WTF is Career Cushioning And Why Are Employers Worried?

[@Fawn0001]

People are tired of being mistreated by employers and recruiters. Now that we have sites like Glassdoor and Indeed, employees can rate their employers anonymously. This way we can scrutinize them instead of them always scrutinizing us! This gives us much more power and I am here for it.

[@noelly89]

Not all recruiters are trying to limit or reduce salaries. If the company cares about retention and employee relations, they will ensure employees are more than fairly compensated.

[@rejectionistmanifesto8836]

Governments/Companies/Organizations want good slaves who are married/have kids. After about 20 years working, I'll tell young people you should not have any loyalty to any organization, they will turn on you in a second when its convenient and fire/replace you. Also to ensure no slavery, young people do NOT get married and do NOT get a girl pregnant, make sure she takes the birth control pill daily in front of you and both wear protection. You will just condemn your new child to increasing poverty and freedomless slavery and these control/money/job trends worsen. Promote this idea in videos and social media to help prevent more young people into this new slavery.

[@ericafarley2850]

I agree. People are sick of the establishment and are sick of employers having the upper hand.

[@BanellaRg]

@@TaxingIsThieving rate my professor is out there

[@MJ-qb5ph]

@@noelly89I don’t know if any like that

[@miketacos9034]

"Quiet qutting" means not doing extra tasks that are outside your job description. It's not quitting. It's not getting exploited.

[@sammencia7945]

It is called being lazy. More opportunities for me.

[@Diggler569]

@@sammencia7945 So it's lazy to do do your job and stick to scope? You're probably one of those that says yes to everything and does a half assed job or don't complete anything.

[@linuxstuff73]

Sam Mencia probably works in HR.

[@tylerm2676]

It's a sure way to not excelling in your field of profession... I would heavily advise against doing that

[@cosmicusstardust3300]

@@sammencia7945 ok boomer

[@jermainemyrn19]

You should always be looking on indeed daily. You have to remember, there is no company loyalty from companies anymore. You also have to remember that in the U.S. you can be fired for anything and you generally have no rights in the workplace. Companies will literally take advantage of you simply because they know you have kids and a wife. Always have a plan b.

[@jessitabonita]

Agreed!

[@aaronaustrie]

Truth

[@FallingAsh]

This is so true. The company will not love you back.

[@amysheffield9583]

This is so true!

[@josephcarriveau9691]

No better recipe for burnout than this. You're going to burnout in a way that won't be easy to recover from because when it happens, dropping the burnout behavior is going to exasperate the distress and not relieve it.

[@johnthompson7548]

I thought of this. Employers always ask "are you good enough for me" or "are you good enough for my company" they never ask "am I worthy of a good employee"

[@fairpoet81]

Love it! 👏

[@shuki1]

I've also thought of that but once in a while, because someone in management or HR at my company does say something like that, and in general it is a good place to work. But at the end of the day, the goal of a company is to make money for the owners/shareholders, and employees are selling their time and therefore if they feel entitled, they be ready to bolt when that company is not 'worthy enough' for them.

[@curiouspenguin6887]

Once had a manager who commented that I'd moved around job wise. I checked her LinkedIn and her hypocrisy was apparent. Do what is right for you and don't worry about what some little manager might think. They are a dime a dozen.

[@linuxstuff73]

No surprise. Most of them are the biggest hypocrites and liars. It's okay for them to lie, but not for you to, even though your survival may be more dependent on having to. Don't believe a word these fake virtue signallers say. As soon as you do, you'll get taken off guard since the never stop scheming and deceiving the job market.

[@tarazieminek1947]

She commented because she knows from personal experience that you'll leave when a better offer drops. 😂

[@sawyer4981]

Career cushioning to me is working two jobs at once. I've been burned too many times to not have a backup.

[@jermainemyrn19]

Having 2 jobs can cause burnout, but at least you aren't 100 under the whim of an employer

[@Websitedr]

I would say one thing I neglected was not doing an interview in like 5-6 years. I think everyone should at least be interviewing more frequently even if you don't take the job just to be in practice for them. For sure always keep your resume updated out there. I've got mine in Google drive so I always have access to it and can email the latest quickly.

[@niftydom]

Keep doing interviews is something that I fully agree with. And to be familiar with behavioral style interview as well, because you can learn about a company by asking them the same questions.

[@NotAFanMan88]

This is something I need to consider, keep interviewing and getting offers despite not necessarily taking those offers to know what I'm worth.

[@chrisbutler2124]

From a hiring manager’s perspective, this is pretty selfish unless you have an open mind about the places you’re interviewing. If you have no intention of taking the offer if you get it, you literally waste the time of others who, if they decide to offer you a job, are probably quite invested in the process. I do interview elsewhere from time to time, and it’s always a company I think I’d be interested in working for; I use the interview in both directions - them interviewing me, and me interviewing them.

[@chrisbutler2124]

@@TaxingIsThieving except we might have 30 applicants for 1 position vs 1 person 30 positions in the example that started, so what choice do we have? I can’t give a position to everyone who applies. And typically if I know you don’t have the right background, we will sus that out before wasting someone’s time. We do not have to have 3 interviews (or some similar policy) even if we already know who we’re going to hire

[@MasterTSayge]

I worked for a company for 12 years and my co-workers were like 2nd family. I attended every social functions and events. 2020 70% were laid-off from my work, fortunately I kept my job. But I wasn't safe only because I had to take on the burden of 4 other people jobs without a pay raise. 2 years later, I got fired because I couldn't keep up. Not only I was unceremoniously fired, but NOT ONE co-worker asked about me nor called me to see how I'm doing. I spent most of my time at work just to be forgotten in minutes. I see why Quietquitting is trending! I support it!

[@kchall5]

The company is not your friend, HR is not your ally, and your co-workers are not your family. Don't make that mistake a 2nd time.

[@seanhouston1532]

@@kchall5 took me WAY too long to figure that out.

[@jaddek.astrie3071]

❤❤❤❤❤100

[@niftydom]

Always put yourself first and your employer second. Keep upgrading your skills, networking, send resumes. Put yourself in a position of choosing your job and not the job choosing you.

