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A senior executive I worked with—let’s call her Marisol—had spent years building trust, driving impact, and delivering results, only to find her role suddenly eliminated during a company restructuring. There was no discussion, no transition plan. Just a few polite reassurances, a severance package, and a carefully worded email later, and that was it.

But instead of being paralyzed by uncertainty, Marisol took control. She reached out to trusted mentors, tapped into her network, and worked with an executive coach while giving herself space to breathe for the first time in years. Then, with a clearer sense of what she wanted next, she rebranded her expertise and pivoted into a broader HR role that recognized the full range of skills she had spent years honing.

Her story is not unique. Layoffs, stagnant wages, AI-driven automation, shifting labor laws, and evolving workplace expectations have made job security a moving target these days. Even the most dedicated professionals aren’t immune to job instability, and salaried workers feel it, too.

The real challenge today isn’t just holding onto a job or making it through another quarter—it’s building a career that won’t crumble in the face of disruption. That takes career resilience: the ability to adapt, take initiative, and stay grounded, even when the ground is shifting beneath you, much like Marisol did.

Four Ways to Build Career Resilience

Career resilience isn’t about clinging to a job out of fear; it’s about learning to adapt as circumstances shift.

Growing up in the Dominican Republic with grandparents who survived a brutal dictatorship, I was raised to be ready. My family keeps our pantry and emergency kit stocked, not out of paranoia but from a deep understanding that nothing is promised.

In work, too, uncertainty demands self-awareness and readiness. This means developing a growth mindset, even when your options feel limited, so you are always ready to pick up and go. The following four strategies can help:

1. Identify your non-negotiables.

Career longevity isn’t just about holding onto a job; it’s about knowing what matters most to you as you navigate the many roles you’ll likely take on. Having clarity on your must-haves, values, and risk tolerance can help you make tough decisions as circumstances quickly change.

Ask yourself:

Do I handle uncertainty well, or does it rattle me? If stability matters most to you, focus on building skills that keep you adaptable and in demand, regardless of industry shifts.

Would I take a pay cut for work that feels more meaningful? If purpose drives you, consider roles that align with your values, interests, or the kind of impact you want to make, even if it means a temporary financial trade-off.

Would I go back to five days in the office? If flexibility is a priority, start cultivating skills and networks that open doors to remote or hybrid opportunities.

Would I accept work that conflicts with my values? If ethical alignment is central to your career choices, seek out roles and organizations whose missions and practices you can stand behind.

Would I agree to lay off my team, knowing those remaining will be overloaded? If leading with fairness and dignity is what you value most, consider where you draw the line. Would you push for a phased approach? Fight for additional support? Or would this be the moment you step away?

Your responses aren’t just theoretical. They help you set career guardrails. Understanding your non-negotiables now enables you to navigate tough choices later before urgency forces your hand.

2. Build adaptability and agility.

Career resilience is like a muscle; you build it by strengthening your emotional intelligence, expanding your skill set, and staying ready to pivot when needed. To strengthen adaptability and agility in your current role:

Understand your role in the bigger picture. Pay attention to how your work connects to broader business functions and goals. Proactively collaborate across teams, solve recurring pain points, and take on projects that stretch your expertise and help you build new skills. Opportunities often come from stepping beyond your immediate role.

Stay steady under pressure. Clear thinking and self-regulation are essential in high-stakes, uncertain environments. Recognize your stress triggers and manage your energy before they take over. Build routines to help you reset, such as mindfulness, breathwork, reflection, or check-ins with mentors or colleagues.

Bet on your high-value skills. AI isn’t replacing leadership, creativity, or emotional intelligence—yet. Take on challenging projects, step into management opportunities, and sharpen your ability to problem-solve, read the room, and adapt in real-time. Identify your high-value skills by noticing what people consistently turn to you for, what problems you solve easily, and where your unique insight makes the biggest impact. The stronger these skills, the more career options you create.

Make learning part of the job—not a backup plan. Deloitte’s Workplace Skills 2024 survey found that 87% of professionals say adaptability and leadership are key to career growth, reinforcing that continuous learning, whether AI, industry trends, or new workplace technologies, is essential for long-term success. Treat every setback as a learning opportunity: what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve. Build learning into your workflow by setting aside time for skill-building, seeking feedback regularly, and staying curious about new tools and industry shifts. Small, consistent efforts add up over time.

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