Think Your Role Might Be at Risk? Here’s How to Be Prepared (Not Panicked)

Candidate Care, Career Advice, Career Change, Career Development, Career Transition, Coaching and mentoring, Executive Coaching, Freelancing, Future of Work, Job Search Essentials, Learning and Development, Networking, Recruitment One comment

Job security has taken centre stage in 2025.

New research from Robert Half shows that 68% of Australians are worried about potential redundancies at their workplace this year. More people now prioritise job security (39%) over pay (21%)—a telling shift in what truly matters when uncertainty sets in.

Let’s be honest: when redundancy feels like a possibility, it can be scary. It’s more than a job—it’s your sense of security, your rhythm, your identity. That “what if” can keep you up at night, and the lack of control can feel overwhelming.

But here’s something just as true:

You are not alone.
You are not powerless.
You are not defined by your job title.

At Career Money Life, we believe in helping people feel empowered, seen, and hopeful through career transitions. And sometimes the first step isn’t a job search—it’s a mindset shift. It’s about getting prepared in a way that feels authentic to you.

Here are seven ways to get started.

1. Read the Signs—But Don’t Spiral

There are always signs—some obvious, some subtle. Restructures. Silence from leadership. Projects paused or budgets frozen. You might sense something’s shifting, but try not to catastrophise.

This isn’t about bracing for disaster—it’s about taking the driver’s seat, calmly and consciously.

Other signs to look out for, broader industry changes, keep track of what’s happening in your sector.  Read your company’s financial reports if public, that will also tell you what’s on the horizon.

2. Update Your Toolkit

Your CV, LinkedIn, and portfolio (if relevant) are more than admin—they’re reflections of your growth. Keeping them up to date is a signal to yourself: I’m ready for what’s next.

Start with recent achievements. Focus on strengths. Let your story reflect who you are now.  Think about who can support you as a reference if needed.  Request a LinkedIn recommendation from them and check in to ensure they are up to date on your current role and skills and if they would be happy to act as a reference for you if needed.

3. Upskill with Intention

According to the Robert Half report, 49% of employees are already taking steps to build new skills. Whether it’s tech, leadership, or industry-specific learning—consider what would make you feel more confident, more capable, more in control.

Learning can be healing.

Understand what are the in demand skills for your role and sector.  To do this check out the World Economic Forum’s latest report on the Future of Work.   Check out the fastest growing and declining jobs in the chart below.

You may also want to have a look at the Australian Jobs Outlook data for more localised job information. 

When upskilling, there are a lot of free and low-cost courses you can access, from universities to free TAFE and online content, such as YouTube. Also, check out what’s available from your professional industry body if you are a member. 

Some good resources to check out:

Digital & Tech Skills

General Career & Professional Skills

Trade & Practical Skills

Health, Community & Aged Care

  • JobTrainer – Free Courses (Health Focus)
    Government initiative offering fee-free training in sectors with skills shortages, such as aged care, health, and disability support.
  • 🔗 Care Careers – Free Entry-Level Pathways
    Information and free resources to explore jobs and training in disability and community care sectors.

Bonus: Micro-Credentials & Certifications

  • 🔗 DeakinCo – Free Employability Courses
    Free micro-credentials that focus on in-demand soft skills like communication, teamwork, and innovation.
  • 🔗 EdX – Free University-Level Courses
    Harvard, MIT, and others offer free audit options (you only pay if you want a certificate).
  • 🔗 RMIT Future Skills – Short & Micro Courses
  • Some free or low-cost options in business, leadership, data, and tech skills.

If you are considering a career change to future proof your career, have a look at the ONET Data with the details of in-demand BrightSpot Careers.

4. Build Your Network Before You Need It

Start small. Send a message. Reconnect with an old colleague. Join a professional event.

You don’t need to have all the answers to start showing up. Networking isn’t about asking for a job—it’s about reminding people (and yourself) of what you bring to the table.

Use LinkedIn to build your connections, contribute to groups, find out about relevant industry events where you can build your contacts and learn about new job opportunities. 

When networking, always listen for clues as to how you can provide something back to the other person. It may not be work-related, it could be a restaurant recommendation, an introduction to someone, or advice on a parenting challenge.  Always think in terms of making your networking authentic and for mutual benefit.

5. Check In With Yourself (And Your Finances)

Anxiety thrives in the unknown. A little clarity can create a lot of calm.

Take stock of your current financial situation. Understand your entitlements. Even a basic plan helps you feel steadier and more empowered to make choices that serve you. WorkSafe has a great redundancy calculator tool you can use to figure out what your payout would be.  You can also access mortgage relief from your bank if you lose your job, so understand what support is there ahead of time, so you feel more in control. Money Smart also has some good resources to help you be prepared. 

If you have life insurance, check your policy for redundancy insurance. Some policies have an option for income protection. This can provide short-term financial assistance if you lose your job.Also check if you have income protection with your super fund. Some super funds also let you to access your super early if you’re experiencing severe financial hardship. See early access to your super on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

6. Explore What’s Next—Before You Have To

Ask yourself: What do I want more of in my next role? What am I ready to leave behind?
Flexibility? Purpose? Creative energy? Space to grow?

Even one hour of reflection can turn fear into possibility. You don’t need all the answers—just the space to ask better questions.

7. Know Your Worth, Always

Redundancy is a role decision—not a reflection of your value.
You still bring experience, wisdom, kindness, insight, and impact to every room you walk into. No decision made on an org chart can take that away. You matter.

This Is a Moment—Not a Definition

Career transitions can feel like the rug is being pulled out from under you. But they can also become powerful pivot points. Moments of growth. Reconnection. Clarity.

You deserve to feel supported through it all—not just with tools and checklists, but with a sense that you’re seen, your experience is valid, and your future is still bright.

Whether you’re navigating this change with help from your employer, or on your own—we hope this helps you breathe a little easier, and take your next step with confidence.

Also, if you are not offered career transition support from your employee, ask for it.

Career Money Life is here to support you and your unique needs.

Tell your employer you would like to access our Career Transition Services and have then contact us at:
contact@careermoneylife.com or 1 300 586080

In uncertain times, the best plan is to have one. And it can start right here.

Sandy Hutchison, CEO
Career Money Life

One comment

  1. Such a fantastic article with great advice on being proactive. Taking control of your finances and skills, as suggested here, is half the battle. The other half is knowing your rights—it’s absolutely crucial to understand what to do if you believe a potential redundancy isn’t genuine.

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