What Is Career Cushioning and How To Do It?

Imagine this: You’re at your desk, sipping your morning beverage. Then, out of the blue, your manager calls an all-hands meeting. Your stomach drops. Layoffs? Restructuring? Even in a strong market, scenarios like this one still exist. And while we can’t control that, we can control how we react by being prepared for these moments. That’s where career cushioning comes in.

What Is Career Cushioning?

Career cushioning is like having a safety net for your professional life. It’s a strategic approach to maintaining career stability, even when things feel secure. This term has gained popularity in recent years, mainly due to economic uncertainties and rapid technological changes in the workplace.

You might wonder, “Isn’t this just looking for a new job?” Not quite.

Career cushioning is about being prepared and aware of your options rather than actively seeking to leave your current role. It’s a way to be ready for any curve balls while maintaining your commitment to your current job.

Why Would Someone Career Cushion?

Here are some common reasons someone might engage in career cushioning:

Empowerment in Uncertainty

Career cushioning puts you in the driver’s seat of your professional life. Instead of feeling at the mercy of market forces or company decisions, you’re proactively shaping your future.

Stress Reduction

Knowing you have options can reduce work-related anxiety. Being ready for change helps as well.

Continuous Growth

The process of career cushioning naturally encourages ongoing skill development and industry awareness. Whether you stay in your current role or not, this keeps you sharp and valuable.

Expanded Opportunities

Maintaining an active professional network and staying aware of industry trends can lead to exciting projects, collaborations, or advancements—even within one’s current company.

Improved Negotiation Power

Understanding your market value and having a pulse on industry standards empowers you in a merit-raise discussion or when seeking an internal promotion.

Faster Response To Change

If sudden changes do occur—like restructuring or layoffs—you’re not starting from square one. You’re ready to pivot quickly and effectively.

Remember, career cushioning isn’t about having one foot out the door. It’s about being the best professional you can be, ready for whatever comes your way. It’s an investment in yourself that pays dividends in stability and opportunity.

Let’s see how these benefits of career cushioning play out in real-life scenarios:

A Financial Analyst updated her skills in data visualization tools like Tableau. When her company restructured, she secured a higher-paying role.
A Public Tax Accountant raised their hand to start working on C-corp returns and ASC 740 projects, which resulted in an opportunity at a large multinational organization in corporate tax.
A Corporate Controller maintained a consistent presence on LinkedIn. Even though she wasn’t actively job searching, a recruiter reached out about a unique CFO opportunity.

How Career Cushioning Can Benefit Companies

As a leader or HR professional, you might feel uneasy about career cushioning or how it fits into your organizational culture. But it’s worth noting that career cushioning can strengthen your team and company. Here’s how:

Engaged workforce: Career cushioning means more motivated and invested staff.
Enhanced skill sets: Employees who upskill bring more value to their positions.
Improved retention: Supporting growth can reduce turnover and retain top-tier talent.
Greater innovation: Employees with broader industry knowledge contribute fresh ideas.

By embracing career cushioning, employers create an environment where employees feel secure enough to grow without needing to leave. This approach transforms potential flight risks into valuable, long-term assets. Remember: A workforce empowered to develop professionally will likely apply that growth to benefit your organization.

How To Career Cushion

Now that we understand why career cushioning is essential for employees and employers, let’s break down what it involves. It’s not about making drastic changes but rather small, consistent actions that can make a big difference.

Updating LinkedIn Profiles

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your professional storefront. Just as you’d keep your resume current, your LinkedIn profile should reflect your latest achievements and skills. Did you lead a successful project? Learn a new accounting software? Add it to your profile. This keeps you visible and attractive to potential employers and recruiters, even if you’re not actively job hunting.

Pro Tip: Set a quarterly reminder to update your profile with new skills, projects, or achievements.

Expanding Professional Networks

Networking isn’t just for job seekers – it’s crucial for career cushioning. Attend industry events, join professional groups, or participate in online forums. It’s like diversifying your investment portfolio but with professional connections. The wider your network, the more opportunities you’ll have access to if you need them.

Pro Tip: Try to make one new professional connection each month – online or at industry events.

Connecting With a Recruiter

Building a relationship with a recruiter is like having a personal career advisor. They can keep you informed about market trends, salary benchmarks, and potential opportunities. Aim to check in every few months, even if you’re not actively looking. This way, if you do need their support, you’ve already established a rapport.

Pro Tip: Research recruiters who specialize in your field. Then, message them with a personalized note about your career goals.

Keeping an Eye on Job Boards and Postings

Regularly scanning job boards helps you stay informed about what skills are in demand and the opportunities that are out there. It’s not about applying to every job you see but staying aware of the market. Think of it as conducting a periodic audit of the job market – it keeps you informed and prepared.

Pro Tip: Set up job alerts for roles you’re interested in, even if you’re not actively job searching.

Thinking About What Comes Next in Your Career

Career cushioning is also about self-reflection and planning. Ask yourself: What’s the next step in your career journey? Is it a lateral move to gain new skills, or are you ready to advance to a management role? You may be considering a shift from financial accounting to management accounting. A knowledgeable recruiter can help you assess your experience and guide you toward your next move.

Pro Tip: Schedule an annual “career check-in” with yourself to reflect on your goals and progress.

Potential Challenges of Career Cushioning

While career cushioning offers many benefits, you should be aware of potential challenges:

Time management: Balancing career cushioning activities with current job responsibilities
Maintaining focus: Avoiding the temptation to look for new opportunities constantly
Communication: Navigating how to discuss your career development efforts with your leader

To overcome these challenges, set clear boundaries and always prioritize your current role while preparing for the future.

Many leaders appreciate employees who take initiative in their career growth. If you have a good relationship with your leader, consider having a conversation to define where you can grow and build. They might even make recommendations for who you could talk to or share internal opportunities that align with your goals and the company’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Career cushioning isn’t about jumping ship at the first sign of trouble. It’s about being prepared, proactive, and in control of your career. By taking small, consistent steps to maintain your employability and awareness of the job market, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success and peace of mind.

Remember, your skills and talents are some of your most valuable assets. Just as you’d diversify an investment portfolio or maintain an emergency fund, career cushioning helps protect and grow your professional future. So why not start today? Update that LinkedIn profile, reach out to a recruiter, or spend some time reflecting on your career goals. Your future self will thank you for it.

FAQ: Common Questions About Career Cushioning

Is career cushioning ethical? Yes, when done transparently and without neglecting current job responsibilities.
How much time should I dedicate to career cushioning? Start with a few hours a month and adjust based on your goals and circumstances.
Should I tell my employer about my career cushioning activities? It depends on your company culture. Discussing your career growth plans may be beneficial if your workplace encourages professional development.