WHAT IS ‘CAREER CUSHIONING’ — AND DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH CUSH TO SUPPORT YOUR OWN TUSH?
As fears of recession and layoffs loom, many workers are seeking ways to protect themselves and ensure their own soft-landing.
Latest news from tech giants, Amazon, Salesforce, Microsoft, and Google reporting significant layoffs is inspiring a new level of anxiety among many Americans who understandably fear losing their jobs. In the wake of these worries, the new phrase, “Career Cushioning” is on the rise. But what is it, exactly? And how does one go about proactively cushioning oneself for a softer landing?
Career cushioning involves a range of strategic approaches, but an essential component is attempting to bolster one’s prospects in the event of a corporate restructuring or garden variety layoff, which should make it easier to land that glorious rebound gig. This preparation might involve front end research, building, expanding, or reconnecting with your existing networks, inviting informal virtual or in-person meetings with people who are in roles and fields you’re interested in exploring in tandem with evaluating potential skill gaps with training options for increased marketability.
Other career cushioning moves may include updating your resume with relevant skill sets, including a Professional Summary – think book jacket read, giving a prospective employer or networking contact a sneak preview of your professional highlights. Additionally, contacting recruiters to discuss potential job opportunities and read on your current value proposition and transferability of existing skill sets in a comparable or adjacent market sector, is a smart move.
Career cushioning should also include updating your job profile skills on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed and Monster.com. LinkedIn claims 365 million skills have been added to profiles on its platform over the past 12 months. A 43% increase year over year.
Additionally, about 46% of U.S. workers say they are currently looking or planning to look for a new job in the first half of 2023, according to a Robert Half survey, up from 41% last year.
While Google searches for the words “career cushioning” have spiked in recent months, compared to the last five years, the concept of creating a “Plan B” is nothing new. It’s simply resurfaced with a new name, considering the recent uptick in mass layoffs, as well as the possibility of an upcoming recession. It’s a protective posture, which is a necessary response to economic uncertainty.
If you’re concerned about jeopardizing your current position by “coming out,” selecting the “Open to Work” tab on your LinkedIn profile, signals your willingness to discuss employment opportunities while still in your current role. This selection is only viewable to recruiters on the platform and hidden from your current company. Handy feature!
So, when is the right time to assess whether you’ve got enough Cush to support your Tush? That’s up to you, but I often advise clients that the best time to take a personal and professional inventory is when you’re gainfully employed to support your preparation for your next gig or simply take a temperature read of where you’ve been and ideally, your next move.
Whatever your future holds, I wish you a long and satisfying career track, and ‘career cushioning’ may be a smart strategy whether there’s an economic downturn or not. It’s a good practice to keep your brand fresh and ready to Carry On!