise people are looking to give themselves a buffer in case they lose their jobs.

It isn't just the economy and job market's fault either, it's up to companies to take responsibility for their part in this.

When employees feel insecure about the future of their roles, even when they aren't at risk, they're pushed to actively look at alternative job roles.

Lack of job satisfaction

Beyond job security, job satisfaction also has a key influence on career cushioning.

Many employees seek more than just financial stability from their roles and look for job satisfaction, a sense of fulfilment and opportunities for personal growth.

A stagnant role, unfavourable work conditions, or a lack of growth opportunities can all lead to low job satisfaction.

When employees start to feel like this, career cushioning serves as a proactive measure. It facilitates the exploration of alternative job opportunities or even a complete career shift, without the full commitment.

The concept of career cushioning isn't a reaction to circumstances but a way to navigate uncertain times. It's about taking control of your own trajectory and proactively preparing for what's to come.

Should you start career cushioning in your career?

Unquestionably, career cushioning is a great way to future-proof your career. If you're not sure whether you should be career cushioning, read on.

Job security is a concern for many, with economic uncertainties constantly happening around us. Here, career cushioning can really help.

By continuously learning and working on building your network, you create an extra layer of security around your career. Plus, these are things that will stay with you, even if you don't lose your job.

To be effective at career cushioning, you should:

• Set specific skill development goals and have your rough career progression plans mapped out
• Create a structured networking schedule
• Establish clear financial targets
• Monitor industry job postings weekly
• Update professional profiles, like LinkedIn, monthly
• Build an emergency fund of savings covering 6 months of expenses for added flexibility

Otherwise, you might need the benefits of your career cushioning sooner than you thought!

How to cushion your own career

Career cushioning can benefit anyone, so if you're ready to start taking measures to support your career, these are our tips.

Continuing learning and skill development

Enrol in industry-recognised certification programmes aligned with the demands of the market.

Focus on acquiring both technical skills (coding, data analytics, project management) and soft skills (leadership, communication, problem-solving) as they relate to your career.

We'd recommend setting aside 5-7 hours weekly for online courses through professional platforms like LinkedIn Learning.

Create a learning schedule to target skills gaps in your day job and emerging technologies in your industry.

Consistent learning means your skill set remains relevant, improving job prospects and future-proofing your career.

Networking and building connections

It's sometimes not what you know but who you know when you need support.

Having a diverse network of professionals can pave the way to new opportunities. Attend industry events, seminars and other online conferences to meet people in different roles and sectors.

Don't neglect your current network either, schedule monthly coffee chats and offer support yourself when needed.

There are so many professional associations and groups out there, find one that relates to your field and participate in committees. Join professional associations relevant to your field and participate in their events committees.

LinkedIn is an excellent platform for networking so use it to share informative content and build meaningful professional connections.

You never know where your next opportunity is going to come from so nurture your current ones while continuing to build more professional relationships.

Maintaining an updated CV and LinkedIn profile

Update your CV (or resume if you're American) every three months with new achievements, certifications, experiences and skills.

Optimise your LinkedIn profile with SEO keywords and industry-specific terminology to help your online profile gain visibility.

Remember to focus on measurable results to showcase the impact of your contributions. Having this will make it easier to attract new opportunities, should you need them.

Exploring side projects and freelancing

Freelance work is a great way to showcase your expertise and experiment with different roles, companies or sectors, without leaving your current role.

Being able to do this means you can diversify your career, boost and build your skill set and expand your network, all while earning extra income.

Finding opportunities through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr is a great way to get started. The beauty of freelancing is that you can do this alongside your current role if you have the capacity and earn additional money on top of your current salary.

Who knows, you might have a career change and find a role you love even more than your current one.

Conclusion

Career cushioning isn't just a trendy term - it's becoming an essential strategy for professional survival in today's job market.

By taking proactive steps to protect your career future you're not just preparing for potential challenges but actively shaping your professional trajectory.

Whether you're in a stable position or sensing business changes, implementing career cushioning strategies will help you stay ahead of industry shifts.

Remember that dedicating just a few hours each week to skill development networking and market research can significantly enhance your career resilience.

The key is to approach career cushioning as an ongoing investment in your professional growth rather than a reactive measure.

Start building your career cushion today and you'll be better positioned to navigate whatever changes come your way, because who knows when the next potential recession might be and you need solid future plans and options to be able to handle that.