Three Threats, One Toolkit
The modern career faces three distinct but related challenges: the risk of redundancy in an uncertain economy, the disruption of AI to established roles and industries, and the persistent gap between what most employees are paid and what they could be earning. Addressing all three requires a connected set of skills and strategies.
Redundancy — Know Your Rights and Your Leverage
Most employees underestimate their rights in a redundancy situation and overestimate their employer's power. A genuine redundancy requires a fair process — meaningful consultation, objective selection criteria, and proper notice and pay. If the process is flawed, you have leverage. Use it.
AI Disruption — Assess and Adapt
The employees most at risk from AI are those who ignore it. The employees who thrive are those who understand which parts of their role are automatable, develop skills that complement AI rather than compete with it, and position themselves as people who can direct and evaluate AI output rather than simply produce the inputs AI replaces.
Salary Negotiation — Do It More Often
Most people negotiate their salary once — at the point of a job offer — and then accept whatever annual increases their employer offers. This is a significant missed opportunity. Regular, evidence-based salary conversations — tied to specific achievements and market data — are the most reliable way to ensure your compensation reflects your value.
The Connected Strategy
These three challenges are connected. A strong negotiating position in a redundancy situation comes from having options — which comes from a strong network and marketable skills. Resilience to AI disruption comes from the same source. And the confidence to negotiate salary effectively comes from knowing your market value and being willing to act on it.
Read next: How to Protect Your Career When Your Job Is at Risk and 54% of 2026 Layoffs Now Cite AI — What to Do If You're Next
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This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify current requirements and consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.