The real challenge today is no longer just to keep a job or survive another quarter, but to build a career that won't collapse even in the face of change. This requires professional resilience: the ability to adapt to change, take initiative and remain composed, even when the foundation under your feet is shaken.

One of the executives I worked with, let's call her Marisol, had been building trust, driving results and delivering strong results for years, but her position was abruptly eliminated during a corporate restructuring. There was no discussion and no transition plan. Just a few polite words of reassurance, a severance pay, and a carefully worded email brought it all to an end.

But instead of being paralyzed by uncertainty, Marisol took control of the situation. She reached out to trusted mentors, leveraged her network, and partnered with an executive coach, while also giving herself the first breathing space in years. Then, with a clearer picture of her next steps, she repositioned herself to the broader HR field, which recognises the skills she has honed over the years.

Her experience is not unique. Today, layoffs, stagnant wages, AI-driven automation, changing labor laws, and evolving workplace expectations are making job security a flash in the pan. Even the most dedicated professionals are not immune to workplace turmoil, especially for fixed-salary employees.

The real challenge today is no longer just to keep a job or survive another quarter, but to build a career that won't collapse even in the face of change. This requires professional resilience: the ability to adapt to change, take initiative and remain composure, even when the foundations under your feet are shaken, as Marisol did.

Four ways to build professional resilience

Resilience isn't about sticking to a job out of fear, it's about learning to adapt to changing circumstances.

I grew up in the Dominican Republic, and I was taught by my grandparents to plan ahead. My family would stock up on food and emergency supplies, not out of paranoia, but out of a deep understanding that nothing is taken for granted.

The same is true at work, where uncertainty requires self-awareness and preparedness. This means cultivating a growth mindset and being ready to start over, even if your options may seem limited. Here are four strategies that may help:

1. Be clear about your bottom line

Long-term career development isn't just about keeping a job, it's about knowing what is most important to you in the many roles you may be having. Being clear about your pre-requisites, values, and risk tolerance can help you make tough decisions when circumstances change quickly.

Ask yourself:

● Will I be able to cope with the uncertainty in stride, or will I panic because of it? If stability is important to you, focus on developing skills that will allow you to adapt to change and remain competitive in the workplace, no matter how the industry changes.

● Would I accept a pay cut for a more meaningful job? If a sense of purpose is your driving force, consider jobs that align with your values, interests, or produce your desired impact, even if it means temporary financial sacrifices.

● Am I willing to go back to working in the office five days a week? If flexibility is a priority for you, start building skills, networking, and opening the door to remote or hybrid work opportunities for yourself.

● Will I accept a job that is contrary to my values? If ethical consistency is important to you in your career choice, look for jobs and organizations whose missions and practices you can identify with.

● I know that the team members left behind after the layoff will be overburdened, will I still agree to the layoff? If leading your work in a fair and dignified way is what matters most to you, think about where your bottom line lies. Will you aim for a phased approach? Or will you get more support for your team? Or will it be an opportunity for you to leave?

Your answer is not just theoretical. They help you set the boundaries of your career. Know your boundaries now so that you can make tough decisions later before the urgency forces you to act.

2. Develop adaptability and flexibility

Resilience is like a muscle, and you can work it by strengthening your emotional intelligence, expanding your skill base, and being ready to make changes if necessary. To increase adaptability and flexibility in your current job:

Understand your role in the big picture. Focus on how your work relates to broader business functions and goals. Actively collaborate across teams to solve recurring pain points and take on projects that expand your expertise and help you learn new skills. Opportunity often stems from stepping out of your immediate area of responsibility.

Stay calm under pressure. In a high-risk, uncertain environment, clear thinking and the ability to self-regulate are essential. Identify your own stress triggers and manage your energy before they get out of hand. Establish daily habits that will help you recover, such as mindfulness exercises, breathing exercises, self-reflection, or talking to a mentor or colleague.

Bet on your high-value skills. AI is currently not a substitute for leadership, creativity, or emotional intelligence. Take on challenging projects and seize management opportunities to improve your problem-solving, situation-seeking, and adaptable to change on the fly. Identify your high-value skills by observing what problems people always turn to you for, which problems you can easily solve, and where your unique insights have the greatest impact. The more powerful these skills are, the more career options you create.