[@you-know-who9023]

And start to respect yourself.😊

[@shootingbricks8554]

My team had 3 people quit with about a month. We've all been burnt out. Management doesn't really listen and they got 'nice' when people quit.

[@jaddek.astrie3071]

😂😂😂😂those companies do not deserve much loyalty.

[@tranger4579]

Managing and staying out of debt is key. I don't know why many people do not look into the fact that debt puts you in a bad position leaving you job dependant.

[@you-know-who9023]

Exactly debt is shackles and we have every right to concentrate on getting it to a level where it has no control. It really is as simple as preferring freedom or bondage.

[@rcooper9110]

Always do what’s best for you and your family. The company will always do this so don’t worry.

[@you-know-who9023]

Very true ! If the employer is good and competent than there is no problem, but if not then employee has no obligation to take on this problem. Employment is a relationship and employers who do not realise this are not worth staying with any longer than necessary. It is important that people in an abusive relationship do not give in to fear of leaving it. Even if the next relationship, or job turns out to be also abusive, the next one will probably not be because you will know how how to spot the warning signs and leaving will not be as anxious.

[@freezinghold5412]

This is why employers are urging the push to get back in office. We all have friends that are back in-office, but rarely do you ever meet someone that's back full time. I slowly realized how easier you get personal attachments to the job and it's easier for management to control employees while in-office. My advice is to go in- just to show-up, but in the back of your head, always remind yourself that you need to fight for yourself too. Otherwise, corporations will pave your pavement and will likely keep you for stagnating wages and more responsibilities overtime.

[@sneakyquick]

You should always be looking for a better position. Your company is always looking for new employees.

[@pacifico4999]

It's funny how these trends are just putting a name on stuff people have been doing for years.

[@pacifico4999]

You point it out at 9:00, that's what I get for commenting before I finish the video 😂

[@shuki1]

LOL, I just commented the same think on another message while in the middle of the clip.

[@linuxstuff73]

They do this to manipulate the employee market to their favor. They invent new buzz words to associate negativity to anything and anyone that does anything that doesn't work in their favor. On the flip side of that they invent new buzzwords to associate false positivity to anything that works in their favor. It's all manipulation and essentially trying to brainwash the applicant job market. The more we all play along, the more we are aiding in our own demise.

[@blktauna]

These businesses are trying to reassert their power. They don't like the labour force demanding anything. Until we readjust the thinking about constant huge growth is the main goal of all business, we are going to be having issues.

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Hence why I see through Jerome Powell's charade.

[@coltondodger]

Smaller companies can have more aggressive goals, but size growth slows with size.

[@linuxstuff73]

Exactly. They're always trying to manipulate the job market to work in their favor to the highest extent possible.

[@adammcallister9675]

People need to be aware of the fact that biz doesn’t actually have much power to reassert unless we grant it to them by complying.

[@coolcutsgal2]

Im actually in the process of doing this very thing! Last spring I began "quiet quiting" after the company I was with decided to firing from the top down. It was frightening. There were so many of us that were so happy with our company and then I noticed a different culture that I was not liking. Then the company started rehiring (should I say "Trying to") rehire people who were dismissed and they were not doing such a great job and so it really was teetering on bankruptcy. As for me, i got a wonderful job. I've been there 4 months and I am actually applying for other positions i keep getting interviews but im going with the biggest offer.

[@GenuineNPC]

Lmao you were a Twitter employee, eh?

[@earthwormscrawl]

Never let yourself get caught without 12 months of living expenses in the bank.

[@AK-47ISTHEWAY]

Only 12 months? I have about 3 years worth of living expenses in the bank.

[@willj1598]

Sounds smart but a huge piece of the workforce doesn't have the last twelve months of living expenses covered. Some of this is lifestyle choice but it is also a product of the current economy, which isn't getting better anytime soon.

[@connortobin3775]

Glad to know I have to have 24x the saving required of a major company like United Airlines.

[@sawyer4981]

Not really feasible for most. Over half of Americans would be ruined by a $1,000 emergency.

[@davidmcgahee1976]

@@Yoshilovesluigi256I would

[@miamiflorida6965]

I have a corporate job (5+ years). My plan b is - I went out and bought a good car, and I have downloaded gig apps, where I can make $100-$200 a day, till I find the right job in case there is a lay-off. Plan c has been in the works for over a year, which is my start-up ecommerce business which is currently making over 2k a month in profit. Once I start making 5k -7k, I will quit the 9-5 🤩

[@you-know-who9023]

Another advantage would be if you could find ways, while you are with the corporation, to reduce your living costs and "squirrelling away the surplus. That way you can create a cushion and can launch yourself without being too worried if a good gig with potential is not initially bringing in much money. Best of luck to you and I am sure with a good exit strategy you will be successful.😊

[@hangarby10]

I did that too (gig job in my spare time). Saved half of every check and placed it into several REIT investments; now earning passive income without working a side gig and exercising, sleeping more, etc. living more healthy and less stress.

[@mars2459]

Having an emergency fund gives you peace of mind.

[@garethbaus5471]

This is something I have casually done since February of 21, I went from having a job that I liked, to being unemployed literally overnight with no warning. After that I am pretty much always at least checking for jobs I might want as an alternate.

[@plutotoad203]

Quiet Quitting isn't actually quitting, it's just not doing as much so you don't get burned out. For instance I've been quiet quitting for awhile at my job because they worked me every day for awhile. They didn't want to hire people so we only had three people and I got burned out/sick. So I just started finding ways to make my job easier by stepping away lol

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

I did this after I quiet quit and then really quit the last career job I had. Even though I have a great job now, I continually check the job boards, surf Linkedin, talk to people everywhere I go (my job involves a lot of travel) watch videos on job trends and interview techniques and updates in the industry that I am in, plus working on my particular skills. For many years I skated successfully and when the career job became one of those corporate mills of profits over people, I realized that the 'easy' way had actually stuck me in a rut that would affect my future earnings, knowledge and means of going forward in a world that technology passes you if you blink.

[@deejaemma9021]

Brilliant, I do this too.

[@ericafarley2850]

I think having a side business so that you can weather the storms easier is most wise.

