10 Things to Do ASAP If You’re Afraid You’ll Lose Your Job
That uneasy feeling in your gut might not be paranoia. Layoffs, downsizing, restructuring—they’re all too common now, and waiting until you’re called into a “quick meeting” isn’t the move. The good news is there’s a lot you can do right now to prepare, protect yourself, and stay a step ahead. Planning beats panicking every time, and small, proactive shifts can keep you in control, even if the office rug gets pulled out.
Here are some smart moves to make ASAP if your job feels wobbly and you’re not ready to freefall.
Update Your Resume
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Dust it off, modernize the format, and don’t bury your wins. Highlight achievements with numbers, not vague tasks. Recruiters love clarity and confidence, so ditch the fluff and show results. If it’s been years, don’t worry—refreshing your resume now puts you one “apply” click ahead of the panic.
Start Networking Now
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Reaching out shouldn’t feel like a crisis move. Drop a few messages, comment on posts, or meet an old coworker for coffee. Relationships matter more than job boards, and connections can quietly open doors. Building your network before you need it means you’ll have options when others are scrambling.
Build an Emergency Fund
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Three months’ worth of expenses isn’t just good advice—it’s peace of mind in spreadsheet form. If money’s already tight, even small weekly savings help. Cancel that unused subscription, skip a few takeout meals, and stash the extra. Your future self will high-five you when the worst-case scenario arrives.
Learn New Skills
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No one’s asking you to go get a second degree, but adding relevant skills now builds your professional armor. Take a free course, watch tutorials, or grab certifications that boost your resume. The more versatile you are, the harder you are to let go—and the easier you are to hire elsewhere.
Audit Your Expenses
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Tracking where your money actually goes is less painful than you think. Download an app, print a statement, and get real about that late-night online shopping habit. Cutting back now gives you breathing room later.
Talk to a Mentor
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Don’t wait until everything’s burning. A trusted mentor can spot blind spots, offer advice, or simply talk you down when things feel shaky. You don’t need to reveal everything—just ask for guidance. Good mentors offer clarity when job security fogs up your thinking.
Check Your Benefits
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Health insurance, unused vacation days, and severance policy are all buried in the employee handbook you never read. Now’s the time to dig it up. Understanding what’s covered, what carries over, and what vanishes with your badge can help you make sharper decisions if the goodbye email lands in your inbox.
Clean Up Your LinkedIn
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Your old job title from five years ago isn’t doing you any favors. Add recent roles, update your headline, and toss in some keywords. Recruiters use search terms like radar. You don’t need to announce you’re looking—just polish up your digital handshake before you’re suddenly forced to extend it.
Gather Work Samples
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If your field allows it, quietly collect examples of your work while you still have access. Emails, reports, decks, performance reviews—anything that proves your skills without violating company rules. Future interviews go smoother when you’ve got receipts instead of relying on hazy memories or outdated bullet points.
Have a Side Hustle Plan
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You don’t need to become an Etsy mogul overnight, but think about what skills or hobbies could help you earn extra income in a pinch. Freelance writing, tutoring, dog walking—it all adds up. A side hustle you start on weekends could carry you through if full-time turns into part-time unexpectedly.
Practice Interviewing
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Practicing interviewing is about sounding confident, natural, and hirable. Rehearse with a friend, record yourself, or answer prompts aloud while cooking dinner. That way, when opportunity knocks or a recruiter DMs you out of nowhere, you’ll have answers ready instead of just anxiety.
Know Your Rights
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Research local labor laws so you’re not blindsided. Can they fire you without notice? What about unemployment eligibility? If layoffs come, you’ll want to know where you stand. A little legal literacy now saves a lot of stress later, especially if you sense storm clouds over your department.
Stay Visible at Work
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Now isn’t the time to blend in. Volunteer for projects, offer helpful insights or simply keep your name in conversations that matter. Visibility doesn’t mean bragging—it means reminding decision-makers that you’re essential. Layoff lists don’t always come down to performance; sometimes, it’s about who they remember first.
Talk to HR (Carefully)
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If you suspect something specific—restructuring, rumors, early retirements—discreetly asking HR for clarity isn’t a bad idea. Frame it as a career planning conversation, not panic. You may not get a straight answer, but reading between the lines can help you prepare without tipping your hand unnecessarily.
Mentally Prepare for Change
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Losing a job can rattle your identity. Give yourself room to process. Journaling, meditation, long walks—whatever helps you stay grounded. Job loss is a shake-up, not a failure. Remind yourself that you’re still skilled, valuable, and capable of pivoting. Mental readiness is the hidden tool that helps everything else work.