Strategies For Continuous Career Growth Amid Job Layoffs
The job market is fast and full of potential, but it’s occasionally prone to sudden, turbulent shifts.
In recent years, layoffs have become a word that carries a heavy weight, sparking anxiety for even the most seasoned experts. U.S. layoffs surged 118% this January as companies trade human roles for automation. Over 108,000 job cuts were announced as businesses push for higher efficiency.
There is a silver lining, however. While you cannot control the economic climate or a company’s restructuring decisions, you have power over your own professional trajectory. Don’t just look for the next step. Focus on continuous career growth, and you can thrive through any industry shift.
Below are a few strategies for continuous career growth, so you can move forward, even when the headlines seem daunting.
#1 Practice Career Cushioning
Career cushioning is a rational response to the rising uncertainty of the labor market. It refers to the steps an employee takes to build a professional safety net while still employed. This ensures they are not starting a job search from zero in the event of a layoff.
Data shows that 8 out of 10 workers in Taiwan are practicing career cushioning because they are worried about layoffs and AI taking over their roles.
The core of career cushioning is a structured audit-and-upgrade process. You must evaluate your skills against industry shifts to identify gaps, using SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) development goals to bridge them.
Your next priority is refreshing your public profile. Maintaining an ‘always-ready’ LinkedIn and resume ensures no key achievement is forgotten in the rush of a job search. Focus on quantifying your impact. Use hard data and specific metrics to showcase your wins.
Some workers go on interviews even if they do not want to leave. This is a great way to practice. It builds your confidence. It also lets you know what you are worth in the current market.
#2 Sharpen Your Competitive Edge Through Reskilling
McKinsey & Company’s research reveals that 92% of companies plan to ramp up their AI investments over the next 3 years. As organizations restructure around AI and automation, learning new skills is now a must if you want to keep your career going.
Don’t just reskill in any field; research fields where AI can’t take over. Law is an example where human expertise is irreplaceable. While AI can assist with research and document review, it cannot replicate critical thinking, ethical judgment, negotiation skills, or courtroom advocacy.
Each year, there are around 31,500 job openings for lawyers, on average.
If you are thinking about a career pivot, an online JD degree is a great option. JD stands for Juris Doctor. It provides a flexible way to build specialized knowledge without having to quit your current job.
This degree allows you to develop legal reasoning, analytical writing, and strategic decision-making skills, which are highly transferable across industries.
Cleveland State University notes that this is a 10-semester program, which consists of 90 credits of online coursework and hands-on practical learning. Students studying part-time can finish the entire degree in just 3 years and 5 months.
#3 Diversify Your Income Streams
Financial experts advise diversifying investments to stay safe. You should apply that same logic to your career instead of relying on a single source of income.
A second income acts as a financial safety net. In the U.S., where around 54.5% of the population relies on employers for health insurance, losing a job is a medical risk as much as a financial one. A side hustle can help cover Continuation of Health Coverage or private insurance premiums during a transition.
On top of that, a side hustle lets you test out new career paths before you commit to a full change.
One of the most efficient ways to diversify is to perform the duties of a primary job for multiple clients. This includes freelance writing, technical consulting, Salesforce administration, or data analysis.
Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to build a secondary portfolio that can be expanded if your primary role is eliminated.
The creation and sale of digital assets, such as resume templates, online courses, or printable planners, allows for scalable, passive income. Once created, you can sell these items repeatedly on marketplaces like Etsy or Shopify with minimal additional labor. This model is particularly attractive for professionals with design or educational skills.
Growth is the Real Safety Net
Layoffs can feel personal. But most of the time, they are not about individual worth but business realities. You won’t just survive the threat of layoffs but position yourself to lead through them if you follow these tips.
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed when trying to manage all these career moves. You don’t have to do everything perfectly right away. Just focus on making small, steady improvements to your own skills and security. And no matter what happens next, you’ll be ready.
