In today's job market, being prepared for unexpected changes is more important than ever. From lack of appreciation to global crises, many employees feel the pressure to secure their careers.
In this article, you will learn what Career Cushioning means and how you can start implementing it right away.
What is "Career Cushioning"?
Career Cushioning can be translated as "career buffering" or "career padding."
It involves having a backup plan in place in case you plan to change jobs or worry about losing your current job.
There are various reasons why Career Cushioning is practiced. These include job-related reasons such as lack of appreciation from the employer or lack of development opportunities, as well as external factors like inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic, or political unrest and conflicts.
Why is Career Cushioning a Current Topic?
Besides the classic reasons like job dissatisfaction or economic uncertainties within a company, there are also external, hard-to-influence factors that can temporarily bring the topic to the forefront.
Possible external factors include:
Current Inflation: Rising inflation leads companies to lay off employees rather than hire new ones, increasing unemployment and market uncertainty.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation: Advances in AI and automation technologies increasingly replace human activities, potentially leading to mass layoffs. Some companies have already taken this step, adding to employees' uncertainty.
These factors motivate employees to secure themselves through Career Cushioning. They strive to strengthen their professional networks, acquire new skills, and prepare for various contingencies as a protective measure against increasing uncertainties.
Should You Act Now?
The relevance of Career Cushioning depends on your individual situation and career goals. If one or more of the following situations apply to you, consider following our recommendations:
Your current position does not meet your career expectations
You feel burned out and exhausted
You have concerns about potential layoffs in your industry
You fear you might be laid off
You seek professional and personal development
Even if you're not in a job crisis, it's wise to keep an eye on your career opportunities. The best job offers come when you least expect them.
Here are some tips on how you can find your dream job through Career Cushioning:
Build a Network
Build a professional and personal network to stay informed about potential job opportunities and industry trends. The simplest form of networking is using social media platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) for professional networking and Instagram or Facebook for private networks.
Additional Tip: Develop your own elevator pitch to be ready when an opportunity arises!
Keep Your CV Updated
Regularly update your resume. This enables you to respond immediately to the right job opportunity.
If an interesting position arises and you let two weeks pass to update your resume, the opportunity might vanish as companies often need to fill positions quickly.
Have you seen our resume templates? Simply fill them with your information for a ready-to-go CV.
Keep an Eye on Job Openings
Register with recruitment agencies. They often have access to vacancies that are never publicly advertised! Additionally, you benefit from direct contact with HR.
Subscribe to newsletters on job platforms to stay informed when a suitable position appears.
Additional Tip: Make a list of companies where you would like to work. Regularly check their job boards and stay updated.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and include relevant keywords to be found in potential searches. These can be job titles, skills, or industries.
If your employer doesn't know you're looking, be cautious with the "open to work" badge as it's visible on your profile.
Additional Tip: Actively posting or engaging in discussions in the comments makes you more visible to potential employers and recruiters.
Stay Motivated
Break your goals into small, achievable steps, such as:
Apply for 2 jobs per week
Optimize your LinkedIn profile by the end of next week
Contact 4 recruiters by the end of the month
Save CHF 350 per month for emergencies
Talk to Your Manager
If your team leader doesn't know your ambitions, you can't expect support. Talk to them! Share your goals and where you want to develop.
A good manager will support you and help you achieve your goals, as it is also in the company's interest to retain valuable employees.
Conclusion
Career Cushioning is a sensible strategy to safeguard against job uncertainties. Whether you are dissatisfied with your current job, want to develop further, or worry about layoffs, you can never be too prepared.
By networking, contacting recruiters, and preparing for possible job changes, you can proactively shape your professional future and better prepare for unexpected changes. Remember to balance things to avoid stress and not impact your current performance.
Contact us now to take the first step toward your personal Career Cushioning!
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