The economy is growing at a modest rate; however, there is some concern the 2026 job market will not be as robust this year’s. With that in mind, it makes sense to take steps to safeguard your job so that should you be faced with downsizing, you are in the best possible position to make a soft landing. Don’t wait, implement these success strategies now.
Communicate with your boss. Many employees make the mistake of not communicating regularly with their boss and their careers suffer as a result. Short weekly meetings keep the lines of communication open. They provide an opportunity to share successes, discuss challenges and get advice on how to handle competing priorities. Keeping the lines of communication open could save your job, help you keep your career on track and shorten your search if the job market goes south.
Be visible — in a good way! When I managed career centers in Silicon Valley a lot of talented people were stunned to find themselves out of a job. They didn’t make waves, worked hard and rarely missed work. Yet, they lost their job while better known, less qualified colleagues kept theirs. The problem was that they were not known outside of their immediate circle; their mistake was keeping too low a profile. As Patty Azzarello writes in her book, “Rise: 3 Practical steps for advancing your career, people with high positive visibility have high credibility, they get better projects, more resources, and more support.” Visibility can translate into more options when a boss has to make decisions about who goes and who stays.
Find a mentor. Mentors can provide professional guidance, get your name on the promotion list, increase your sphere of influence, and advocate for you during business downturns. Mentor relationships can be formal, informal or somewhere in between. They can last years or provide one-time advice or connections. It is up to you to seek out a mentor since it is unlikely that one will arrive unannounced on your doorstep. Mentorship is a two-way street with you doing the heavy lifting. You make the calls, you set up the appointments, you make it easy for your mentor to guide you.
Connect with others. Get to know your colleagues and business associates. Take an active role in professional associations. If you can manage it, take on a leadership role, this provides much wider visibility and enables you to hone your leadership skills. At the very least attend meetings regularly. Showing up at meetings gives others the chance to know, like and trust you. Besides, you never know who you might meet.
Be solution focused. Nobody likes a negative Ned. Before you go to the boss with a problem, research three possible solutions to present for consideration. Your job is to make your boss look good, not bog her down with decisions you should be making. Build your reputation as a problem-solver and there will always be a place for you at the table. If you are not at the table, you are probably on the menu.
Mary Jeanne Vincent, career expert and strategist, has a coaching practice in Monterey. She may be reached at (831) 657-9151, mjv@careercoachmjv.com, or www.careercoachmonterey.com.
