How to Find Job Stability in an Unstable Job Market

Job stability is a top priority for many job seekers, but in today’s fast-changing world of work, it can feel harder than ever to achieve. The good news? There are practical steps to create more stability in your career, even during uncertain times. This guide will walk you through three key strategies: embracing non-linear career paths, committing to upskilling, and focusing on skills that employers value most.

Seeking More Job Stability? You’re not Alone

First, what happened to job seekers’ confidence? Only a couple of years ago during “The Great Resignation” employees left their jobs in droves for higher pay and better work-life balance.

Now, in the most recent Global Workforce of the Future report from LHH's parent company The Adecco Group, workers said “external factors” such as economic uncertainty (48%), business uncertainty (23%), and geopolitical unrest (18%) have a major influence on their work outlook.

Overall, 40% of the more than 35,000 employees across 27 countries surveyed agreed they are concerned about “long-term job security.”

If you’re anything like the 83% of the employees surveyed who plan to stay in their jobs in the next year, you may be doing so because you’re seeking more career stability and certainty.

One way to find it is to make sure your skills are relevant for jobs of the future. These are emerging roles thanks to technological advancements such as AI, GenAI, and machine learning.

In LHH’s Outplacement and Career Mobilty 2024 Trends Report, we surveyed 3000+ HR leaders and 8100+ workers across 9 countries and found the top driver of layoffs changed. In 2023, 41% of HR leaders listed “overhiring in previous years” as the top reason for reducing headcount.

This year the data was more flat overall, but there were two new responses to the top five list - 30% listed previous over-hiring and 30% listed “releasing individuals for low performance.”

Tied for second at 29% was “restructuring” with “releasing employees who don’t have the right skill sets.”

Consider taking advantage of any training and advancement opportunities your employer may offer. After all, it is in your employer’s best interest to give you the necessary skills to help their business succeed now and in the future.

Show them that learning and development is a priority to you, but, at the same time, make it clear that you expect their support. It’s a win-win.

Non-linear Career Paths Lead to Greater Job Stability (and Employability)

Technological advances are changing the natures of many roles so quickly. Many of the tasks you perform in your job today may look entirely different, or even disappear five years from now.

Because careers may shift in surprising directions now is the time to acquire transferable skills to a wider range of roles, functions, and even industries.

In other words, if you’re craving job stability, the first step is to accept that things may be unstable for a while and prepare yourself. ”Get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” as the saying goes.

Sound scary? It’s okay. Many people find embracing the potential of a career transformation and nonlinear career paths quite empowering. It could lead to a discovery of new and untapped abilities you never knew you had. In the process of honing newfound skills, you’ll take greater charge of your path and future-proof your career.

If you’re frustrated in your current role and struggling to find motivation, you’re not alone. LHH research also revealed 69% of surveyed workers reported feeling burnt out. When asked what, if any action they took, 25% of workers said they “explored new job opportunities inside my company.” So there may be a role in your own company just waiting for you. It might be lateral or even down a rung but primed to slingshot you forward in a year or two.

Gone are the days when a straight, predictable career ladder was the only path to success. Today, many professionals find job stability by exploring non-linear career journeys in and outside their organization. This could mean switching industries, taking on contract or freelance roles, or into a new function within the same company.

Related: Before you pursue a new role, check out the LHH 2025 Salary Guide.

Why it works

Employers increasingly value adaptability and diverse experience. A variety of roles shows your ability to succeed in different environments and solve problems creatively.

What you can do:

• Broaden your search: Don’t limit yourself to jobs that match your current title or past roles. Look for opportunities where your transferable skills, like communication or project management, can shine.
• Reframe your story: On your resume and in interviews, focus on how your unique path makes you more versatile and resourceful.

Related: New from LHH Career Transitions & Mobility - LHH Career Studio!

Which skills increase job stability?

Employers value a mix of hard skills and soft skills because they demonstrate your technical ability and how well you adapt, collaborate, and lead. Let’s dive deeper into why each type is crucial for job stability and how they help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Clearly, the most talked-about skills right now are tech skills, but, that doesn’t mean you need to learn coding or computer science. After all, GenAI is starting to handle a lot of the elementary programming tasks.You may simply need to accept AI technologies are part of your job now and learn how to work well with them.

Hard Skills: The foundation of job security

Hard skills are the technical abilities you need to perform specific tasks. They’re often measurable, teachable, and directly tied to a particular role or industry. Mastering these can make you indispensable to employers.

Examples of high-demand hard skills:

• Cybersecurity: As companies increasingly rely on digital systems, protecting sensitive data has become a top priority. Cybersecurity expertise is essential across industries, from healthcare to finance.
• Cloud Computing: With more businesses adopting remote work and cloud-based systems, professionals who can manage and optimize these platforms are highly sought after.
• Data Analysis: Companies thrive on data-driven decisions. Being able to interpret data, identify trends, and offer actionable insights can make you a key asset.
• Critical Thinking: Similarly, individuals prepared to quickly process new information and assess it are needed more than ever in the age of AI. People with these skills often offer innovative solutions to complex challenges and make confident and informed recommendations, often under tight deadlines.
• Project Management: The ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects ensures goals are met on time and within budget - skills valued across every sector.

