Worried about job security during uncertain times?
With the word "recession" being uttered more frequently and murmurs of a potential economic slowdown influencing job markets, it's a good idea to consider how this may impact your job and plan ahead.
While there are no guaranteed solutions, you can still take certain steps to protect your career and make it as recession-proof as possible. We've gathered some of these tips below!
Upskill yourself
Whether you’re just starting off in your career or have over a decade of experience, upskilling is an important practice that ensures you’re up-to-date on the latest skills and tools required to do your job. This can look like learning brand new skills that will help you at work (e.g. a social media manager learning Photoshop), or strengthening your existing skill set (e.g. a developer learning a new coding language).
Employers who take the initiative to upskill their workforce tend to see positive results in terms of employee productivity, retention, and job performance.
Speaking to your employer about opportunities to upskill shows initiative and keeps you current in your skills — they may even be able to fund your learning! We've even written a handy email template to help you start the conversation:
Use your network
Networking can be a surprisingly effective tool when looking to secure employment. According to a recent LinkedIn survey, 85% of people secured their current position via means of networking.
Maintaining working relationships with people in your line of work will be a key component in securing employment during a time of recession. Reaching out for coffee chats with existing contacts can be a good way to preserve relationships and learn about different roles or various organizations within your field.
Learn in-demand tech skills
Technical skills such as web development, data analytics, and more continue to be some of the most in-demand skills employers are hiring for, even during a recession.
These future-proof skills will make you a more valuable, self-sufficient team member. Sharpening your technical skills can also help you in pivoting careers if necessary during a time of economic uncertainty.
Change careers or industries
If you were considering a career change, a looming recession may not seem like the optimal time — but if you're considering a recession-proof field, it may signal the best time to make the jump!
Careers in education, healthcare, government, and technology are often viewed as some of the most recession-proof industries. Transferring into one of these sectors in an existing role (for example, you work in digital communications in retail, consider hopping over to healthcare or education) or changing careers completely are both options worth considering.
Making the jump doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Online Bootcamps allow students to gain the specialized skills and career support needed to break into a new industry, fast.
Be flexible
A recession may mean that you may have to become more flexible and adaptable in the types of roles you take on. Volunteering to take on new projects at work or taking the time to learn new skills will assist in ensuring you maintain your role during these uncertain times. For example, if nobody in your department is proficient in a specific coding language, take the time to learn or improve upon that skill and become a go-to resource. Expertise in a niche in-demand area will allow you to become indispensable!
Ready to level up your career — or change it altogether?
We offer upskilling courses designed to boost your job, as well as beginner-friendly Bootcamps dedicated to career changers.