As of July 31, 2025, over 806,000 jobs have been cut this year, eclipsing the 761,358 cut in all of 2024. With layoffs continuing to impact government, financial, tech, retail sectors and beyond, more and more professionals must prepare themselves for this increasingly common reality.

The thought of impending layoffs may trigger a range of responses, including denial (maintaining status quo at work, thinking “it won’t happen to me”), going into panic mode (mass applying to other opportunities, scouring LinkedIn and job boards) or withdrawal (emotionally checking out, doing the bare minimum). While these responses are understandable coping mechanisms, they are also defensive reactions that make you more vulnerable to layoffs, should they affect your company.

So what’s the secret to finding job security, especially if layoffs are looming? It’s not over-investing in your day job—counterintuitive though that may sound. And how do you actually do that? Here are six strategies.

Build Your External Network Before Layoffs Hit

If you suspect you may be impacted by layoffs, continue to deliver at work, but shift your focus. Instead of pouring 100% of your professional energy into your day job, start investing in building connections beyond company walls. Aim for a 70/30 split between internal responsibilities and external relationship-building.

External relationship-building can mean attending industry events and joining professional associations where you can connect with groups of new people at once. It can mean leveraging LinkedIn strategically to expand your reach and ensure more people know you for your expertise—you never know who might connect you to future opportunities. And if networking feels awkward or time-consuming now, remember that those feelings will only be heightened if you’re networking post-layoff.

Invest In Skills That Belong To You, Not Your Employer

Take time to clarify what your transferable skills are. Regardless of your role or industry, you have transferable skills. Identify them and become well-versed in presenting them to others. Build expertise in high-demand areas where you have gaps—think AI tools, data analysis and other emerging skills. Take courses or certifications on your own time. As you grow your portable skill set, don’t forget to share your achievements and add them to your LinkedIn profile, resume, online bios and other public assets. Doing so will also help with external relationship-building.

Diversify Your Income By Building Multiple Revenue Streams

Multiple revenue streams established in advance give you options and decrease pressure if you ever need to make a career transition. Start small with consulting or freelance projects in your area of expertise. Even earning an extra $500 to $1,000 per month can change the entire dynamic of a job search, giving you the confidence to be strategic rather than feel desperate.

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