[@father5946]

This is why I job hop every chance a better opportunity offers itself to me.

[@Fullrusher]

I gotta start doing this more but I always feel so loyal to jobs after I get to know my coworkers lol

[@father5946]

@@Fullrusher yes you do. Don't get a false sense of security. Very rarely do I ever get coworkers that I'm really cool with. But we don't go to work to make friends now do we? Also, I'm not saying don't make job connections.

[@Fullrusher]

@@father5946 I get yah , it's good advice Ive been catching on to little by little over the years

[@KayFabe87]

Job hopping is really only feasible if you work lower paid, menial jobs that pay by the hour where anyone can do the work. In a higher skilled, corporate career path the job hopping on your resume is a red flag.

[@linuxstuff73]

@@Fullrusher That's an admirable trait, but they'll just use it against you. Also I wouldn't trust any coworker. You never know who the backstabbers are, and companies are full of more and more of them the higher up you get. Got to be selective with virtuous qualities and apply them to people you know you can trust. Don't waste it on sharks. It will end up in you becoming distrustful of people in general the more you get taken advantage of. You want to stay gold for the people that deserve your loyalty, i.e., the people who really care about you instead of the ones who pretend to in order to use and exploit you.

[@Semiam1]

This is good advice. You are never appreciated if you give off vibes that you can be taken for granted

[@eezyville1704]

This is the war on employees. What else will they come up with to shame employees?

[@linuxstuff73]

You are understanding what is really going on my friend. All I can say, is try to do your best to not let them have the last laugh. I've actually seen executives laugh about laying off tons of people and it was absolutely disgusting to witness. They actually derive pleasure in knowing they've ruined a lot of people's lives. This is what we're really dealing with. The big dilemma is as you rise in rank, the more you will become like them or they will band against you and plot your fall. Best fix for that is trying to avoid a situation where them giving you the axe at any time won't put you in a pickle

[@American_Grrl]

Truth

[@RandomFandomDragon]

To be fair, none of these were new concepts. I think quiet quitting continues because employers are "right-sizing" (hate this term), just expecting those who remain to be grateful and accept more and more work for no additional pay. Same as where we were pre-pandemic.

[@jeffsadowski7759]

Employers haven't figured out for a relationship to last it has to be working well for both sides. This dynamic doesn't have anything to do with the role. It's just how good relationships work. Imagine if we just were both fair? Everything would probably work then. That would be too easy, right?

[@shuki1]

Quiet quitting, or rather doing the minimum needed, has always been around, and we've all had colleagues like that or had to deal with people at other companies like that.

[@linuxstuff73]

@@jeffsadowski7759 They don't care about that. To them employees are a temporary "human resource" (in their own words) to exploit as much as they can pull off. The way they see it, is they'll just work you to burnout until you quit in order to avoid having to do a inevitable layoff where you may qualify for unemployment. I say inevitable layoff, because upper management will make terrible and irresponsible financial decisions for the company while fleecing as much as they can out of the company in the process for their own lavish and indulgent lifestyles. They'll do this as far as they can pull the wool over the eyes of their investors. These are the sad facts. Better to know the truth though, so one is less likely to fall prey to all of their dirty tricks.

[@linuxstuff73]

@@shuki1 That always seemed like the 90% of the employees in any company to me in my 30+ years of working. Those the astute ones. This whole "quiet quitting" buzzword going around is to manipulate the workforce to their favor and the media, as usual, is being an accomplice. Really every employee should be doing whatever they can to make it to where they can take or leave a job (as much as possible). All jobs are really temporary jobs anymore. But don't let them know you're not desperate for the job, they'll not hire you if applying, or work on "quiet firing" you behind your back if you're working for them, as soon as they get an idea that they need you more than you need them. Stuff like "career cushioning" (all these stupid buzzwords being propagated) is something you want to keep under your hat. As soon as they step over the line, quit. Then cushion the next job and so on. Also try make your next job an upward movement where possible.

[@0hffs]

How about us asking the tougher questions like why is it ever okay for companies to take advantage of messing around with employees hours? How about wage theft? Why is it always “blame the employees rather my business model” with these companies?

[@connortobin3775]

Because we already asked those questions and have the answers. The companies have the money to lobby congress while we the people don't. The media that points the fingers are controlled by 4-6 parent companies (Warner Brothers merger left me unsure of the final number since thsyre in antitrust limbo) and all of them are rich af and have a vested interest in maintaining the conditions that keep them that way. We asked those questions, we got those answers. The problem is that they all suck. Unionize and ask your local politicians to strengthen antitrust laws for a start.

[@user-gb5ff7gj1m]

He even said that quiet quitting rightfully has a bad reputation… another corporate cringe

[@MannyLoxx2010]

Great educational videos on how the corporate world, HR and the working world truly, really work and are!

[@djja8844]

I saw an especially tone-deaf article for managers on preventing burnout and quiet quitting that completely ignored several obvious elephants in the room. So, I made a list of tips managers might come up with to prevent burnout: 1. Make sure employees feel replaceable at any moment. On this concept hangs all the rules and the tips. 2. If they are not there, you could be training their replacement while they sleep. (See #1) 3. Ask for more for less. Employees are company property, and don't let them forget it. 4. Your business model is literally "constant improvement" as in nothing is ever good enough. If it was, employees might start asking for compensation for meeting goals or feeling pride in their work. 5. Talk about opportunities to move up, but don't let them see it actually happen. Hire new management from outside the company (that haven't done the job) rather than promoting from within. You don't want them getting ideas about doing your job (manager) better. 6. Cross Training is important because it makes it easier for management to just place people in positions without really planning a shift or worrying about who is good at what. The employee is an interchangeable cog (See #1). However, do not let employees choose to fill the positions that they enjoy or feel they are good at doing. They may start to feel that they are running the store/shop/business. 7. Do not encourage employees (period) to feel like a part of a team because they may feel indispensable and expect commiserate compensation. (See #1). 8. Employees are to literally be labeled as Associates, as in casual acquaintances used temporarily by the company as needed (See #7 and #3). 9. Do not compliment employees or even acknowledge that they are doing a good job, as they may feel valued or that you actually need them (See #1). 10. Production goals with rewards are ok because they motivate workers to work harder but make sure those goals need to be met in order for the job to pay enough to get by. Most importantly, make sure those goals are set higher every time they are met (see #4). If the horse caught up to the carrot, the race would be over. Secret 11th commandment: Ask employees when and where they prefer to work, then schedule them contrary to their preferences. Employees should work to live, not vice versa, and they are not the boss of you!

