3 Strategies For Continuous Career Growth Amid Job Layoffs

A cocktail of shocks thrown at the U.S. economy has people on edge. 

Tariffs implemented by President Trump on various countries, including Canada, Mexico, and China, have created economic uncertainty. 

Adding to this, 280,253 layoff plans impacting federal workers and contractors have emerged between February and April of this year. These potential job cuts, affecting around 27 agencies, have been linked to actions by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

When news like this is making the rounds, it is totally normal for you to feel a bit nervous about your job. While you can’t always control the economy, you can take charge of your own career. In fact, some of the most inspiring professional growth stories happen when people face uncertainty head-on and stay proactive.

Here, we’ll share a few strategies that can help you take control and build a career that is resilient, adaptable, and always moving forward.

#1 Practice Career Cushioning

Even if your current job feels stable, you must practice career cushioning. 

It is akin to having a soft landing prepared. Basically, what we’re trying to say is, you must explore other job possibilities or opportunities. This proactive measure creates a personal safety net, offering a sense of stability in an unpredictable job market.

A recent survey from MarketWatch found nearly a quarter of workers (24%) would deplete their savings within two weeks of a layoff. Less than half, or 40%, say they would run out of money within a month if they maintain their current spending habits.

Practicing career cushioning can significantly ease anxiety about job insecurity.  To begin with, make sure your online professional presence is up-to-date and polished. Keep platforms like LinkedIn up-to-date, showcasing recent skills and experiences. 

Side gigs or freelance work can provide additional income while simultaneously building new skills and expanding professional connections. So, explore them. 

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal make it easier to find side hustles or freelance gigs. This helps diversify income sources, which is particularly valuable during economic downturns.

#2 Prioritize Upskilling

The professional world is constantly changing. New technologies, processes, and ways of working emerge regularly. 

The only way to stay valuable is to upskill. According to the WEF, creative thinking, AI and big data, and design and UX are skills to prioritize in the next 5 years. 

To upskill, you can explore online courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Google’s certificates. Free resources such as YouTube tutorials and GitHub can also be very helpful.

But if you want to make yourself competitive in the job market, a master’s degree would be great. 

If you’re in media or writing, pursuing a master’s degree in journalism online can sharpen your storytelling skills and enhance your media knowledge. It can also set you apart in a fast-changing industry.

Online learning comes with big perks. It’s flexible, often more affordable, and lets you learn at your own pace, which makes it perfect for busy professionals.

According to St. Bonaventure University, online master’s degrees in journalism give you all the essential writing, reporting, and editing skills. Besides, you’ll learn to master digital media and truly engage with audiences wherever they are online.

#3 Build a Strong Professional Network

The statistics on jobs landed through networking might differ. 

But Forbes points out that strong relationships can help you get noticed and set you apart from the crowd when you’re applying for roles. That makes it clear: a strong professional network is a game-changer for career growth. 

Start by connecting with others in your field. This helps you find new opportunities and gain valuable insights. Regularly engage with your contacts on platforms like LinkedIn. Share interesting articles, comment on posts, and like relevant content. 

Reconnect with a friendly message, ask how they are doing, or offer help if you can. Don’t wait until you need a job to build connections.

If you’re comfortable, create your own content, such as short blogs or video updates about your projects, lessons learned, or trends in your industry. This helps people understand what you’re passionate about.

In-person connections are just as valuable. Attend industry events that align with your personality and career goals. Happy hour meet-ups, alumni networking groups, workshops, or conferences are all good options. 

The idea is to simply build genuine relationships with your fellow professionals, leaders in your industry, and recruiters. It’s about connecting on a real level, not just exchanging business cards.

Your Growth Journey Continues

Job layoffs are tough. They challenge your confidence, rattle your routine, and can leave you feeling lost. But they can also be a launchpad, an unexpected push toward growth, clarity, and reinvention.

To grow during these uncertain times, intentionality and persistence are all you need. You can create multiple pathways to success regardless of what happens in the broader job market if you follow these tips. 

So, implement these strategies today, and you’ll be amazed at how much more confident and prepared you feel about your career future.