Controlled and Proactive: Managing Your Career During Uncertain Times

How should we be managing our careers during times of uncertainty? News of layoffs and economic uncertainty induces paralyzing fear and anxiety in many of us. What can we really control in the midst of it all, if anything?

This week in episode 329, we’ll talk through a 5-pillar framework with actionable steps you can take now to be more proactive in your career even when it’s a difficult job market. Whether you’re employed and feeling uncertain or recently unemployed, we’ll share prescriptive advice and helpful AI prompts for forward progress so you can work through the challenges and not get frozen in worry. Be sure to check out our free Career Uncertainty Action Guide to access the AI prompts discussed in today’s show.

Original Recording Date: 05-15-2025

Topics – Facing Uncertainty with an Actionable Plan, Pillar 1: Building Financial Resilience, Pillar 2: Maximizing Current Job Performance and Visibility, Pillar 3: Execute Strategic Skill Development, Pillar 4: Effective Networking and Relationship Building, Pillar 5: Managing Your Mindset and Control Your Narrative, AI Prompts and the Call to Action

1:30 – Facing Uncertainty with an Actionable Plan

• Though not feeling 100% when this was recorded, John and Nick wanted to get this episode on an important topic out in order to help our listeners.
• Maybe you’re coming into this episode with a lot of anxiety.
  • We continue to see news about tech industry layoffs and economic uncertainty. It feels pretty heavy.
  • We spoke about fear, uncertainty, and how to take control in Episode 70 – Taking Control During Uncertain Times.
• Maybe you feel secure but are hearing whispers about layoffs at your company and are beginning to worry.
• Maybe you’ve been impacted by a layoff.
  • We see you. We hear you.
• Maybe you’re trying to recession-proof your skills, feel stuck at your current employer, or have become highly specialized and don’t know what to do.
• Wherever you happen to be, those feelings are real. The biggest challenge we each have is the risk to job security and financial stability.
  • Though it may seem wrong, forces outside of our control do affect our careers.
  • Today our intent is not to sit and dwell on problems like a difficult job market. We’re focusing on a practical plan to help you regain a sense of control with actionable steps you can take to proactively navigate this period.
  • Our purpose is to provide career advice we wish we’d had earlier in our careers. We want to help listeners accelerate career progression, increase job satisfaction, and be more effective in your existing role.
  • When things feel unstable and when we see layoffs at our company or in our industry, it’s ok to take more of a defensive approach.
  • It’s rational to feel anxious when finances and job security are threatened by layoffs or economic uncertainty. It’s ok to feel that way.
  • We’re here to help channel that energy into proactive career management.
• We’ve broken this down into 5 pillars / 5 areas where you can take action starting right now.
  • Building financial resilience
  • Maximizing your current job performance and visibility
  • Executing strategic skill development
  • Engaging in effective networking and relationship building
  • Managing your mindset and controlling your narrative

5:01 – Pillar 1: Building Financial Resilience

• A buffer against the risk of layoffs and income instability is having a savings account with 3-6 months’ living expenses.
  • Do you know the real numbers for your household expenses? If you don’t, take time thi