Top five ways employees in Singapore can career cushion

Thinking of a job change but feeling anxious about the potential disruptions and uncertainties that may follow?

For employees facing this dilemma and wondering if they are ready to take the leap, ‘career cushioning’ may be their best answer.

“Career cushioning in its simplistic term, is a way of you safeguarding yourself by taking proactive steps to prepare for potential job changes or disruptions,” explained Kirsty Poltock, Director of Robert Walters Singapore. “It is about building a ‘cushion’ to soften the impact of unexpected career shifts, such as layoffs, industry changes, or personal life events. Essentially, it’s about being prepared for the unexpected and ensuring that you have options and flexibility.”

Poltock was speaking with HRM Asia after a recent poll by Robert Walters found that over one in two professionals in Singapore are looking to change jobs, with 63% strongly believing that career cushioning can be beneficial in fast-tracking their job search.

While a job change, enforced or otherwise, can be a daunting prospect for many, employees can equip themselves by embracing career cushioning.

READ MORE: Employees in Singapore growing increasingly unhappy with jobs

Here, Poltock offers the top five ways employees in Singapore can proactively adopt career cushioning:

1.  Stay on top of market trends with particular focus on emerging trends.

Being aware of the latest trends and shifts in your industry can help you anticipate changes and adapt accordingly. Subscribe to industry newsletters, follow thought leaders, and participate in relevant networking events or discussions. An example of this would be the recent transformation with regards to AI and the involvement of AI in our day-to-day activities.

2.  Invest time in building your personal brand.

Regularly update your CV and your LinkedIn with your experience and achievements. Stay active on LinkedIn by sharing regular posts or articles or participating in discussions that establish you as a thought leader. These activities build your credibility in the market and expand your network.

3.  Explore the gig economy or freelance opportunities

Having a side hustle or freelance gig can provide additional income and diversify your skill set. It is also a fantastic way to test a different field of industry – just make sure that the opportunity aligns to your interests and long-term career goals.

4.  Focus on building your skillset through upskilling or reskilling.

One of the best ways to cushion your career is to stay ahead of industry trends and continually update your skills. This might involve taking online courses, attending workshops, or even going back to school. The more skills you have, the more attractive you will be to potential employers, and the more options you will have in the job market. Within the Singapore market there is a huge focus on skills-based hiring so the more time you can commit to building your skills, the more opportunities could be open for you.

5.  Build a financial cushion

Having a financial safety net is a crucial aspect of career cushioning. This buffer can support you during job transitions or while you are upskilling. By building a financial cushion you are also able to make thoughtful decisions rather than feeling pressured to take the first available job.