The main thing about cushions? They’re comfortable – safe, even. And that’s exactly how we should feel in our careers, too: safe and comfortable. But with today’s fast-paced work environment, keeping up can feel overwhelming. Will our jobs still exist in five or ten years? We also keep hearing the question: Is AI taking my job? Do we need to reinvent ourselves from time to time to stay relevant? And if so, how? In short, how do we cushion – or future-proof – our careers?
At a time when layoffs are becoming more common and companies are increasingly automating processes by relying on AI, many knowledge workers are understandably worried about job security. Enter career cushioning – a practice that divides opinion but is now impossible to ignore.
What is career cushioning?
Simply put, career cushioning refers to the steps you take to safeguard your career. It’s about having a backup plan in case something happens to your current job. Lately, it’s become a widespread response to the uncertainty that’s reigning in the job market. In fact, a 2023 research by Robert Walters Austin found that a staggering 68% of professionals were career cushioning, meaning they were actively seeking ways to create a Plan B in case their careers took an unexpected turn. That number likely hasn’t dropped, especially after the wave of layoffs we saw last year from industry giants like IBM, Amazon, Meta, Google, and Microsoft.
In 2025, we believe that the practice will gain an even greater momentum. Workers have seen enough examples to know that no job is an absolute guarantee. In fact, a Resume Templates report shows that nearly half of U.S. managers say that they are likely to lay people off this year, with only 16% of them certain that they won’t (a hardly encouraging percentage), prompting professionals to take matters into their own hands.
Career cushioning in practice
Anything that suggests you’re open to new job opportunities falls under the umbrella of career cushioning. This could include updating your resume or LinkedIn profile, exploring available job openings, freelancing, attending networking events, or even going for interviews to test the waters – all of these signal that you’re open to change.
Ever thought about turning a hobby into a side gig for some extra cash? That counts, too! Even brushing up on your skills or upskilling can help future-proof your career. What is upskilling in this context? In short, it makes you better at what you do and boosts your chances of landing – or keeping – a great job. You might also seek advice from a recruitment consultant for insider tips on the job market and how to better navigate it.
What’s driving this better safe than sorry mindset?
Several factors push people to take proactive steps to future-proof their careers. One of them is the overall sense of unease and insecurity, driven as much by a turbulent economy as by high-profile layoffs and hiring freezes. But not all reasons are so large-scale. People might start looking for alternatives when they feel dissatisfied in their current role, or if internal changes within their company negatively impact them.
Moreover, the promise of AI is not without some disadvantages. There are two sides to every significant change, after all: AI undoubtedly creates new jobs, but it also makes others obsolete. Who’s at risk in this unprecedented revolution?
Should you be career cushioning?
The answer is, it’s never a bad idea to sharpen your skills or acquire new ones. Even doing a bit of market research to stay aware of what’s out there can be really helpful. Similarly, going on interviews for various other roles can also prove valuable on the long run – not just to explore opportunities but also to boost your confidence as an interviewee. Practice makes perfect.
There are plenty of ways to feel more secure in your career, but don’t forget that work-life balance comes first. Be mindful not to overwork yourself or take on side projects during your regular 9-to-5 – that’s often an employer’s main concern when it comes to career cushioning.
How employers can respond to this growing trend
No matter how much the modern workplace evolves, loyalty will never go out of style. Business owners and managers still hold loyalty in high regard, so discovering that employees are keeping their options open or even engaging in other work during scheduled hours can be concerning. However, there are ways for employers to address this, especially if their goal is to retain top talent. As with anything in life, open communication is key.
Here’s what employers can do to address career cushioning:
- Create a secure environment where employees feel safe to share their job concerns.
- Check in regularly to detect low job satisfaction early on and find ways to resolve it.
- Keep the team informed about internal changes – direct communication prevents employees from feeling left out or negatively impacted.
- Invest in continuous employee development and upskilling opportunities to help them feel valued.
- Promote internal mobility – when employees want a change, offer them opportunities within the company.
Coworking spaces and career cushioning – a match made in heaven?
What is networking if not the best way to create new professional connections and build that desired safety net for your career? It also comes with countless benefits, from boosting confidence to expanding your horizons with new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. Networking is a surefire way to advance your career, and what better place to meet new people and ideas than an inviting coworking space? With WeWork On Demand, you can drop by the nearest coworking space for a day to see what it’s all about. Then, with a WeWork All Access membership, you can make a habit of exchanging ideas, gaining knowledge, and forging new connections. Best of all? WeWork’s mission revolves around building an inclusive and supportive community. This way, your career cushioning efforts can thrive in an encouraging and engaging environment.