✨ Recession-Proof Hacks, Flexible Work Squeeze + Goal Action Plan - Aug 19, 2025

3 career hacks for 2025, your goal action plan template, CEOs pulling flexible work policies, plus more work wisdom...

August 19, 2025

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Hello, Career Hero! 🌞 As August winds down, it’s time to recession-proof your career with smart moves that keep you ahead. Plus, a sprinkle of work wisdom to finish the month strong and step into September ready for anything.

On today’s agenda:

✨ Recession-proof your career

🎬 Goal action plan [template]

📉 Flexible work squeeze

🧐 In-demand jobs for 2025

YOUR DOWNLOAD
Goal Action Plan
This week’s career goody to break goals down into realistic steps and keep track of your progress.
Only available to subscribers

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

✨ Job Market Survival Hacks: 3 Career Moves That Make You Recession-Proof

The job market feels like a game of musical chairs—except the music's always stopping. Whether you're eyeing a promotion, pivoting careers, or just trying to keep your seat, here are three recession-proof moves to keep you standing tall.

1. Diversify Your Income Streams

Relying solely on your 9-to-5? That’s like putting all your eggs in one basket... and then dropping it.

Consider side gigs, freelancing, or even launching a passion project. Eduardo Noriega, a former Microsoft engineer, turned his side hustle into a full-time staffing firm after his layoff. He now earns more than he did at Microsoft. Read his story »

2. Upskill and Reskill

Stagnation is the enemy. Mike Crabtree, now Director of Data Engineering at Ford, credits his career leap to online courses in business analytics and leadership. He filled skill gaps, developed critical thinking, and enhanced communication—making him indispensable. Read his story »

3. Network Like Your Career Depends On It

Because it does. Networking isn't just about collecting business cards; it's about building genuine relationships. Alicia Strata landed her dream marketing job by impressing interviewers during an administrative assistant interview. She stayed open, engaged, and ready for unexpected opportunities. Read her story »

Ready to Recession-Proof Your Career? Dive deeper into these strategies and more with our expert tips:

TODAY’S TASK
💼 Refine Your Elevator Pitch — Spend 10–15 minutes writing or polishing a 30-second introduction about who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for next. Having a clear, confident pitch ready makes networking, interviews, and casual professional conversations much smoother.

TOGETHER WITH SUPERPOWER

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THE WORK PULSE

😱 AI is Already Displacing These Jobs - Axios

  • What’s unfolding: MIT's 2025 State of AI in Business report reveals that AI is primarily replacing outsourced and offshore jobs, rather than directly causing layoffs among U.S. workers. However, the long-term risk remains significant, with up to 27% of jobs potentially affected.

  • Why it matters: Professionals should be aware of the shifting landscape where AI is impacting lower-priority roles first. This trend underscores the importance of upskilling and staying adaptable to safeguard one's career in the evolving job market.

📉 The Big-Boss Is Squeezing Flexible Work Perks - Inc.

  • What’s unfolding: Many CEOs are retracting flexible work policies, emphasizing stricter in-office attendance and longer hours. Companies like AT&T and Cognition exemplify this shift, citing economic pressures and AI advancements as driving factors.

  • Why it matters: This trend may signal a broader cultural shift in workplace expectations, potentially leading to increased burnout and dissatisfaction among employees. Professionals should assess their work-life balance and consider how these changes might affect their well-being and productivity.

🚺 Successful Women Leaving Work - BBC

  • What’s unfolding: An in-depth interview discusses the challenges women face in the workplace, including systemic barriers and societal expectations that lead many to leave their careers. The conversation highlights the need for structural changes to retain female talent.

  • Why it matters: Understanding these challenges is crucial for organizations aiming to foster inclusive environments. For professionals, especially women, this insight can inform career decisions and advocacy for necessary workplace reforms.

JOB BOARD

CAREER PLANNING

20 Most In-Demand Jobs to Consider for 2025

Wondering which professions are showing no signs of yielding to machines thus far? These are the 20 most in-demand jobs with the highest projected numeric change in employment, as forecasted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

WEEKLY GOODY

Your Goal Action Plan — Go After It!

No matter the goal you’ve set for yourself, whether it’s to find another job, start a side hustle or build your own business), it’s important to break it down into realistic steps and keep track of your progress. Our Goal Action Plan is designed to help you do just that!

Download link available to email subscribers

BREAKROOM

SMART READS

🤹 40 Best Jobs for the Ultimate Work–Life Balance

🎓 What to Do When You’re Overqualified For a Job

💨 Jobs You Can Land Faster Through Short Career Programs

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📬 Missed the previous issue on ‘AI’s Career Hit List’? Read it »