[@sushiinparis9906]

😆😆😆

[@dipperq]

Good tips. it really works. i can atest to that

[@Domain_Man1]

No point in expending extra effort (the UK workforce is wise to this game) - refusal is not about being a team player, it's about not burning out - you won't receive any extra money, promotion or thanks, we are paid for 40 hrs or whatever. People used to start early/stay late etc - it used to work back in the 80s/90s, but Managers don't notice it anymore or more likely don't care, as the UK is about doing the contracted hours and having a life - we work 'at' and not 'for' companies, for we know they can drop us quickly and that's what you're dealing with. Promotion within a company is so rare in the UK, salary reviews are promised, but never delivered on and companies are so unreliable it's a joke, only the customer matters for them.

[@milletmongoose]

Nice breakdown of the order of events. I dig this kind of context.

[@milletmongoose]

I agree that Career Cushioning is just another buzz phrase for something people are already doing. It's far easier to look for a job while you have a job. And that ease will help you succeed in the process.

[@thomaskatt4450]

Career Cushioning = another word for actively managing your career

[@tkidd250]

Congratulations on the growth of this channel very cool to see

[@lynne4865]

Great video. I needed this tip because I’m too comfortable in my job and I’m surprised that it’s still there due to the pandemic. I’m still at university but I’m graduating next year. Instead of waiting for something to happen, it’s better to be prepared and clear about your future goals instead of rushing and panicking.

[@mikapeltokorpi7671]

If my salary is 10% less worth today, how they expect me to work 20% more for the same pay? Of course I am cushioning. One not mentioned here is to educate myself.

[@pagecurie5512]

I am loving this channel. I spent my whole day binging on his videos. Sir, you are God sent. Keep creating detailed contents in employment related areas we experience but don't openly discuss or question because we think it's just us feeling or seeing certain things. ❤

[@thegreatclarifying6339]

"Career cushioning" ie, keep your options open, I'd have thought was a given. Don't recall it being a lesson to learn, just the state of things in a capitalist economy. I'd already worked through 4 recessions, including 2 "RIF"s (reduction in force, ie layoffs) before the COVID lockdowns. None of these concepts are actually new, quiet quitting (ie slowing your work down) or quiet firing (ie company not giving you the work) have occurred for years under different names. Biggest difference now is visibility, all these personal videos and social media statements about it. Does anyone expect to stay in the same company for their life? Then you should always be: keeping your skills current, networking keeping an eye on the job market/economy seeking to reinvent yourself as needed becoming adaptable and resilient

[@amanacatandhisdog8836]

Would you consider advice to the employee that is in the last ten to 15 years of their career. What you should be considering at age 55 to 60 etc.

[@shellyt9620]

Oh yes, the forgotten ones. Those who are dedicated, knowledgeable and higher in salary due to tenure are tossed aside like trash. There is little content out there on this age group. Ageism is confirmed on these types of channels, with no solutions. I would be interested in his commentary as well.

[@amanacatandhisdog8836]

@ghost mall I believe she was talking about hiring managers not wanting to hire older people.

[@KevinCook-tr9yq]

Check out over50tv on KZbin.

[@linuxstuff73]

@@shellyt9620 totally right, and worst of it is that it is staged by those who virtue signal the loudest about discrimination. It's usually the ones pointing the fingers the most who are the ones most guilty. They never mention those of us who have always truly been against discrimination and prejudice, period. It's all so convenient. It's like how they have all this documentation about how they're about "equal opportunity", but yet want to know as much about your age, race, religion, political views, sexual orientation, and so on, as they legally can get away with. And whatever they can't legally ask, they'll fish for in round about ways that they can disavow.

[@billybeemus3929]

Re: companies reducing headcount while at the same time being concerned about hiring talented new workers. Don't ever under-estimate the arrogance of many so-call corporate "leaders". While they consider themselves the most gifted visionaries in the history of mankind, they just see those below them as a number on a spreadsheet. The most loyal and accomplished professional in the company can be replaced by any of the dozens of people standing in line, begging to come work for them. Better yet, there are 3 people offshore that will each do more than that [usually] old guy that is just costing the company money.

[@linuxstuff73]

You must have some considerable work experience, because you're right on the mark there. This is the truth that none of know until we've been in the workforce long enough to learn from the school of hard knocks.

[@you-know-who9023]

Very true ! However now that interes rates are going up we will see many of these " kings of business" discovering that every aspect of an enterprise requires expertise and one of the most critical areas is the necessity of being good at being an employer. Good employees come at a premium in the same way as good customers also require a premium. The era of cheap credit , cheap labour and unquestioning customers is over. Enterprises and employers who have been working with this kind of business model are "swimming naked" and if we have only one towel we need that for ourselves.😊

[@vl4n7684zt]

Been out of the job search arena for over 8 years until recently laid-off. With ATS, AI, LinkedIn, ghosting, scammers, descriptions that don't match the actual jobs, 'spray and pray' recruiters and employers, etc. I would characterize a job search today as 'efficiently dysfunctional'. So little has to do with your actual ability to get stuff done for a company. Sticking to just networking for now.

[@thatxdamnxgirl7416]

I have been doing this all year and had no idea it was a thing! It saved my ass too because I was caught in surprise company layoffs in November

[@earthsteward9]

I agree. A year ago I thought I would be the last employee to get laid off at my company because I was the most versatile one there and knew so much. When managers had a technical question they would go to me. Now I think I'm in the next batch of employees to get let go because I make about 50% more than their new hires who technically have the same position as me. Many of the managers that use to come to me with questions, are now gone and replaced with younger people. I have some job interviews coming up plus I'm working on making extra money in a side hustle, maybe with Fiverr

[@jessitabonita]

You're doing the right thing! Keep up the great work at your current employer, while also not getting too comfortable and preparing exit strategies if the worst were to happen. Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.

