I had to re-read the headline again… “Google Employees petition for ‘job security’ ahead of expected cuts.’
I felt really bad for those who have been, or will be affected by these job cuts… but only one thought from the Chris Tucker/Jackie Chan movie “Rush Hour 3 (2007)” came to mind.
Here are many REASONS why I strongly believe you should NEVER place yourself in a position where you are at the MERCY of your company…and I will share 3 things you can do to avoid being in such a desperate situation.
1. Don’t Hanker After ‘Job Security’ – Strive for ‘Career Security’ Instead
Picture a bird on a tall tree – does it trust in the strength of the branch or in the strength of its wings?
In today’s dynamic job market, the concept of “job security”— a long-term guarantee of employment with a single company—is largely an illusion.
Companies no longer feel obligated to provide lifelong employment and may restructure or retrench staff to increase profitability.
Instead of chasing this outdated concept, professionals should prioritize “Career Security” by focusing on developing a Career Strategy than makes you indispensible to the company… or be so good at what you do that other companies and their headhunters will always want you on their team.
Building Career Security means proactively developing in-demand skills and expertise, maintaining professional networks, and being ready to adapt to changes in the job market.
Don’t be a nervous Canary – be a Powerful Eagle soaring in the sky!
#2. Don’t Assume Your Company Will LOVE You FOREVER
Yes, you might be the ‘Top Performer’ or ‘Sales SuperStar’ for now… but as they say in the Consulting Industry, “You’re only as good as your last project/quarter/assignment.’
Once the market shifts away from the product/division/service you are in, the company is not obligated to keep everyone employed because The CEO’s KEY responsibility is to the Shareholder, not the employees.
And unfortunately, many CEOs look at Headcount Reduction as a convenient way to improve the short-term performance of the company so they can keep their bonuses.
Moreover, Technology changes, Strategy changes, and Consumer-pattern changes could render the work that you do obsolete in a blink.
Just look at how, last week, China’s AI company DeepSeek managed to roil the US Stockmarkets into losing $1 Trillion in value overnight!
So, always have a contingency plan – a ‘What if I get retrenched tomorrow’ scenario.
Get your networks aligned, your skills updated, and your back up plans all warmed up, at all times!
#3. Build Your FREEDOM FUND (or ‘FOF’, as our clients will call it 🙂)
One way to avoid feeling terrified of the inevitable retrenchment exercise is to build your own Freedom Fund.
Put aside at least 1 year of expenses in an untouchable, liquid account so that you can afford 1 year away from full-time employment to skill-up, look for a job, or just take a break.
Imagine the confidence you have, knowing that you could literally spend a year to recharge whilst you are looking for your next role without having to worry about money??
I know a 45 year old Manager who has a 10-year Freedom Fund – and he smiles every time his bosses give him hell because he knows he can always step aside and take a break, without denting his lifestyle.
Don’t be a slave to your company’s salary. Gain Peace of Mind with prudent Financial planning.
In Summary, do not worry about things that you are NOT in control of, like when the next round of retrenchments are, whether your boss is planning to throw you under the bus, or if your industry is going to be made obsolete soon.
Instead, focus on things you can control and change, like:
- Making sure your skills and capabilities are up to date and in demand
- Nurturing your networks to stay fresh and current – that you can turn to them when the need arises
- Actively building your Freedom Fund at a healthy pace (that means, cut your wasteful spending today!)
- Starting a side-gig that could turn into a full-time opportunity
- Investing in programs that could enhance your career, like online courses or even engaging a Career Strategist to gain better clarity.
Come talk to us if you have any questions regarding your #CareerSecurity!!
In the meantime, don’t forget to take your Personalised Career Health Check with our AI-powered CoachCAROL.aihere!
