3 Ways To Future-Proof Your Career Against Layoffs In 2025
Job insecurity is at an all-time high as the U.S. braces to head into another recession
Recent data from a MyPerfectResume survey paints a stark picture of the labor market and of workers' trust in the traditional job model: about 81% fear job loss and 92% anticipate a recession. The report, which interviewed more than 1,100 U.S. professionals, revealed that more than half say that their salary isn't enough to keep them financially stable. 'Burnout is expected to worsen, with job insecurity cited as the top cause,' the report continued.
Additionally, a Challenger, Gray, and Christmas report highlighted that 'U.S.-based employers announced 172,017 job cuts in February, the highest total for the month since 2009 when 186,350 job cuts were recorded. It is the highest monthly total since July 2020 when 262,649 cuts were announced…February's total is a 245% increase from the 49,795 cuts announced one month prior. It is a 103% increase from the 84,638 cuts announced in the same month last year.' This is most likely spurred on by federal and DOGE-related job cuts, as well as the mass tech layoffs we are all too familiar with.
To add to this, recent economic wars between the U.S. and other countries as relates to tariffs has created a volatile economy and threats of a recession, JPMorganChase CEO Jamie Dimon warns in a conversation with the Wall Street Journal, which directly impacts the industries and jobs of workers, particularly in manufacturing, energy, and agriculture.
So how are workers combating this harsh reality? The survey estimates that more than two-thirds of workers anticipate more freelance and contract workers next year, while about 61% are planning to upskill in 2025 to stay competitive.
If you too, are feeling worried about the stability or future of your job and income, there are three steps you can take starting today to protect your career progression and ensure regular financial streams, even if your job is on the line:
The fastest way to future-proof your career is to increase your value within the job market, and specifically, within your target industry. This requires upskilling, but you need to be strategic. Don't just upskill randomly. Set a goal for job descriptions or roles you would like to pursue within a few months to a year from now. Look at those jobs and analyze what tools and skill sets and competencies appear repeatedly across those job ads. This gives you an idea of the skills requirements for those roles.
Next, audit your own skill set and compare with the requirements frequently listed in these jobs. See where there is a gap or mismatch due to lack of knowledge, experience, or skills. Then, double down on this skills gap by undertaking industry-recognized training via short online courses, many of which are free or relatively inexpensive, such as on Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, and Google Career Certificates.
Ideally, you want to focus on high-income skills which are transferable, can complement your existing experience, or enable you to pivot into a new role or industry, and are in-demand based on industry trends and hiring reports. Some examples of high-paying, in-demand skills you should focus on upskilling in include SEO, tech tools, project management, UX design, data analytics, and digital marketing.
It's better to start now than wait for later when you don't have the energy or mental motivation to upskill because you're already out of work.
The other way you can future-proof your job and career against layoffs is by freelancing.
It's been estimated by Statista that by the year 2027, which is just two years time, more than half of the U.S. workforce will be freelancers. There is growing demand in this space, with freelance hiring ramped up by 260% from 2022 to 2024 alone. This means that you have a greater chance of landing a job as a freelance worker than you would being an employed professional.
Freelancing offers you a safety net because you're able to take on multiple projects without being tied down to one employer. You can set your rates and increase them when the time feels right. And there are endless opportunities to scale and generate multiple streams of revenue just from one skill or business idea.
Freelancing is a flexible workforce model that suits employers perfectly because they're able to fill critical talent gaps within a short period of time and at a reduced budget, compared to waiting for ages to find the right full-time permanent hire.
At the same time, you're able to experience the benefit of working on your own terms and being able to live and work from any location remotely. This creates the ultimate win-win situation.
This idea is very similar to freelancing, but takes it a step further: why not diversify your skill set and your revenue streams instead of depending solely on one or even two sources (your job and your freelance business)? Why not consider additional sources of long-term income generation, which can develop passive income to support you and your family for years to come?
This includes turning to options like Airbnb hosting and rentals, licencing your knowledge and skills via IP (intellectual property) online, selling courses and digital products which are scalable, and reinvesting your income to create a portfolio of assets. Spend wisely and set aside a portion of investment so you can diversify your finance streams, making you less dependent on one job as a source of income.
This also gives you flexibility to walk out the door if you don't like your job due to a toxic work environment.
Are you ready to reclaim your finances and take back control over your career? Follow the three steps above, and you'll be more resilient against layoffs while proving yourself to be a valuable asset in the job market.
Upskilling and diversification can mitigate the effects of layoffs on your career and finances
How can I survive a round of layoffs in 2025? What should I do now?
Read here for five essential steps and a seven-day checklist you should take from day one after you've been informed that your job is eliminated.
How can I make money as a freelancer?
To make money as a freelancer, you need to be strategic with the services you provide and the way you position yourself. Read this article for three ways to make as much as $200 a day as a freelancer in 2025.
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"Elon Musk, Distanced from Trump, Says He's Exiting Washington and DOGE." The New York Times, 29 May 2025, Accessed 2 June 2025. Pogue, David, and Joe Walsh. "Elon Musk Says He's 'Disappointed' by Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' and What It Means for DOGE." CBS News, 28 May 2025, Accessed 2 June 2025. Siddiqui, Faiz, and Frances Vinall. "Musk Explains His Black Eye, Says He Told Son X to Punch Him." The Washington Post, 31 May 2025, Accessed 2 June 2025. "Summary of Government Ethics Rules for Special Government Employees." 27 Aug. 2014, Accessed 2 June 2025.