[@lougarou8431]

I've personally made it obvious to management that I am always looking for advancement and will leave for greener pastures if they don't offer it. So far I have been successful in obtaining higher management positions with the salary reflecting it. One thing i want to stress here is that I have made myself the office "go to" employee for practically all of our department's "how to" tasks/business plan. That being said, I still send out feelers every six to eight months to other potential employers.

[@paulhornbogen980]

Bryn: Briefly, your analysis is so on spot at this time sir. As you say on your channel, you have to act like a free agent. I am at this time sir. Networking, customized resume, going actively going after the key people etc. As you say sir, you may have a confirmation letter and be a butt in the seat, but still let go. Keep it up sir.

[@justrusty]

I'm retired but I love watching to see if I did things right. One thing that happened is that headhunters contacted me a LOT about jobs I really wasn't well-suited for, and were in geographical areas I stated I didn't want to go to. In one case I said I was moving to a particular area and wanted a job in that area. I got HHs calling me about "opportunities" that were "exciting" and the best part is I wouldn't have to move. Um, they didn't get it. I WAS moving. Telling me I wouldn't have to move was the opposite of what would interest me. (Obviously, I was moving for non work-related reasons.) Have you done a video on these sorts of recruiters? I don't suppose there's really any need to have any special response. I just started to ignore them.

[@nokoolaid]

I get those calls too, but it's incompetence. They don't know phoenix from Philadelphia.

[@linuxstuff73]

They do this to hedge their bets. All they care about is that someone from them gets the position so they can get compensated, and they really care if they're qualified or not nor who you are. As long as the company goes through them for any candidate for the position, they're happy. Don't believe a word these vultures tell you.

[@nokoolaid]

@@linuxstuff73 It's throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks. They might as well sell used cars. A better approach is targeted, but we're talking about incompetent recruiters.

[@TheMazinoz]

God yes. I get really annoyed when sent emails for jobs that are NOTHING like I specified and jobs with zero details. Waste of f..g time

[@TheMazinoz]

​@@nokoolaid Or di..D's or a bot

[@philmarsh7723]

Effected "Cushioning" must include self-improvement, i.e. improving one's performance, professional reputation, and job expertise. That's incompatible with "quiet quitting".

[@venera5675]

That what I actually thought of the term. For me cushioning was to get new skills to put on my resume.

[@gregorymoats4007]

LinkedIn is passé for so many good reasons. But I can understand why you as a recruiter want more folks to update or sign on for your fishing trips…

[@Ponce417]

how is quiet quitting (doing the job you're hired to do and paid to do) and cushioning (keeping your options open due to zero loyalty from companies) new? this is non-sense.

[@noseboop4354]

It's new for managers who had their head stuck in the sand until the pandemic hit.

[@ricardojmestre]

Always providing top quality. Thank you so much :)

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

My pleasure!

[@evilzzzability]

I don't care what the bureau of labor says, the job market has completely turns since the summer and every fortune 500 company is now making layoffs.

[@glensmith491]

From 1988 to 2007, my first day at any employer including updating my resume. In 6 months, I'd be casually looking and in about 1 year, I'd start actively looking. This had nothing to do with the environment or what I thought about management. I'd also always make sure I always had at least one week of PTO at all times (most companies I worked for either had an accrual PTO or a PTO buy back program).

[@AccessAccess]

I agree that many have been doing this all along. The only reason I stopped was because I am nearing retirement and there is no "next job" it's just a matter of when I leave my current one.

[@you-know-who9023]

Please do not entertain this belief. When we are young we believe we do not have enough experience, when we do have experience we start believing we are to old. If you can justify what you put up with in our job because what we are paid then give energy to that fact. But if the employment is too abusive give energy to an exit strategy Just as with a relationship there is always another relationship or satisfaction in enjoying the freedom of being single with or without dating. The relationship should change in one form or another. Best .....of luck

[@noik_11]

Great video. Especially your last tip. I’m looking to change industries and putting together a game plan to accomplish that. I’m also constantly tweaking my resume 😂

[@badbrain7163]

Agree 💯 Just got laid off Have cushion network I’m utilizing now Wish me luck

[@Eagleheart73]

My family, friends, and I never noticed the employee friendly job market... We have lost, changed jobs, or been looking for something better, and the market does not feel the same as when we entered, which felt more employee friendly then! Resumes now are almost never acknowledged as received or rejected, hiring managers have been hostile to asking job related questions or deceptive, and work environments continue to be full or harassment but not enough of course where a union is able to get involved, or if they do they seem to side with the employer. When my Dad joined the state, he was allowed to join the union immediately. When I joined, I had a year probation before I could join the union, which was extended 6 months, then I was let go the very day before I became union eligible. We feel used, unimportant, unappreciated, thrown away. My husband's coworker was let go unceremoniously after 30 years commitment to the company. Further insult to injury was being told it's an employee friendly market, for however short a time, but we didn't even notice... We're employers that ineffective reaching out? Did we miss it? Anyway... Surviving.

[@Jupiterxice]

I call it having a plan to think of yourself as a business. You must think about your first.

[@dave-mf5tv]

spot on the last week of my work life.

[@ryandesantis9134]

Bryan's next course > The Ultimate Career Cushioning Bootcamp Module 1 has a video with of Bryan explaining how to duct tape cushions onto yourself if you get put on PIP. 😅

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

I like it!

[@LetsGoChaseThatTrain]

I was doing that back in the '80s and '90s.

[@metri0n]

OMG!! I just updated my resume THIS MORNING AT WORK and this is the video you post today. I feel like you've been on this ride with the new employer I was recently hired by man. Started watching your videos while I was job hunting and just got a job a month ago but was thinking similarly and updated my resume this morning and planned to update my ziprecruiter/indeed profiles after eating dinner. Just wild that you posted this today haha keep up the awesome content Brian

[@JohnTube2K]

Been doing “career cushioning” for years…. This is why I’ve been able to land jobs relatively quickly when I want to look for a new opportunity.

