As I began writing this text about profession cushioning, I couldn’t assist however surprise … am I a profession cushion-er?
I’ve a facet hustle (shoutout to CKTL Candle Co.). But it surely technically solely “counts” if I’m utilizing that facet hustle as a way of safety in case I lose my day job as HubSpot’s Advertising and marketing Weblog Editor.
That’s what the idea of profession cushioning is all about — and lots of people are doing it in 2024.
Desk of Contents
So, what precisely is profession cushioning?
Profession cushioning lets you “cushion the blow” should you lose your job unexpectedly. It’s about being proactive and creating further alternatives for your self within the occasion of a layoff or sudden termination.
This might imply actively networking for potential job alternatives, retaining your skilled property updated, or beginning a enterprise on the facet.
Consider it like, “Hey, simply in case this job or profession doesn’t work out, I’m going to have a backup.”
And, in some instances, a number of.
Who’s doing it?
Profession cushioning isn’t particular to 1 job discipline or occupation. Given the rise of inflation and enhance in layoffs throughout industries, professionals in any respect ranges are justifiably nervous about job safety.
And whereas the idea of profession cushioning isn’t model new, it’s undoubtedly trending this 12 months.
Why Profession Cushioning is Sizzling Proper Now
I discussed inflation and layoffs as main the reason why persons are retaining their profession choices open.
Let’s take a look at a number of the stats:
- In January 2024, about 3 million individuals misplaced a job or accomplished non permanent jobs within the U.S.
- Up to now in 2024, over 42,000 staff have been laid off, together with greater than 160 tech firms.
- In January 2024, the month-to-month inflation fee for items and companies within the U.S. elevated by 3.1% in comparison with January 2023.
My LinkedIn feed feels fairly reflective of this information given the variety of people who find themselves “Open to Work” after a layoff or prepared for a profession change.
Must you begin profession cushioning?
That is very a lot a private resolution. Nonetheless, to me, the information means that it may not be a nasty concept to have a Plan B in your again pocket.
Listed below are some issues to contemplate:
- Do you’re feeling glad and safe at work? Lack of job satisfaction is one other huge motive professionals are making different plans.
- Does your skillset want a refresh? Upskilling is a profession cushioning tactic, nevertheless it’s at all times a good suggestion to refine your experience.
- Are you able to comfortably discover new alternatives? Profession cushioning will be nice, however don’t do it on the threat of dropping your present job.
My take? I began my candle enterprise for enjoyable again in 2020. However, TBH, it’s good to know I’d nonetheless have a supply of earnings if I misplaced my job tomorrow.
Cushion Your Personal Profession
Listed below are 5 methods to do profession cushioning proper in 2024.
1. Talent up in each new and current areas.
That is nice recommendation whether or not you’re profession cushioning or not. Expertise are supposed to be cultivated.
Positive, the identical advertising and marketing frameworks I discovered whereas finishing my MBA in 2021 should apply. However the expertise wanted to be an incredible marketer evolve with traits and time.
For instance, you couldn’t have informed me three years in the past that I’d be utilizing AI in my day-to-day workflow. But it surely’s right here, and it’s a talent I needed to (and needed to) develop.
Fortunately, there are tons of free sources, like HubSpot Academy, which might be out there that will help you stage up your skilled talent set.
2. Preserve your LinkedIn and resume up to date.
Even should you aren’t prepared to use for jobs simply but, usually replace your work historical past as you make new accomplishments at work and in life.
Have you ever not too long ago hit a goal or objective? Did you grasp a brand new talent like we talked about in #1?
Write it down.
I promise, it’s simpler to trace these achievements in your LinkedIn or resume after they occur quite than attempting to replace issues unexpectedly. (Talking from expertise right here.)
That is very true should you’re in a bind and have to land a brand new job quick.
3. Nurture and broaden your community.
I talked about retaining your LinkedIn up to date within the final tip, nevertheless it’s a lot greater than only a resume.
LinkedIn is the right place to attach with like-minded individuals in your business or make new skilled mates.
With the precise community, you’ll acquire entry to job listings, networking occasions, and referral sources for brand new alternatives.
Placing your self on the market and selling your model can go a good distance towards making a profession cushion.
4. Begin a enterprise or discover a facet hustle.
Changing into an entrepreneur is just not simple, however it’s doable should you discover one thing you’re captivated with.
You would think about turning certainly one of your current hobbies right into a facet hustle. That’s how I turned a candle enterprise proprietor.
Or you can choose up some additional work associated to an space or talent you’re thinking about. Perhaps you actually like to jot down, so that you choose up some freelance hours for certainly one of your favourite weblog websites.
Who is aware of, you might be able to flip that hustle right into a full-time gig.
No matter you select, simply don’t get into the candle recreation. I don’t want any extra competitors 😉
5. Don’t threat your day job.
Like I stated, profession cushioning is a good way to create a job security internet for your self. However the entire level is to create a backup plan IF you want it.
After all, should you’re already seeking to change fields or swap up your profession path, have at it. Nonetheless, the important thing to profession cushioning is to present your self choices within the occasion you lose your job.
Don’t unintentionally make {that a} actuality by including an excessive amount of to your plate or neglecting your present employer.
In different phrases, “if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it.” Simply cushion it.
The Backside Line
When you ask me, it doesn’t harm to discover new issues and maintain your choices open.
To reply the query about whether or not I think about myself a profession cushion-er, I’m going to go along with … sure.
It’s about extra than simply my facet hustle, although. I’m at all times on the lookout for possibilities to be taught new issues and develop as an individual.
And if that’s how you’re feeling too, then I say it doesn’t harm so as to add a bit cushion.
