In 2025 alone, major employers like Amazon, Meta, Google, and Salesforce have announced tens of thousands of layoffs across departments, impacting not just underperformers but also high achievers caught in broad restructuring waves. 

For example, Meta cut around 600 roles in its AI division, and Amazon reduced its workforce by 14,000, underscoring the scale and unpredictability of this trend.

According to a 2025 survey reported by HR Dive, 34% of CEOs expect to reduce their workforce in the next 12 months (source). 

For employees, that means more than just job loss, it’s an emotional and financial shock that can ripple across families, careers, and future plans. But while you can’t control the market, you can absolutely control your preparedness.

Layoffs can hit anyone, even top performers. That’s why smart professionals don’t just try to hold onto their roles, they prepare to land well if change comes. Build financial stability, grow your presence, and nurture a network before you need it.

1. Build a Robust Financial Safety Net

Start with what you can control outside of work: your finances. Many professionals underestimate how long a job search can take. Lately, we've seen some candidates take up to a year to land the right role especially at senior levels. Aim to save at least 3–6 months of living expenses as a minimum, and gradually build toward 12 months if possible. That kind of cushion can turn a layoff from a crisis into a manageable career pivot.

Set up an automated transfer to a high-yield savings account. Cut back on non-essentials and redirect those funds. Financial resilience doesn’t just reduce stress, it gives you freedom to choose your next move with clarity.

2. Strengthen Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn

Invisibility is a liability. If your name doesn’t come up in industry conversations or search results, you’re at a disadvantage. You don’t need to become an influencer, you just need to be discoverable, credible, and memorable.

Update your profile with metrics-driven achievements. Share posts on thoughtful takes on industry trends. Comment meaningfully on others’ posts. Your activity builds “brand recognition” that keeps you top-of-mind. People don’t promote or refer who they don’t remember.

3. Expand and Activate Your Network Before You Need It

When layoffs hit, the first thing people do is panic message their LinkedIn contacts. Don’t be that person. Strong networks are built long before you need them.

Each week, reconnect with two dormant contacts. Congratulate someone on a new role. Offer to help someone hiring. Send a relevant article. These micro-actions build goodwill. And when it’s your turn to ask for support, the relationship equity will already be there.

4. Learn Emerging Skills (Especially AI & Digital)

Business priorities are shifting fast, driven by AI, automation, and evolving work models. If your skill set hasn’t changed in the past year, you may already be falling behind. Staying relevant means staying learning-focused.

Identify what’s gaining traction in your field. It might be AI tools, data storytelling, or advanced knowledge in your industry niche. Block time weekly for platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, they make upskilling simple and accessible.

The goal isn’t to become a tech expert. It’s to position yourself as someone who adapts quickly, adds modern value, and becomes harder to replace. And if change comes? You’ll be ready and in demand. Block time for online courses and apply it in your current role. Mention what you're learning in meetings or posts to position yourself as future-focused.

5. Volunteer for Strategic, Visible Projects

Internally, one of the fastest ways to layoff-proof your role is to get involved in projects tied directly to revenue, innovation, or transformation. These are the areas leaders fight hardest to protect.

Look for cross-functional initiatives, pilot programs, or anything tagged as “high priority.” Even if it’s extra work, the visibility and alignment with business outcomes pay off. You want leadership to associate your name with progress. This will also help with your job search in the future

6. Make Your Impact Known Across the Business

Doing great work isn’t enough if no one knows about it. Start by linking your tasks to business goals and documenting results, like “cut onboarding time by 30% to accelerate growth.” Then, go beyond your boss: share wins in team meetings, collaborate cross functionally, and find visible ways to contribute.

When leaders outside your team recognise your value, you’re far more likely to stay top of mind during critical decisions.

If you’re not sure what matters most to your execs, ask. Schedule a 1:1 and say: “I want to make sure I’m aligned with our top priorities this quarter, where should I be focusing?” That’s layoff-proof behavior.

7. Start a Side Hustle to Diversify Your Income

One of the smartest ways to reduce layoff anxiety is to create an alternative income stream. Side hustles aren’t just for entrepreneurs, they’re career insurance. Whether it’s consulting, teaching, freelance work, or building a niche service, the goal is having options

A side hustle keeps your skills sharp, expands your network, and gives you financial breathing room. It also gives you income while your doing you job search and I have seen candidates turn side hustles into their own success business after a layoff 

8. Stay on Recruiters’ Radars Even When You're Happy

You don’t need to be job hunting to talk to recruiters. In fact, building those relationships while you’re not urgently looking makes conversations more strategic and less stressful. Reach out to recruiters in your niche and let them know you’re a passive candidate who’s open to the right opportunity.

Staying in touch keeps you top of mind for relevant roles and gives you early visibility into what the market values. It also puts you in a stronger position to negotiate if change comes unexpectedly. I’ve seen candidates who were happy in their roles take casual coffee chats and walk into dream offers before their current companies even announced layoffs. Staying open isn’t disloyal it’s smart career management. It’s easier to have options if you’re already on their radar.

9. Keep Your CV Ready to Go

Your CV shouldn’t collect dust until you need it. One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is endlessly adding responsibilities with each role, resulting in long, unfocused resumes that fail to connect. Keeping it updated is a small task that can pay off big when opportunities, or emergencies arise. Don’t wait until you're under pressure to write one.

Refresh your resume regularly with key achievements, Think: "Increased team productivity by 20% through new process design." new skills, and measurable results. And make sure it aligns with what hiring managers actually look for today. If you're not sure where to start, check out our CV Writing Toolkit for expert tips and proven strategies.

Conclusion on how to layoff proof your career

You can’t predict when layoffs will happen, but you can predict how prepared you’ll be. By investing in your financial stability, digital visibility, skillset, and internal positioning, you create a professional moat that protects you from sudden shifts. Remember: layoff-proofing is a proactive discipline, not a reactive scramble.

The best part? Each of these strategies makes you not just safer, but stronger. For more career guidance, check out How to increase your interviews in 30 days , 5 Outdated CV Details That Could Be Hurting Your Job Search, and 5 Networking Tips for Introverts in Leadership