Integrate learning into your work, not just as a backup plan. Deloitte's Year 87 Workplace Skills Survey found that 0% of professionals believe that adaptability and leadership are key to career development. This further demonstrates that continuous learning, whether it's about artificial intelligence, industry trends, or new workplace technologies, is critical to long-term success. Think of every setback as an opportunity to learn: what works, what doesn't, and how to improve. Incorporate learning into your workflow by setting aside time to upskill, seek feedback regularly, and be curious about new tools and industry changes. Over time, these small but sustained efforts can lead to significant results.

3. Deepen interpersonal relationships

Your occupational safety net is more than just your resume, and those who are willing to vouch for you, provide support and insight, and open doors of opportunity for you when you least expect it, will further solidify it.

Build relationships that go beyond your current job and your company. Purposefully network and connect with people who can expand your mind and support your growth. Join an industry group, advisory or junior board, alumni circle, or identity-based community. Participate in digital spaces like Slack communities, Discord groups, or industry forums, and attend in-person events where possible. Participating in discussions, sharing insights, or just "showing up" can lead to new connections, opportunities, collaborations, and career insights that you can't get anywhere else.

Develop deep connections, not just LinkedIn connections. Go beyond transactional interactions by investing in building friendships, reaching out to colleagues when they need support, volunteering in the community, mentoring others, and engaging in a vibrant creative community. Helping others creates kindness, deepens trust, and feels great.

Care about your best friends in the workplace. They may be the most valuable asset of your career. A KPMG "Best Friends at Work" study found that having a good friend in the workplace makes people happier and more satisfied at work.

4. Plan your next best option

If you lose your job tomorrow, what is your plan?

Maybe your next best option isn't what you originally envisioned. A position that you once overlooked may now match your skills and interests. A temporary shift may open the door to unexpected opportunities.

Set a career rhythm that reviews regularly. You don't have to rethink your career every day, but waiting until a crisis forces you to act is not a good idea. Opposite:

● Quarterly: Conduct a self-assessment. Are you growing? Are your skills still applicable? Does work give you energy or exhaustion?

● Annually: Reevaluate your career path. Are you moving in the direction you want to be? What risks or opportunities do you need to be prepared for?

Being proactive doesn't mean constantly looking for a job, it's about keeping your head up and preparing until you need to.

Build a personal image. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting out in your career, your reputation is an asset. Stay active on LinkedIn, Polywork, Lunchclub, or industry-specific platforms. Participate in professional group discussions and share your expertise. When people understand your strengths and where you stand, the right opportunities will naturally come your way.

Let trusted people know that you're open to new opportunities. Your next job may come from a conversation, not a job posting. Build relationships that will keep you in the sight of others before you need to change.

Don't stick to job titles. Pay attention to what energizes you, what tasks make you feel sustainable rather than exhausting, and where your skills create value. Consider jobs that provide financial stability or room for growth. Explore adjacent industries, or think of new ways to use your strengths and interests.

Keep relevant materials ready at all times. Organize your resume, work samples, and important contact information in one easy-to-find place. Save letters of recommendation, outstanding project outcomes, and any media coverage or accolades to prepare for opportunities or unexpected changes. In the future, you will thank yourself now.

For a rainy day. Exploring options early means less stress and more control over making changes.

Realign expectations. A change in plan is not a failure, but a sign of flexibility. Your next move may not be what you expected, but it may take you further.

Resilience is no longer tied to a company, a position, or a salary, it's built on your ability to both be grounded today and navigate future changes.

We must be strategic and conscious of ourselves and others. Trust yourself to be able to cope with uncertainty and not get bogged down or be exhausted by trying to escape.

Keywords: workplace

Daisy Auger-Domínguez | wen

Daisy O'Her-Dominguez is a business executive. She has decades of experience at the intersection of business, culture, and purpose, having held leadership roles at Moody's Investors Service, Google, Disney, and others, advising executives and boards of directors on building high-trust, high-performing, and healthy teams. As a speaker and strategist, she helps leaders navigate complex situations so that they can present themselves confidently, clearly, and impactfully.

Bean Bag | Translated by Zhou Qiang | Redaction

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