They Say Early Birds Get The Worm
You might be a top performer. You might have an excellent relationship with your leadership. But let me share something that happened in December 2024—just that month alone, nearly 2 million workers were laid off, and over 5 million people separated from their jobs. That’s not speculation—that’s straight from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Feb 4, 2025).
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not here to be a fear-monger. But if there’s one lesson to take from these numbers, it’s this: The early bird gets the worm, but only if it’s prepared. You don’t want to be caught in a storm with no idea where to find your next opportunity. So let’s talk about how you can stay ready—before you ever need to be.
Key Takeaways:
- Job stability is never guaranteed, even for top performers.
- Nearly 2 million workers were laid off in one month—proving layoffs can happen unexpectedly.
- The best way to stay ahead is to prepare before you need to.
Do You Like Your Food Right Now, or Do You Like That You Have Food Right Now?
Right now, you have a job. That means every paycheck is directly deposited into your bank account, and life feels stable—even while the world around you is burning.
Think of it this way: Your employer is handing you the ingredients to put food on your table. They provide you with work, you get paid, and as long as you keep cooking, you get to eat. But here’s the real question(s):
- Do you actually like what you’re cooking?
- Or do you just like that you have food right now?
It’s a small but critical distinction. If you’re just happy because you have a job, that’s a dangerous place to be. It means you’re relying on stability that might not be there tomorrow. If the rug gets pulled out from under you, what’s next?
Would you be ready to up-skill and chase a new role that aligns with your experience? Would you be confident enough to enter the job market and compete?
Because if your answer is “Ehh… I don’t know”, then you’re already setting yourself up for struggle down the road.
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Key Takeaways:
- Having a job doesn’t equal long-term security—your career growth matters.
- Ask yourself if you actually enjoy your work or just like the paycheck.
- If you lost your job today, would you have the skills and confidence to land another?
The Difference Between Wanting and Needing
It’s tough to focus and dedicate time toward something you have to do, rather than something you want to do. That’s why the best time to prepare for your next opportunity isn’t when you’re unemployed—it’s while you still have a job.
If you truly enjoy your role, you’re probably already improving your skills and positioning yourself for future success—whether in this job or the next. You wouldn’t just be reacting to change; you’d be staying ahead of it.
Ask yourself:
- Would I actively choose this job again if I had other options?
- If I lost my job today, would I have the skills and confidence to land a similar or better role?
- Am I growing in my career, or just getting by?
If your answers are uncertain, now is the time to start preparing. Because when the moment comes, it’s far easier to pursue something you want to do rather than scrambling to do something you have to do.
Key Takeaways:
- The best time to prepare for job changes is while you’re still employed.
- Growth and skill-building should happen proactively, not in response to layoffs.
- If you wouldn’t actively choose your job again, it might be time to plan your next move.
Steps to Prep Before You Need to Prep
Step 1—Stay ahead before a layoff catches you off guard.
The first step is simple. This means understanding your role, the purpose of your job function, and how your contributions add value to the company. Whether you’re a fast food chef or a project manager, having clarity on your responsibilities helps you better articulate your experience to potential future employers.
For instance, if you’re a fast food chef, knowing the type of cuisine you specialize in, the tools you use, and the techniques you’ve mastered can make you more appealing to a high-end steakhouse looking for adaptable chefs.
If you’re a project manager, you should be aware of the industry you work in, the tools and methodologies you use, and the key successes of your projects. This knowledge not only helps you in your current role but also signals to future employers—perhaps a large enterprise—that you’re detail-oriented and adaptable.
Step 2—The Game Changer: Take Notes.
One of the smartest things you can do is keep track of your responsibilities, projects, and tools you use. I did this in my last job, documenting key projects and the software I worked with. When interview time came, I didn’t have to rely on memory alone—I had well-organized notes that helped me answer common industry questions with confidence.
Whether you prefer Google Docs, a journal, or another method, having an organized record of your experience will help you craft compelling answers in interviews.
At the end of the day, preparation beats regret. Will you prepare now, or wait until you have no choice?
Key Takeaways:
- Understand your role, skills, and value—this makes job transitions easier.
- Keep track of projects, responsibilities, and tools to showcase your experience.
- Be proactive—future opportunities favor those who are prepared.
Ready to Prep or Wait for Regret?
Whether you’re a project manager, a chef, or anything in between, preparation is key. You might be a top performer—or even a CEO—but remember: everyone is replaceable. The real question is, how hard are you to replace?
By following the two simple steps above and taking the time to answer that question for yourself, you’re already ahead of the game. You’ll not only have a better shot at landing your next job but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly why you’re pursuing it.
So, stay ready, stay sharp, and stay ahead—because the best time to prepare is always before you have to.
Main Takeaway:
- Job security is an illusion—only preparation ensures career stability. If you wouldn’t choose your job again today, start planning your next step. The best time to prepare for a career shift is before you’re forced into one.
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