Why they matter:

Hard skills prove you can handle the technical aspects of a job and meet the specific needs of a company. Employers know that these skills contribute directly to productivity and results, making you an attractive hire, especially in roles where the demand for expertise outpaces supply.

How to build hard skills

• Enroll in industry-recognized certification programs (e.g., Google Certificates, PMP, AWS Certification).
• Seek hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work, or freelancing.
• Follow industry trends to identify emerging tools and technologies.

As machines take on routine tasks, employers need employees to take on more creative, strategic responsibilities while learning how to embrace technology in their current roles. Don’t look at technology as a threat, but as a tool.

It’s an opportunity to positively impact your job and accelerate your career transformation. Then focus on developing these essential skills to be a key part of the digital transformation of the workforce.

Soft Skills: The glue that holds it all together

While hard skills get your foot in the door, soft skills often determine how far you’ll go. These abilities demonstrate how you interact with others, solve problems, and adapt to change. They’re especially important as workplaces prioritize collaboration and navigating complex challenges.

Examples of essential soft skills:

• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to understand and manage your emotions and empathize with others. High EQ helps you build strong relationships, handle conflict gracefully, and lead effectively. Even the most tech-forward organizations need people to facilitate effective and ethical collaboration between human workers and AI systems.
• Adaptability: The world of work is constantly changing. Being open to learning new tools, systems, and ways of working makes you resilient in the face of disruption.
• Creative Thinking: Employers value team members who can think outside the box, find innovative solutions, and bring fresh perspectives to problems.
• Conflict Resolution: Teams thrive when issues are addressed constructively. This skill shows you can mediate, negotiate, and foster a positive work environment.

Why they matter:

Soft skills set you apart in roles requiring teamwork, leadership, or client interaction. They also help you grow into roles with greater responsibility, ensuring long-term job security. Employers know that technical ability is only part of the equation. Your ability to work well with others and adapt makes you a well-rounded, future-ready professional.

How to build soft skills

• Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors and actively work on areas for improvement.
• Join groups, clubs, or teams outside of work to develop communication and collaboration skills.
• Practice active listening and empathy in everyday interactions.

Hard + Soft Skills: The winning combination

Hard skills get the job done; soft skills make the journey smoother. When you pair these abilities, you demonstrate competence and the potential to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact. For example:

• A cybersecurity expert with strong adaptability can quickly respond to emerging threats.
• A project manager with excellent emotional intelligence can motivate teams to meet tight deadlines.
• A data analyst with creative thinking can identify unexpected patterns that drive business innovation.

By developing both hard and soft skills, you position yourself as a candidate who is not just qualified but indispensable, making it easier to achieve the job stability you want.

Next Step: Identify one hard skill and one soft skill to focus on this month. Progress starts with small, consistent actions!

Invest in Upskilling

The job market is constantly evolving, and staying relevant means keeping your skills up to date. Upskilling—learning new skills or advancing current ones make you a more attractive candidate and boost your confidence during job searches.

How to start:

• Take online courses on platforms like General Assemby, Ezra, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy.
• Attend industry events or webinars to stay ahead of trends.
• Volunteer for projects that stretch your abilities and build new expertise.
• Seek out a mentor to help you talk through challenges and strategize next steps.
• Ask your organization for leadership development.

LHH data on trends in outplacement and career mobility also found 22% of workers chose to leave their jobs they wanted to gain new skills.

Comparatively, when asked why they wanted to stay in their roles, 31% credited “a culture where career & skills development are supported.” A close second, 29% said it was because they work in “a culture where employees can advance in their careers.”

How to Build Job Stability in Today’s Changing Workplace

Through your willingness to learn new skills and take charge of your career development, you show your employer you’re committed to helping them meet their evolving needs.

And, hey, even if you’re not with your current job for the long haul, you’ll be well-positioned for new opportunities elsewhere and greater career stability in the future.

Related: Join the Candidate Database on LHH.com or search for open roles through LHH Recruitment Solutions.

Building job stability isn’t about staying in one job forever; it’s about creating a career ready to weather changes in the market. By staying open to new paths, continually learning, and sharpening the skills that matter most, you gain more control over your professional future.

Start today by setting small, achievable goals—whether it’s updating your resume to highlight transferable skills, signing up for an online course, or researching industries where your abilities are in demand. Every step you take is a step toward the stability and security you’re seeking.

Want to know what your skills are worth?

• Check out our Salary Calculator to get the most up-to-date salary figures for your role, industry, and region.
• Download our 2025 Salary Guide.