I’ve been having a lot of candid conversations with clients lately about how today’s economy is reshaping careers and job search strategies. Whether you’re in a stable role or working contract to contract, a level-headed, strategic mindset is more essential than ever.
Reflecting on my own career in senior leadership at brands like Quiksilver, Roxy, and Neff Headwear, I’ve seen both the highs of rapid growth and the challenges of hard decisions during tough times – experiences that now inform the guidance I give others.
A few thoughts I’ve been sharing that might be useful to you:
If You’re in a Good Role, Be Grateful – and Smart
Now’s not the time to press hard for a promotion, a raise, or extended time off. Instead, focus on delivering consistent, high-impact performance. Stay close to your company’s business realities – that means understanding key revenue drivers, keeping an eye on inventory and supply chain pressures, watching how consumer behavior may be shifting, and staying aligned with leadership’s near-term priorities. Showing up, staying engaged, and actively looking for ways to add value every day matter more than ever. As the saying goes, “decisions are made by those who show up.”
Be Prudent About Extended Leaves and Long Vacations
I fully support the importance of work-life balance, but in a volatile economy, timing is everything. Being present and available during critical periods can shape how you’re perceived by leadership and whether you’re included in strategic conversations. Senior leaders may interpret extended absences during a challenging quarter, key product launch, or budgeting cycle as a lack of commitment or poor situational awareness.
I’ve seen high-potential employees inadvertently stall their own momentum by taking a month-long sabbatical just as the company was navigating layoffs, or by being offline during key planning meetings. Fair or not, these choices can affect future advancement opportunities. It’s not about sacrificing personal well-being – it’s about reading the room and aligning with the moment your business is in.
Steve Tully of SRTully and Associates.
Build (or Lean On) Your Personal Board of Advisors
If you don’t have one, now’s the time to build your personal board of advisors. Former bosses, seasoned peers, trusted mentors, a wise relative – people who know you, will tell you the truth, and will help you weigh complex decisions with perspective. We’re living through times that may require career decisions we never thought we’d face. Navigate cautiously. Stay thoughtful. And keep showing up.
Quietly Start Networking Now
Even if you’re happily employed, start reconnecting with peers, former colleagues, and mentors. Lay the groundwork so that if things shift down the road, you’re not starting from scratch. A subtle action plan never hurts.
If You’re in Transition, Prepare for a Marathon – Not a Sprint
Hiring timelines are slower, and many companies are cautious about adding headcount. Some of my clients are even contemplating roles below their previous level or pay just to stay in motion. That’s a personal decision – and in today’s environment, entirely understandable.
If you take that route, think carefully about how you’ll frame that choice to a future employer. Transparency and strategy will both be key. For example, you might say: “I made a calculated decision to stay active in the industry and contribute meaningfully during a slower cycle – I wasn’t focused on title, but on staying close to the work.”
Or: “I saw an opportunity to add value in a lean environment and help the team stabilize – and I’ve treated this time as a chance to sharpen my leadership under pressure.”
If you’re in transition, network, network, network. And remember lean times often create unique chances to stand out. When teams are smaller, impact is more visible. If you approach this season with intention, it can become a proving ground – one that positions you for even greater opportunities on the other side.
Steve Tully is a former senior executive with several consumer goods brands. He now works as a leadership coach and business consultant, helping professionals and companies in the consumer products space navigate growth, change, and opportunity.
