"Amid record job cuts, professionals face a new reality where traditional job security has evaporated. As of July 31, 2025, over 806,000 jobs have been cut this year, eclipsing the 761,358 cut in all of 2024. With layoffs continuing to impact government, financial, tech, retail sectors and beyond, more and more professionals must prepare themselves for this increasingly common reality."
"The thought of impending layoffs may trigger a range of responses, including denial (maintaining status quo at work, thinking "it won't happen to me"), going into panic mode (mass applying to other opportunities, scouring LinkedIn and job boards) or withdrawal (emotionally checking out, doing the bare minimum). While these responses are understandable coping mechanisms, they are also defensive reactions that make you more vulnerable to layoffs, should they affect your company."
"So what's the secret to finding job security, especially if layoffs are looming? It's not over-investing in your day job -counterintuitive though that may sound. And how do you actually do that? Here are six strategies. Build Your External Network Before Layoffs Hit If you suspect you may be impacted by layoffs, continue to deliver at work, but shift your focus. Instead of pouring 100% of your professional energy into your day job, start investing in building connections beyond company walls."
More than 806,000 jobs were cut by July 31, 2025, surpassing all of 2024 and affecting government, finance, tech, retail, and other sectors. Anticipation of layoffs commonly triggers denial, panic, or withdrawal, which increase individual vulnerability. Job security depends less on exclusive investment in a single employer and more on cultivating relationships and capabilities outside the day job. Professionals should continue delivering at work while allocating time to external networking and building portable skills. Practical steps include attending industry events, joining professional associations, and leveraging LinkedIn to expand reach before a layoff occurs.
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