Let’s Talk Career Cushioning
Six and a half years ago, I started résumé writing as a side gig.
While still in Tech, I met with clients daily, honed my craft, and built a collaborative process that worked.
I didn't need the money; I just loved writing.
As I still do, I loved helping with the difficult job of translating wins onto paper. There’s nothing like watching someone’s confidence return after they see their story reflected back at them.
Fast forward to today: I run a thriving résumé writing and career coaching practice that helps people navigate transitions with clarity and confidence.
I set my own hours, can work from anywhere, and, while my boss can overthink at times, we have an exceptional working relationship.
It was a slow burn. I stayed in the corporate world for two years before deciding, after my final layoff, that I was done with the race.
Golden handcuffs were broken, and my side gig offered me a billowy, soft place to land.
If you’ve ever needed a little push to try your hand at something extra on the side, this one’s for you.
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Layoffs, burnout, AI reshaping jobs overnight. No wonder there are a lot of people out there who are feeling a little bit shaky in their careers right now.
The trend everyone's leaning on: Career Cushioning. Let's talk about why it matters and why you should be doing it too.
Career cushioning is all about building a safety net while you're still employed. Think of it like professional insurance. It can look like:
keeping your résumé and LinkedIn fresh,
grabbing new skills or certifications on the side,
networking intentionally through LinkedIn DMs,
official meetups, and coffee chats, and finally
testing out some low-stakes side projects that can get you some extra visibility and even a little extra cash.
The point? If your job changes unexpectedly, or you're just ready for something new, you have already cushioned the blow. And this isn't just about layoffs, it's about peace of mind.
A career cushion means that you can stop worrying about all those what ifs swirling around your head and feel more in control, no matter what the market throws at you.
Here's the truth: career cushioning isn't disloyal. It's smart. It's how you stay confident, adaptable, and ready for what's next.
So let's talk about it down in the comments. What is one thing that you can begin doing to start cushioning your career?