[@dodsonarmsco]

I think what everyone is missing is after the Christmas sales season the mass firings will begin with the obvious effect on the job market.

[@0hffs]

No need for that in January, they’ve been doing exactly that since November. Lots of companies hired much earlier to anticipate for a heavy hitting holiday season only to it just be stable. Nothing entirely earth shattering record numbers. So what they did as a result was trim the fat as soon as they could. While some hired early like in September, they started to let people go by mid to late November. It didn’t make the mainstream news cycles because it wasn’t big numbers like the tech industry.

[@dodsonarmsco]

@@0hffs the real hits in unemployment will come after the first of the year.

[@hackmedia7755]

Employees should have partial ownership of products and services. Otherwise why care for a company that uses us like wage slaves.

[@JGComments]

Will be interesting to see what happens if the housing market tanks and interest rates keep rising. You get all sorts of interesting behavior when people are underwater on their homes.

[@tarazieminek1947]

In the context of both jobs and relationships, it can sometimes be easier to find a new one if you already have one. 😂

[@docaff]

Well, heck. I didn't know what I was doing had a name. lol Over the last couple of months, I updated LinkedIn and my resume. 3 weeks ago, I replied to a couple of recruiters to see what was out there. Well, I'm in the final stages of interviews with 3 companies with a 4th also in play. Seems like the labor market is still good in my field.

[@TheSnerggly]

I agree with everything he said here, I am in a situation where I was hired as a contractor and told that I would be made full time. The recession hit and now I am in a permanent state of "contracting" due to what is happening in the tech market. I have sent out 10 resumes so far and not a single hit. 2023 is going to be a rough ride for those of us who are not 20-30 years old.

[@linuxstuff73]

This is how working in tech really is and goes for most. I wish I had never entered the field.

[@robbehr8806]

I'm autistic and spent my career as a software engineer. Also, I'm a high-functioning autistic. The 7,000,000 pound gorilla in the workplace is the narcissistic nature of management hierarchies. Autistics are magnets for narcissists and we provide an opportunity for the worst people to play. COVID provided a different sandbox for networks of narcissists. The core problem is the current management paradigm and how it's attractive and comfortable for malevolent people.

[@cricket6410]

Believe it or not, many people might not understand what you mean by free agent and/or why implementing a free agent strategy and free agent career foundation would be beneficial to them. Possible to expand on these concepts in a video?

[@NotAFanMan88]

Currently, while I would say I'm a newbie in the job market, I have found myself in a position where I would say i'm pretty "secure" due to the type of IT work I do and because of experience and knowledge of the business systems, I'm in charge of some fairly important projects on a technical level (having developed them). But... this is a good time to reflect and make sure that I"m up to date. Thanks for the reminder.

[@linuxstuff73]

Don't kid yourself, you are an expendable human resource in their eyes. IT is an especially tumultuous career path by nature. At the beginnings you are the new talent that they can control and manipulate to get more work out of for less pay. As you approach senior level, you have to worry about them replacing with you with someone that will take less pay for more workload. They love them young, because the younger employee is, the more they can fool them and the more of their BS they have to take. That's why there is a buzzword "overqualified". There is really no such things as overqualified. The read between the lines on that is too expensive and too hard to manipulate. They're always "employee cushioning" for any position all of the time. Even the CEO. The difference is the CEO has to play a different game with the board to keep their job since it is more like voting.

[@NotAFanMan88]

@@linuxstuff73 okay tl;dr nice sob story

[@bluebutterfly244]

@@NotAFanMan88 if that was tl;dr, you must suck as a developer.

[@NotAFanMan88]

@@bluebutterfly244 describing something as tl;dr means if you can take a glance at it and know whether or not its worthwhile to dig into it, which you do a lot with code. It was such a boring typical platitude of "corpo jobs suck" at a first glance that its not worth replying to seriously.

[@Loki-sk7bi]

I’ve been laid off once. I always worked so hard to the point of burning out. I’m never going to live under the mercy of employers again.

[@scoopitywoop]

Hi Bryan. I'm (25F) making active steps to strengthen my career as a business analyst, and it's going very well so far. However, I can see my job being fully automated in my lifetime. Can you make a video about how can I prepare for the inevitable automation of my skillset?

[@scoopitywoop]

@@ghostmall2421 I don't think we need AI. Also I don't think the job will be wiped out necessarily, just that 1 business analyst will be able to do the work of 50 business analysts. So if I'm not in the 2% it'll be effectively automated. An example of this is how with Outlook and other tools, we can write 5 times as many letters as a secretary on a typewriter used to write. With MS Word templates we can draft documents 10+ times quicker. Someone still has to do it, it's just we need way less people to do these things. I would call that automation.

[@majesticglue9100]

@@scoopitywoop well to be fair, this is a concern shared by many industries with AI coming.

[@linuxstuff73]

@@scoopitywoop Very astute. It's been a norm that 2 jobs are required to have any sense of job security which is morphing over to having 2 separate career paths to having that. That's really what this propaganda buzzword the media is throwing around like it is some new phenomenon called "career cushioning" should really man. Because their version of it has been a thing almost as long as I've been alive. Long gone are the days of starting your career with a company and retiring from it. This went out before Generation X even existed and started its decline once the Baby Boomers were around mid-career. The first big taste of this was when there was a big recession during the Reagan administration. And those times were an early proving ground for the employers with a new and more exploiting business strategy back then. That was a long ways back, and they've been trying to push the line back on the employee as far as they can since then. This cycle will continue until the low birth rates catch up and there is tiny market of employees left. Every little thing sets a new precedence, and the pandemic set a lot of new ones. As well as, was more of that proving ground I mentioned above. This is why citizens and employees should never give the establishment and employers an inch, they will always take a mile and it will become the new standard. Also, they don't care if any of their employees burn out as long there is enough applicants to replace burned out staff in short order and at minimal cost.

[@billythao8669]

U have to adapt to the changes, the changes don't adapt to you.

[@jblackfarm]

Thank you sir! Another great video!

[@douglaswilliams5794]

Very nice video. Loved the pace and ideas. Keep them coming. Dr Doug.

