In today’s uncertain economic climate, job security feels more like a moving target than a guarantee. Headlines announce layoffs, early retirements, organizational restructurings, and hiring freezes. Financial stress ripples through companies large and small. As a result, many in the workforce are grappling with fear and anxiety, wondering whether their Job is safe, if their career path is secure, and how to prepare for what lies ahead.
But this is not the first time humanity has faced such uncertainty. There is an ancient story from scripture about a man named Job, known for his perseverance in the face of extreme loss.
The story of Job offers timeless lessons on resilience, perspective, and hope. He was a man of great integrity, blessed with wealth, health, and family. Suddenly, he lost everything—not through any fault of his own, but through a series of trials beyond his control. Yet through his suffering, Job did not curse his fate. He asked hard questions, remained faithful, and demonstrated incredible endurance. In the end, he was restored, stronger, and more blessed than before. For those interested in exploring this powerful story, you can find it in The Book of Job, Chapters 1 through 42.
This article invites you to reflect deeply on your Job and career. It offers insights and encouragement whether you are employed, underemployed, or unemployed. It is also a challenge: Are you doing all you can to support your current employer, upskill, prepare for the unexpected, and actively participate in shaping the future you envision?
The State of Job Security in 2025
Workforce disruption is no longer occasional—it is persistent. The Clarify Capital Layoffs Report shows that companies such as Amazon, UPS, Google, Cisco, Citigroup, and Dell have all announced thousands of job cuts in 2025 alone. These are not small adjustments—they are sweeping transformations.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveals that over 80 million jobs globally will be lost due to automation and changes in business models by 2030, while 69 million new jobs will be created. The challenge? A mismatch in skills, adaptability, and access.
Meanwhile, a Staffing Industry Analysts report found that 81% of U.S. workers are worried about job loss in 2025, with concerns stemming from automation, budget cuts, and downsizing.
Federal workforce reductions are also contributing to unease. As part of budget streamlining and policy reshaping, several departments are consolidating or restructuring roles. While these changes aim to improve efficiency and performance, they also affect morale and workforce confidence.
Caution in Commentary: Navigating Policy Discussions Respectfully
For professionals and companies that do business with the government, it is essential to speak with both truth and wisdom. While it is evident that changes in hiring, remote work policies, and workforce composition are underway in various federal departments, our goal here is not to critique those decisions but to acknowledge the ripple effect they have on job confidence and planning for the future.
Employees in the public sector are encouraged to stay informed through credible sources, seek internal guidance where available, and position themselves to thrive through upskilling and proactive career management.
The Resilience of Employers
While job seekers and employees feel the pinch, employers—especially small businesses—are also navigating uncharted territory. The financial stress from inflation, supply chain issues, technology investments, and shifting consumer behaviors can be intense. Yet, many small and mid-sized businesses are responding with innovation and strength.
These employers are stretching every dollar, sometimes delaying personal pay to meet team payrolls, rethinking marketing strategies, and doubling down on training, client service, and workplace culture. They are resilient, mission-driven, and working hard to not only survive but thrive.
Employees who recognize and contribute to this resilience—who bring solutions instead of problems—will be seen, appreciated, and remembered.
What Can You Do to Secure Your Future?
Let us shift the lens from fear to focus. Job security is not only about the economy. It is also about your daily choices, mindset, and willingness to pivot and grow. Here are practical, purpose-driven ways to bring your best to your Job—or prepare for what is next, with confidence and care.
1. Begin Each Day with Self-Care and Centering Practices
Before you log into your workday or step into the workplace, take time to pour into yourself. Whether through morning devotion, prayer, meditation, exercise, journaling, or listening to uplifting music or a podcast, give yourself the emotional and faith fuel to face the day with clarity, calm, and confidence.
Starting your day with intention can transform how you respond to stress, how you interact with others, and how you make decisions. It grounds you and connects you to something bigger than the task list ahead.
Example: One employee started her mornings by walking her dog while listening to a short meditation and a motivational podcast. She noticed that her mood improved, her productivity increased, and her communication with teammates became more thoughtful and clearer.
