How To Cope with Job Jitters
2026 has already seen major companies like Amazon, Meta, and Dell lay off thousands of employees. Many of those people who were laid off dedicated years, even decades, of their careers to companies that have now let them go.
This reality has created a climate of anxiety at the top. In past downturns, senior executives were often buffered by long-standing relationships and institutional value. But today, leaner organizations and rapid technological shifts are rendering even the most experienced leaders replaceable.
It’s only natural to feel the pressure in today’s environment. The good news is there are strategies you can adopt to maintain your edge, your sanity, and your future.
Be Resume Ready
Don’t wait to get laid off to polish your resume and portfolio. Be proactive. Get all of these things ready now. This way, if you are hit with the unfortunate reality of layoffs, you can hit the ground running. If you haven’t updated your resume in years, it’s beneficial to seek a professional review. This can give you insight into what employers are looking for now, not ten years ago.
Read the Signals Early
Senior leaders often pride themselves on resilience, but sometimes that toughness becomes denial. Read the room. Look for signals that change is on the horizon. These may include budget freezes, restructuring rumors, key project cancellations, or reduced access to top leadership. When the tone of leadership shifts from growth to cost-cutting, it is time to get proactive.
Recharge Your Network
Don’t start reaching out to your network when you desperately need them. Start now. Reconnect with old co-workers and peers in the industry. Avoid the generic “just checking in” messages. Instead, share something valuable. Share ways you can help them now because you may lean on their help in the future.
Avoid Overworking
When people sense that layoffs are looming, some try to overwork to show their worth. Many times, layoffs are business decisions, not based on performance. Just keep doing your job normally because there may be nothing you can do to prevent a layoff.
Understand the Market Before You Need It
It is a smart strategy to treat your career like a portfolio. Stay informed about your industry and adjacent sectors. Subscribe to executive-level newsletters, join private peer groups, and listen to recruiter chatter. The more you know about trends, compensation shifts, and upcoming openings, the better equipped you will be if you need to make a move.
Build a Safety Net
If you sense layoffs are looming, start saving. Try to save 3-6 months of living expenses in a high-yield savings account. This can give you a cushion if you are laid off and it takes time to find a new role.
Rehearse the Exit Plan
This may sound dramatic, but it is essential. Imagine you receive a termination notice tomorrow. Who would you call first? What story would you tell the market? What companies would you want to target? Rehearsing your exit plan is not pessimistic. It is professional risk management.
Focus on What You Can Control
A potential layoff can open the door to long-delayed pivots. If you’ve ever thought of trying something new, now may be the best time. Put your energy into taking professional courses and exploring other possibilities. Building credibility in new spaces takes time, so do it while you still have your current role.
Engage with a Career Strategist
High performers use coaches. Not because they are failing, but because they want to stay ahead. Executive career coaches help you clarify your value proposition, refine your personal brand, and navigate high-level transitions with strategy and confidence. If you have not worked with one, consider it a smart investment in yourself.
Protect Your Wellbeing
Anxiety is real. If you’re feeling the pressure, be sure to prioritize your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, exercise, and eat right. Protecting your wellbeing can also mean therapy, meditation, working with a trainer, or simply setting better boundaries. Do whatever you need to do to have the energy and clarity to make strong decisions.
Final Tip: Stay Focused
While you may be driving yourself crazy with all of the “what-ifs”, it’s important to stay focused on your job right now while you have it. Build your skills. Build your network and keep looking ahead.
Want a professional sounding board to help you prepare, strategize, or make a move? Schedule a discovery call with us. We work with senior leaders who want to future-proof their careers and make smart transitions on their terms.