[@bekr45]

I work at a plumbing wholesale and the managers squeeze the living crap out of the people that do the lifting for the company. Receiving, shipping and working as counter staff for customers that come through the door and it seems daily they increase the workload on us while also telling us we need to be better, this kind of attitude is what pushed employees out, we have had multiple meetings with the managers telling them our concerns and issues, and things get solved for a week, sometimes less and then everything is back to how it was, it's unfortunate how things are and I feel if this attitude of not caring about your employees continues, who will want to do the heavy lifting for them anymore? It seems like a revolving door of being treated well/ being treat poorly, manager attitude swings with how many resumes they get sent to them

[@davekohler5957]

If you are white collar worker, you are in trouble. There still is a big shortage of blue collar workers. Can't wait for a better wage for us blue collar, hopefully it will be closer to white collar wages.

[@Volvosemitruckmechanic4926]

I started this year at $22 hour. I get a $40 xmas bonus. I'm going back to my old job for$ 30 hr plus 10% profit sharing and a 2k christmas bonus and a $750 sign on bonus.

[@pavanpatel4150]

Always like watching these videos!

[@prima6170]

Employees should be looking for their next penny; that is what companies do. If a company can't provide a stable work environment, how does that get to be the employees problem: it sounds like a corporate problem. The only true stability is in self-employment.

[@rechitsapivo]

I joined a company that just laid me off two years ago. As a matter of principle I give a new employer a full year of top performance to see if they will promote. This one did not end at that time inflation already hit. The company justified non promotion saying economic situation is tough and the extra work that I did did not fit in the narrow-minded promotion matrix that they had. Yet, 2 VPs got promoted to senior vp's, so that was obviously BS. After that I have stopped doing the extra volunteer work. I told them that I have to follow their promotion matrix so I will correct this mistake for the next cycle. I had no intention to correct anything. Suddenly I had 40 or 50% less work while fully completing my responsibilities. I even took on a little additional responsibility to make it seem like I'm taking on more work. It did not really increase my time working but eliminated waiting because now I made all the decisions myself. My biggest mistake was not finding a second job right there. I worked remotely and my schedule with current employer would allow to have a average load second job easily. Yes there is a clause in the employment agreement that I have to notify of any additional employment but who cares. So not finding the new job before the layoffs began was the biggest mistake I made last year. I could have been making a ton of money and after layoff it would just be a reduction not an interruption. And even if I did get laid off from both jobs that would be unlikely but I just made an extra year of income, so I could easily relax for a whole year looking for a new position without worrying about bills. Yeah I'm not dumb I usually don't increase my spending when my income rises I increase my savings and investments. Still super dumb and lazy of me not to get that second job when I had an opportunity. I made sure we parted very amicably and I told them if you ever need me back in that spot I will be open to discussion. Believe you me I will take that job if offered again. I will never refuse an ez pay check again

[@sburns2421]

Nice video, but about "soft looking" or whatever it was called about seven minutes in... In my experience either you are looking or you are not, and if you are looking you are already on the path out mentally. With that said it is definitely wise to have your resume current and your plan ready should you be laid off or it becomes apparent your situation is untenable and not expected to improve. Speaking with recruiters or other hiring professionals is also a good way to ensure you have everything in order, but dabbling with changing jobs many times is risky for a couple of reasons. 1. YOUR mindset will naturally change as you actively start looking because in your own head you know you are eventually leaving. This may make work difficulties unbearable, or may make them more bearable because you are just an offer away from writing your resignation letter. Either way it will change your performance and stress level. 2. Being a "flake" interviewee is extremely off-putting to potential employers. If you are not serious about changing jobs, and interview with an offer, but then turn it down for seemingly bad reasons this will be a negative for you in the future. Like it or not they will remember that, especially in higher positions.

[@jacobcase587]

I’ve been doing this since 2013, when I was part of a layoff.

[@alexischicoine2072]

Better be ready to jump ship cause once you start career cushioning you’ll probably find something that looks more interesting than where you’re at. Plus it’s not like opportunities will wait until you need them to get filled once you find it the window is then.

[@philmarsh7723]

This all showed just how stupid and incompetent most bosses and employers really are. Shareholders need to hold these fools responsible.

[@kristenmoonrise]

Right. Is it "millions of jobs go unfilled each year due to lack of talent" or "we grew too big and will have to layoff talent"??? 🤔

[@linuxstuff73]

They'll always find a scapegoat to avoid accountability, as well as pull the wool over the investor's eyes. Both ends of the equation are getting screwed. To bad we can just cut out the middle man and do work for the investors directly. If you have ever been in contact with your company's investors, they're often a completely different breed than the executive staff. Some of them know what it is like to work hard and often being hoodwinked by the executive staff of high paid leeches. Sure, the bottom line it is about turning a profit for them, but I've found I often get more praise and recognition from them in my endeavors at corporate jobs than the upper management. This of course can have the negative side-effect of making upper management feel threatened and possibly working to "quiet fire" you, because none of them earn their keep. It's all politics a lot of management and never about actual real work, performance and results. If it were about those things, some of us would be kings now. Those of us with a strong ethic instead of ability to deceive.

[@linuxstuff73]

@@kristenmoonrise The question is when enough employees and shareholders will catch on to their regular double-think.

[@loganmedia1142]

Shareholders are part of the problem. At least the big share owners.

[@joannajohnson696]

Our company already made an announcement "there will be changes" in 2023. I found this video very helpful bcs there will be a layoff & I have to protect myself. Educated w/a MAed, I work from home & very technologically savvy.

[@kaweka260]

Makes a lot of sense. I was offered a job with one agency and though it is a straight promotion, I’m being offered another position in the same agency I’m currently employed. This position, though the promotion is a little later down the road, this offers a higher clearance which will make me more marketable. I’ve decided to wait for this position. If you’re patient, the orange is worth the squeeze.

[@danepane527]

Easier to find a job while you have a job. Quiet quitting.. you mean doing exactly what you were hired to do.. no I'm not going to work for free.. or answer phone/text/emails after hours

[@danepane527]

@@TaxingIsThieving This is the way lol

[@randomstuffman01]

Good info. Thanks. from Toronto.