Quote to Remember: “Take care of your body. It is the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn
2. Give 100%—Whether You Are Onsite or Remote
Do not let remote work become remote engagement, and do not allow onsite work to become filled with water cooler chats. Whether you are working from home, a co-working space, or your organization’s office, show up with excellence. Be on time, complete assignments with attention to detail, and be proactive in team communication. Your visibility and reliability build trust, and trust builds security.
Example: A remote employee at a design firm began sending weekly check-in emails highlighting key accomplishments, goals for the next week, and one suggestion for improving workflow. That simple act of consistency positioned her as a team leader and earned her a promotion, even during a hiring freeze.
3. Bring Well-Researched, Practical Ideas to the Table
Innovation does not always require big ideas. Sometimes, it is about refining what already exists or solving a frequent problem in a new way. In the book 212° The Extra Degree by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson, the authors explain how one extra degree of effort turns hot water into steam—just enough to power a train. That same principle applies to your work. A small, intentional improvement in performance can create extraordinary results. So, take time to understand the business’s goals and challenges. Then, present specific, relevant solutions backed by logic or small tests towards steady progress.
Example: One employee proposed a cross-training plan that allowed staff in different departments to support each other during peak times or absences. The initiative reduced burnout, lowered costs, and improved team collaboration.
4. Invest in Your Skills and Knowledge
If your Job today were eliminated tomorrow, would you be ready to pivot? You are your most valuable asset. Take ownership of your learning by attending training offered by your employer, using platforms such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, or attending free webinars hosted by industry leaders. Read business and leadership books. Join professional associations and be active. The goal is not only to stay relevant but also to stay ready.
Quote to Remember: “Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people do not recognize them.” – Ann Landers
5. Stay Professionally Visible
Do not let the only time you update your résumé or LinkedIn profile be when you are forced to. Keep them fresh with accomplishments, new certifications, and impact stories. Share thoughtful content and insights from your field. Get involved in industry groups, online forums, or local events.
Example: A marketing analyst updated her LinkedIn every quarter and consistently posted articles about market trends. She was invited to co-author a report and speak on a national panel—boosting both her confidence and her professional reputation.
6. Document Your Wins
Track your contributions such as successful projects, client praise, internal process improvements, or training you have led. Keep a digital “brag file” or performance portfolio. These details will strengthen your next performance review conversation and equip you with examples for advancement and future career progression.
Pro Tip: Quantify whenever possible: “Increased customer retention by 12% in Q1” or “Redesigned workflow, saving six hours weekly across three teams.”
If You Find Yourself Unemployed
Losing a job is never easy. It can shake your confidence and sense of direction. But it can also be a sacred pause—a chance to reset, reflect, and rebuild your life and career with clarity and intention. Here are some actionable steps if you or someone you know are navigating unemployment:
– Begin with Compassion, Then Take Bold Steps
Allow yourself to rest, grieve, or feel disappointed—but do not dwell there. Set a timeline to shift from reflection to action. Get up, get dressed, and treat your search as your current Job.
– Clarify Your Skills and Strengths
Write down everything you are good at—not just job titles. Think in terms of skills, e.g., data analysis, storytelling, budgeting, leading meetings, mentoring, and translating technical topics for non-technical audiences. These are valuable across industries.
Tip: Ask three colleagues or mentors what they see as your top three strengths. Their feedback may surprise and guide you.
– Build and Rebuild Relationships
Let people know you are exploring your next opportunity—not in desperation, but in confidence. Ask for advice or connections, not just job leads. Many opportunities come through warm conversations, not cold applications.
– Consider Short-Term Projects or Service
Volunteering or taking on contract work with a local nonprofit, startup, or business can open new doors while filling employment gaps. It shows you are engaged and adaptable. Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Thumbtack also offer ways to build income and stay active.
– Reflect, Reimagine, and Reframe
Use this time to ask deeper questions: What do I want to do more? What would I do if fear were not in the way? Who do I want to become in the next season of my life? Write your vision, mission, and goals for your life. Know your values and align your job search accordingly. Rework your résumé to reflect where you are going—not just where you have been.
