Surviving to Thriving in 2025: Fires Burning Everywhere - Evacuate and Have a Plan!

Recently, I shared a personal post on Instagram (@nycarey) about the California fires and how to help - I grew up bicoastally and am a lifelong animal advocate and volunteer. 

It got me thinking about how this translates into the job market - the world of work is on fire. Layoffs, AI disruptions, economic uncertainty, and leadership shifts are creating an environment where many professionals feel like they are constantly putting out flames. 

We think we’re prepared, we have our safety exit—but when fires come ablaze, where do you go, and when exactly is it time to leave?

Leave before it’s dangerous and know when to ask for help. COMMUNITY matters!

We’re often told and believe we’re safe, but what does that really mean? If you’re told your job is secure, but you see little fires everywhere, it’s time to take action.

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire

🔥 Mass Layoffs & Market Shifts – Companies are restructuring, downsizing, and redefining roles at an accelerated pace. If you’re waiting for things to “settle,” you may be waiting indefinitely.

🔥 AI & Automation – New technology is reshaping jobs faster than most professionals can upskill. AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a workforce disruptor and an opportunity for those who embrace it.

🔥 Leadership & Cultural Shifts – Remote work, hybrid teams, and evolving workplace expectations have left many leaders scrambling to redefine company culture and engagement.

🔥 Economic Pressures – Unpredictable markets mean that professionals and businesses alike need to be more strategic, agile, and proactive in their career and talent strategies.

Warning Signs: Know When It’s Time To Evacuate

When sparks become fires and smoke is coming through the door, don’t wait for the flames to close in. Evaluate your current role and industry—are you in a sustainable position, or are you staying out of fear?

🚨 When RTO (Return to Office) wasn’t part of company culture but is now mandatory – A tactic to push people to leave.
🚨 When leaders are “leading by example” but are exempt from the rules.
🚨 When your company undergoes an acquisition—regardless of who is acquiring whom.
🚨 When people are operating a level below their role—driven by fear.
🚨 When changes in responsibilities shift under the guise of “collaboration.”
🚨 When your company changes the ‘way they pay you’ or reduces your bonus payout with little notice.
🚨 When job openings start shifting to lower-cost markets.
🚨 When directors and above become more hands-on—signaling deeper budget scrutiny and job cuts.
🚨 When you are no longer included in meetings and changes are made in secret, aka ‘a need to know’ basis.
🚨 When fear-based decision-making dominates leadership choices.

Have a Plan: Thriving in 2025

Exiting strategically means researching new opportunities before you need them, networking before you’re desperate, and upskilling before it’s required. Once you’ve assessed the landscape, it’s time to take control. Thriving in 2025 requires a proactive approach:

✅ Show Up for Yourself —You always show up for others, and you may be tired, but amidst uncertainty, prioritizing yourself is essential.

✅ Pull Your Resume, CV, and Portfolio Together – Make sure they reflect your latest skills, achievements and are ATS friendly.

✅ Self-Audit – You are not the same professional you were last year, last month, or even last week. Update your career strategy accordingly.

✅ Create a Sourcing Strategy – Define what you want to do next, who you want to work for, and align with your values, purpose, and ideal company culture.

✅ Craft Your Deliverables – You are resilient. Showcase your ability to adapt and thrive in a shifting market.

✅ Build and Lean Into Your Community – I’ve often spoken about having a personal board of directors and a strong support system. This includes professional support for mental health, physical wellness, and career coaching. Having guidance tailored for YOU—not a one-size-fits-all process—makes all the difference.

Invest in Yourself: Fireproof Your Career

2025 is not the year to sit back and wait for stability—it’s the year to take decisive action. Whether you’re leaving a role or fortifying your career, strategic planning and adaptability will determine whether you survive or thrive.

If you evacuate or if you get burned (see my last blog post about advise for those who’ve experienced loss, know that growth lies ahead. Have faith that your courage and resilience to take control of your narrative will be rewarded!

If I can help to support you, I welcome you to reach out (contact@talentwelltold.com), to create your path forward with purpose, and clarity.

Stay tuned for my market predictions next month.

Be well, and have a thriving 2025 - Carey

#CareerStrategy #TalentAcquisition #SurvivingToThriving #FutureOfWork #2025Success