These days, it’s impossible to scroll through the news without seeing apocalyptic economic headlines: Thousands of federal workers have been laid off, many private-sector companies have slowed hiring, and unemployment claims are skyrocketing. The constant barrage of “what ifs” can leave anyone feeling on edge, wondering if their job is secure.
But trying to plan for every possible future scenario, especially when the future seems to change by the minute, is a losing battle. The key isn’t to predict the future but to prepare for it by building a resilient, flexible professional life. So if job insecurity resonates—because, frankly, who among us isn’t feeling the pressure?—this post is for you. It covers actionable strategies to help you navigate the unknown and ways to safeguard your mental health along the way. Think of this as your insurance policy!
Steps You Can Take Right Now to Bolster Your Career Prospects
Reconnect With Professional Networks
There’s never been a better time to reconnect with former colleagues and industry peers. Forget the stale image of "networking" as awkward business card exchanges—instead, think of it as having genuine, friendly conversations with people who share your professional interests. Seek out industry groups, both in person and online, and don’t hesitate to reach out to key figures in your network. With everyone grappling with uncertainty these days, chances are your peers will be eager to connect too, so why not take the first step? Plus, technology makes it easier than ever to broaden your circle—I've had some of my most productive coffee dates right from my living room, laptop and favorite mug in hand.
Enhance Your Professional Credentials
In a time of uncertainty, bolstering your resume with new credentials isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Proactively upskilling now can give you a leg up later if you need to mount a job search or just want to keep an eye on the future. Over 170 million jobs will be created in the next decade, so explore training programs, certifications, or workshops that bridge the gap between your current skills and those required for your future roles–even ones that may not exist yet! Start by researching professionals on LinkedIn who hold the positions you aspire to, and take note of the qualifications and technical and human skills they have.
Professional associations and industry groups are also excellent resources for finding the right training programs. And remember, investing in both technical skills and human qualities is crucial. Resilience, creative thinking, and curiosity are among the top attributes employers value today—so nurture them alongside your hard skills.
Investing in yourself is one of the most reliable ways to stay competitive when the job market is in flux. Enhancing your professional credentials is like stocking your pantry with quality ingredients before you start cooking—even if the exact recipe hasn’t been decided yet. The best chefs create extraordinary dishes with their favorite ingredients and basic techniques. (Side note: here’s a link to my favorite cookbook on how to cook without a recipe!)
Similarly, think of your unique skills as your curated ingredient list and networking as the fundamental technique that brings it all together.
With the right mix of technical and human skills and knowledge, you’ll be prepared to seize opportunities as they arise, no matter how unpredictable the future may seem.
Explore New Opportunities
For those contemplating a career pivot, now is the perfect moment to explore. Informational interviews can be a goldmine, providing a realistic preview of what a new industry looks like and a way to learn about potential career paths. You’ll also want to dive into online resources like industry blogs, trade publications, and market reports to get a feel for the trends and opportunities out there.
Leverage LinkedIn by following influencers, joining groups, and engaging in meaningful discussions with people who are where you’d like to be. And if you’re still on the fence, consider taking on freelance projects or volunteer work in your field of interest. This hands-on approach not only builds experience but also clarifies whether a new industry might be the right fit for your next move.
Pro tip: If exploring a new field, consider making a pivot within your current company, which is often easier. For example, if you work in Marketing and want to move into Sales, your insider knowledge of the company and its products gives you a significant leg up, making the transition much smoother.
Seek Mentorship or Coaching
Mentorship can be a lifeline in times of uncertainty. Having someone who’s navigated similar challenges can provide invaluable insights and advice. Look for mentors who aren’t just high up in your field but also those who can offer diverse perspectives—even someone junior or from a different industry might have a fresh take that could be just what’s needed.
A coach can serve as a trusted thought partner, helping refine strategies, set realistic goals (and hold you accountable to them), and provide a reassuring nudge when everything feels overwhelming. By helping build a career roadmap based on your priorities, a coach can ultimately lead to enhanced skill development, personal resilience, and greater joy in your career. (P.S. I love coaching people through career shifts, so reach out if you are curious how coaching may support your goals.)
How to Care for Your Mental Health During Times of Uncertainty
Job uncertainty can seriously undermine mental health. According to the NIH, an unclear professional future can trigger increased stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances while also eroding self-esteem and overall well-being due to the relentless worry about potential job loss or instability.
All this to say, it’s important to take steps to safeguard your mental health and well-being if you’re anxious about your career.
And if you’re an HR pro, ask yourself what steps you are taking to better support employee well-being by addressing uncertainty where you can.
Focus on What Can Be Controlled
The first step is recognizing that some things are simply out of your control, like whether your company will be subject to budget cuts or an economic downturn. Instead of fighting the inevitable twists and turns (or lying awake at three a.m. trying to plan for all of them), it’s far more productive to focus on what can be controlled. Focus on daily routines, set small goals, and create a sense of order in your immediate environment. These small actions can build a foundation of control and stability, even when the larger world seems chaotic.
Don’t forget to celebrate when you’ve accomplished your small (or big) goal, too! With a productivity-first mindset, we are often quick to go tackle the next mountain after crossing something off the to-do list. I recently took the ICF certification exam I’d been “too busy” to complete previously. This was a 2025 goal for me. When I finished, I took the afternoon off - enjoying a yoga class, a good book, and a Hawks game with the family. This really let the accomplishment settle in and gave me space for gratitude and a positive reward for hard work. You deserve that, too!
Exercise Self-Care
Self-care in uncertain times isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Simple actions like getting enough sleep, taking occasional days off to recharge, or even practicing a few minutes of meditation when anxiety sets in can add up to significant improvements in well-being. Defining what self-care means to you on an individual level is crucial; whether it’s starting your day with a morning dose of fresh air or getting lost in a book at night before bed, find what recharges your batteries and make it a priority. You wouldn’t let your phone battery die before recharging…don’t let your personal battery deplete either.
Seek Professional Support
Sometimes, the weight of uncertainty is too much to carry alone. In such cases, professional help can make a big difference. Whether through your organization’s Employee Assistance Program (which is always confidential - I know, I used to run this program) or a private mental health practitioner, reaching out for support is a smart and proactive move. There’s no shame in asking for help—it's a sign of strength, not weakness.
Reaching out for support is a smart and proactive move.
Build Resilience
Resilience isn’t innate; it’s built through experience and intentional effort. Incorporate science-backed strategies such as mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and setting realistic expectations to build your resilience over time. Small, consistent practices can help transform setbacks into learning opportunities and strengthen the ability to bounce back from challenges.
Lean on a Supportive Community
Isolation only deepens the impact of uncertainty. Building and maintaining a supportive community—both professionally and personally—can provide a much-needed buffer against stress. Whether through community groups, professional associations, or leaning on friends and family, these connections offer practical support and emotional reassurance when times get tough.
The Bottom Line
Feeling uncertain about the future is something nearly everyone faces at one time or another. Instead of succumbing to fear and inaction, taking proactive steps—whether reconnecting with your network, enhancing your credentials, exploring new opportunities, or prioritizing your mental health—lays a solid foundation for both personal and professional growth. Uncertainty isn’t just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to learn, adapt, and evolve. In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to pivot is the most valuable skill of all. You've got this!
Interested in learning more about coaching and building human workplaces? Send me a note at Katherine@worksproutpartners.com. I look forward to hearing from you!