3 Tips to Combatting "Layoff Fear" in an Uncertain Time
As we enter 2023, we've seen a continuation of the massive tech company layoffs that began in 2022. With major firms like Meta, Salesforce, Twitter, and Amazon making deep cuts, employees in all sectors feel a sense of "layoff fear."
While there isn't much we can do as individuals to combat or control the tides of the market and economy, there are a few things we can do to proactively to give ourselves a sense of safety and security in an otherwise uncertain time.
Now of course no one is saying you should jump ship from your dedicated career, or that you have to "start over" - but taking steps that could protect you from unforeseen circumstances is never a bad idea.
Diversify your skills and explore your interests
1) Diversify your skills and explore your interests
Take advantage of online learning opportunities like webinars, online classes, and tutorials to better understand other fields you may have always been interested in.
Network with other professionals to exchange ideas and experiences while learning about different career paths.
Read different industry publications and follow industry leaders on social media to stay informed about new opportunities and potential paths.
Deepen your current skills and knowledge base.
2) Deepen your current skills and knowledge base.
Take advantage of online learning opportunities like webinars, online classes, and tutorials to gain additional knowledge and skills in your current field. Becoming an industry expert can make you an invaluable resource to the company you're currently at and give you a comforting sense of layoff resistance.
If applicable, earn and collect additional certifications within your field to help build your resume should you end up needing it, and strengthen your professional profile against the potential of a future layoff.
Cultivate and build your Network
3) Cultivate and build your Network
In recruiting, one of the first and most important questions we ask is: "Who do you know?" That question alone has ultimately led to countless professionals finding their dream opportunity simply by being in the right person contacts at the right time.
Attend networking events and join various online networking groups to connect with professionals who could be mutually beneficial to you in the future.
Join online and in-person groups specific to your specialization. The more people you know within your field, the better insight you may have in the future if seeking an affiliated opportunity.
Again, we don't want to send you into a panic or in any way imply that your job is at risk. We hope to assure any anxieties that may have mounted due to the current climate.
At the end of the day, we're still in an employee-driven market. As of January 2023, open jobs in the US outnumbered available job-seekers 1 (job) to .6 (people) - which, as staggering as that data is, speaks nothing to the available candidate's qualifications for those roles. By taking some of these steps now, you can help prepare yourself for any job insecurity that may arise in the coming months.
Regardless of what a layoff culture may seem to imply, a good employee is an immeasurably valuable asset. In fact, several hiring managers are very likely looking for a candidate profile EXACTLY like yours right now!