Tips to Avoid (and Rebound From) a Layoff

Layoffs happen in every industry. While the sports industry is generally more stable for employment once you have your foot in the door, it is not completely immune from downsizing staff. That's the topic of today's anonymous listener question for the WorkInSports Podcast:

"Hey Brian, I'd appreciate it if you don't say my name since this is kind of a sensitive question. I work for a pro sports team in an entry-level position, I absolutely love it. I am really worried about layoffs. Do you think layoffs are coming to the sports industry, and if so, what should I be doing to avoid or prepare for the worst?"

Mass layoffs made headlines at the end of 2022, and continued going into 2023 as massive tech companies such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Salesforce all significantly reduced staff. These companies partner with sports teams and leagues with their advertising dollars, so smaller budgets from them mean less money funneling into the organizations, which affects the bottom line and can lead to staffing cuts.

It is understandable to be worried about being laid off, but worrying alone isn't going to help you if it happens. If you want to take matters into your own hands, following these two tips will help:

1. Add Responsibilities: Learn new skills and offer more to help in your current role
2. Advocate for Yourself: Show your value, be a good teammate, and be someone people like working with

To help yourself if you are still in line to lose your job, lean on your network BEFORE you need a referral. The most effective networking happens year-round. If you are only checking in when you need something, your connections will see through the transactional nature of your attempts to reach out.

Protect Your Career from a Layoff

Create your free account to access verified job postings, resume tools, and more.

Get Started

Sign in with Google

Sign in with LinkedIn

Sign in with Apple

Or, use your email address:

Next

We value your privacy.

Enjoy the full episode of the WorkInSports Podcast for ways to protect yourself from being laid off. Also, subscribe to the podcast for more sports career advice. Additional content is available on our YouTube channel.