4 dec 2022
With COVID-19, workplace dynamics have changed significantly. Working from home became more common. We saw various new patterns emerge: The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, and now there is a new term: Career Cushioning.
Employees are changing their job preferences and re-evaluating where their career is going.
With recent lay-offs in big companies, inflation, and a global recession, job security is a priority topic. This is where Career Cushioning comes in.
Career Cushioning is the act of looking for new job opportunities or making a Plan B, while being fully employed. In case you lose your job due to the recession, you have a backup plan to fall on.
How do you do it?
Career cushioning is like any other job-searching activity, except you are already employed. If you would like to start looking for a Plan B, make sure you:
Update your CV and LinkedIn profile
Network
Develop yourself by learning a new skill
Certify yourself on a specific skill or topic
Then, once your preparation is complete, you can start applying for vacancies on LinkedIn, Indeed, or company websites. At this stage, your interviewing skills become crucial so make sure to prepare well for each interview.
Why do it?
We like to feel safe and secure. As soon as our future could be in jeopardy, our hunter gatherer instincts emerge and we feel we must act to stay on top of the situation. By looking for a back-up plan in case our current job goes afloat, we are trying to control the situation as best we can…by creating a safety net that catches us if things get messy. No one likes to be unprepared.
The past couple of years have taught us a lot about ourselves, our lifestyle preferences and priorities. Despite what’s going on in the world, we must remember to enjoy what we are doing. If we feel somewhat unsure or unsafe in our situation, we can always find a way to change it.
Let us know what you think about this new trend and whether you think it will stick around.