Career Cushioning

A Proactive Approach to Job Search and Layoff Preparedness

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The best time to plan for a job search is when you’re still employed, and that’s called “Career Cushioning”. This strategy ensures a smooth transition into a new job by proactively exploring job search ideas and preparing for the possibility of layoff or termination.

Although looking for new opportunities while employed has always been a smart move, the concept of career cushioning has gained significant traction since late 2022 and early 2023.

In today’s unpredictable job market, job security can be elusive, especially in industries undergoing rapid transformation. With technological advancements like artificial intelligence reshaping key roles, career cushioning has never been more relevant.

According to research conducted by recruiting firm Robert Walters, 68% of professionals are already seeking new job opportunities as a precautionary measure. Nearly half of them (48%) cite low job satisfaction as the primary reason for their proactive approach, while others are concerned about job security (28%), internal shifts in their companies (16%), or the broader economic climate (8%).

Similarly, MarketWatch Guides found that 70% of employees are taking steps to brace for potential layoffs by increasing their savings or…