I’m not a doomsday prepper, but it might be time to think like one. The job market is brutal, and if you’re employed, you’re in a better position to prepare than those who are already out there hustling. Because the people who bounce back quickest aren’t starting from scratch. They’re already positioned, already known, already showing up.

I’m not saying ignore the advice about mental health, family, or toxic workplaces. Those things matter. But so does paying your bills. If your kids are going hungry because you’re not earning, that’s a reality you can’t ignore. Make smart moves. Find a role that’s genuinely better, not just different. Otherwise, your best bet is to focus on your current job. Repair relationships. Improve your position. Go the extra mile. Because the alternative might be hundreds of rejected applications, months without income, and the slow erosion of your confidence.

If you do decide to jump ship, or even if you don’t, start doing something else now. Build your personal brand. Work on your profile. Don’t wait until you’re panicking and scrambling to get your resume, portfolio, and online presence together. If you do, you’ll be behind before you even start.

Because here’s the thing. It takes time. It’s not weeks. It’s not months. It’s years. Years to grow a network big enough to convert into opportunities that pay real money. Every week you don’t have income is another week of anxiety and pressure. The people who seem to ‘bounce back’ after layoffs? They didn’t start from scratch. They were already showing up, already posting, already known.

So, if you want to avoid being caught like a deer in the headlights, start now. Here are some things you can do to prepare:

  1. Prepare case studies for an online portfolio and a PDF you can tailor for each job application.
  2. Create a master CV and cover letter template that you can customise for each role. Test them for ATS compatibility and use AI to craft them uniquely for each opportunity.
  3. Refine your LinkedIn title, about section, and experience. Position yourself clearly and consistently.
  4. Build your audience by engaging with people in your industry. Those you can learn from and those who might become clients or connections.
  5. Develop templates for post images, carousels, articles, etc., so your content is ready to go and recognisable.
  6. Get professional headshots while you still have the money to do so. Think beyond LinkedIn. You want photos that reflect you in various contexts that align with your brand.
  7. Learn how to write hooks, structure posts, and use AI to polish your brain dumps into cohesive content.
  8. Develop a content strategy that mixes polls, videos, images, and articles. Carousels are performing well right now.
  9. If you can, start a side gig or consultancy. Get the bumps out of the way while you still have the safety net of a paycheck.
  10. Upskill while you can afford it. Share what you’re learning. People love seeing someone level up.
  11. Learn about sales funnels and how to convert followers into clients. Popularity doesn’t pay the bills.
  12. Review, iterate, and keep refining. The goal is to be ready if the worst happens.

It’s tough out there. Everyone’s selling something, and the competition is fierce. But instead of being caught unprepared, get ahead of it. Start now, while you still have a regular paycheck and the luxury of time. Because when the world gets shaky, the best thing you can have is a solid foundation you built before you needed it.