In this job market, career security is often a solo project

Job seeker Ike Sobel waits to speak to a recruiter during a job fair in Dallas, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.

LM Otero/Associated Press

• Given the tight labor market, building skills and networking can help foster career security.
• Adding to your abilities is important because employers often expect more from the people they hire.
• Focusing on in-demand skills like AI can help you stand out from other applicants.

Increasingly, building career security is becoming a DIY project.