[@kennedycorichi9948]

I always think of myself as a phone call or a one day from a potential tial phone call or meeting no matter how well I do. I keep in mind of potential networks and job positions open for a better opportunity in the future. I enjoyy position and what I do, however, any contractor or salary role has the risk of being terminated.

[@you-know-who9023]

Enjoyable video. Regarding the term career cushioning I feel the only relevance to relationship cushioning is only one jen people are in a dysfunctional relationship. This relevance says all there is to know how labour should be viewing employers. We are in a very unique time period which has resulted in most employers behaving very erratically. This should not bear any relevance to an employee. "Your fired, uh maybe you can stay, your job is on the line, etc." This is not what employees sell their labour for : HOWEVER this is part of someone's job then the reality since employees are being paid then it has to be made part of an employee's work , but the employee has no obligations obligation to add it on to their work load and the only logical and moral consequence is that it reduces ones productivity. Employees have no obligation to subsidise a dysfunctional employer. Therefore as this is now part of many people's work week a proportional amount of the work week should be acting proactively even though this was not part of the original recruitment agreement, an employee is just reacting to a changed message being given by the employer. The reality is that there are labour shortages in many sectors which results in flexibility by prospective employers offering possibilities to diversify and learn new skills. There is also one very important golden rule : people should carry out a personal inventory of their finances . If one is in abjob which is creating stress and requiring an adjustment (by their own assessment not the employers) then the earned income should enable the possibility to save 25-30 percent. If it does not ,after carrying out a proper assessment of income and expenditure, then the employee should not have anything to fear , regardless of age, because the job is does not provide appropriate compensation and is easy to depart. If the job does provide appropriate compensation than three to six months saving will provide a financial security net of at least one to two months living at the adjusted life style in addition to any redundancy and social security. By viewing it this way many people will find a have as much as a year to find and learn on the job skills with a new employer even if the new job pays 30 percent less. It is also a good negotiating tactic with a new employer to point the fact that you have received a higher income and are changing jobs with the intention of growing within that job. If the job you are currently in does not provide a sufficient income and the prospective new job does not pay any higher then you are even in a more powerful position and maybe you can negotiate better conditions , starting with perhaps more vacation time or a half day every week or even a four day week instead of a five day week. After all you are leaving a job which took extra stress and energy in addition to the workload you believed you were recruited to do. In fact the additional uncompensated stress could have added 25 percent to your work load. In the absence of that kind of that unacceptable stress, it is easy to produce the same work for significantly less time. Even if it turns out that a new employer is equally unreasonable you also have no obligation to hang around there either . Try not to fall into a trap of believing the new employer is initially reasonable but then turns out not to be. However even that is not much to worry about because if the new employer turns out to be also unreasonable then leave the job as soon as possible with the knowledge that it is not a financial disaster and that in departing your current employer and the time learning and working for the transitional employer you have acquired a lot of additional experience as well as analysing the skills you already have. Finally remember the well known saying ,"When the (economic) tide goes out it does not take long to see who has been swimming naked." Entrepreneurs who do not know how to be employers have no business being employers ,and just as preparing to leave a dysfunctional romantic relationship, employees should do the same. Best of luck to everyone.

[@boomdaddyjeb]

Great video and thanks for sharing

[@astrothsknot]

I always advise people to regularly interview for other jobs and keep that skill sharp, keep a regularly updated document of work and personal successes - eg I've just designed part of a course to teach employment skills. That's in my book. I had to learn powerpoint for it. i have to present a weekly session online to 50 people and as i have long covid, it's a particular challenge, but I don't just manage, i excel. I recently took over doing the door for my local performance group. Sales of the programmes have doubled. That's in my book. Until i had my current job, I always had a second job - care always needs people, so i'd work for two separate companies. Bother with one? I'd just walk out and hand all my cards back, call the other and up my work until I found a second job again and use the second company as the referee for the third job. Workers have more power than they think. Don't be afraid to use it.

[@arth.3899]

From my experience, if you don't have a college degree and an older person, it might be impossible to get a decent job. Now I have a huge gap in my resume and that I am sure is another reason I'm not getting any calls. I also feel there's discrimination. I know people that did the bare minimum while I was trying to advance that are still working for the company that offered me a severance package or risk getting laid off. I left because I felt targeted.

[@irmaiz133]

I always wonder how people....such as housewives goes back to 9-5 corporate job....when I, despite being employed through family business and now part-time retail, just dunno where to begin to market myself?

[@hqrlock]

Why would you ever put that gap in your resume ? Make something up mate.

[@sp123]

Yeah people don't talk about the difficulty in getting a good jobs without a college degree. Economists say older people without degrees are more prone to "deaths of despair"

[@crosslink1493]

I just retired last month. 'F' - it, I don't care anymore! I may get a part-time job in the future, but I'm not taking any job unless the company has a direction and goals; if none, I'll just leave.

[@power4things]

The analogy at 7:30 is accepted - all's fair in love, war ... and jobs!

[@randymouser3816]

I'm tired of people misunderstanding what quiet quiting is. It's literally thinking like a free agent. You only do what is required of you. You work to the contract and nothing more. Why give free labor away? That is not what a free agent would do. A free agent would understand what is necessary for their position and do those tasks. If a free agent were to be asked to take on more tasks, they would ask for compensation for them.

[@mrwonk]

I had someone we laid off a couple months in. I had been refusing to allow her to be laid off right up until she told me she didn't want to do a very simple task I instructed her to do. She thought it was funny that she wasn't doing anything; next time the subject of laying her off came up, I just said "OK by me".

[@bluesun2001]

Wow, great analysis and a flashback. I left last month - burned out working for three people. The cocky management that nobody wants to work for, so the current employees who can't leave coz they are single mothers (!!!) get burned out, hence it is a toxic environment that drains u more than actual work.

[@lmusima3275]

The travel industry suffered terribly. I heard during the pandemonium in the UK certain airlines laid off many employees mostly from EU countries. Now that travel is up and running, they are suffering with staff shortages unable to cope with customer service. They had a need to get back the staff they got rid off. Many of them has gone back to their home countries or gone into other jobs