– Keep the Faith and Keep Moving
Even if today is hard, tomorrow holds promise. Speak positively to yourself. Surround yourself with hopeful people. Reflect. Read. Feed your mind and your soul. Like Job, your season of loss can become a season of renewal.
Quote to Remember: “When you come out of the storm, you will not be the same person who walked in. That is what the storm is all about.” – Haruki Murakami
Your Move: Stay Relevant. Stay Ready.
Choose one thing from this article that you can do, starting today, to strengthen your skills, uplift your mindset, or support your organization. Whether you are employed, underemployed, or in transition, your future is shaped by the steps you take now.
Be a go giver and share this article as a resource with others. Use it to spark honest, hopeful conversations about growth, resilience, and readiness.
Sources:
Clarify Capital, Mass Layoffs 2025 Report, https://clarifycapital.com/mass-layoffs (accessed Mar. 30, 2025).
Dennison, Kara, What to Expect From the Job Market as a Job Seeker in 2025, Forbes (Mar. 17, 2025), https://www.forbes.com/sites/karadennison/2025/03/17/what-to-expect-from-the-job-market-as-a-job-seeker-in-2025.
LinkedIn Learning, Online Courses to Upskill in Your Career, https://www.linkedin.com/learning (accessed Mar. 30, 2025).
Parker, Sam & Anderson, Mac, 212° The Extra Degree: Extraordinary Results Begin with One Small Change, Simple Truths (2006).
Rohn, Jim, Take Care of Your Body Quote, https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/jim_rohn_121479 (accessed Mar. 30, 2025).
Staffing Industry Analysts, 81% of US Workers Worried About Job Loss in 2025, https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/81-of-us-workers-worried-about-job-loss-in-2025 (accessed Mar. 30, 2025).
U.S. News & World Report, Careers With the Most Job Security, https://money.usnews.com/careers/slideshows/careers-with-the-most-job-security (accessed Mar. 30, 2025).
World Economic Forum, The Future of Jobs Report 2025, https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/digest (accessed Mar. 30, 2025).
About Deborah Stallings
My story begins in public housing in Chicago, where my journey to resilience and resourcefulness began. Later, on my grandparents’ farm in Mississippi, my brother and I, as children, helped our mother, who, despite paralysis, embraced life with purpose, supported by the love of those around her. Through these formative years, I learned the values of faith, perseverance, education, and hard work.
This foundation shaped my approach to servant leadership and fueled my passion for helping businesses and organizations like yours turn HR chaos into calmness. Over the last 26+ years, I have dedicated myself to empowering small business CEOs and leaders to stop worrying about HR and start thriving. With my proven AHIRED Method©, I deliver solutions that save money, give back your time, reduce risk, and build engaged leaders and high-performing teams.
When you collaborate with me, you are not just hiring one person, you are gaining a team of experts and specialists at HR Anew who share my values of wisdom, faith, and excellence. Together, we create transformative results for your business and team.
My Credentials:
- 30+ years of EEO, HR, Recruitment, and Training advocacy
- 20+ years as a resilient Christian educator
- Master’s degree in management and leadership, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Society for Human Resource Management, Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
- Nationally certified WBENC Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- Aspiring Author
As a visionary leader, speaker, educator, trainer, and human resources expert, I am dedicated to helping organizations optimize their people, processes, and performance. Passionate about equipping businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving market, I have developed innovative strategies that have helped countless organizations achieve sustainable growth by fostering inclusive, high-performing workplaces.
About HR Anew
HR Anew is a premier human resources advisory and educational firm committed to transforming workplaces through strategic EEO and HR solutions, inclusion initiatives, leadership development, and workforce innovation. With a mission to empower organizations to build strong, engaged, high-performing teams, HR Anew provides tailored solutions aligning with organizational goals and driving measurable impact. Whether it is recruitment strategy, compliance, or employee engagement, HR Anew partners with organizations to deliver excellence, speed, and sustainable growth.