News of layoffs in some sectors, ongoing inflation, and the continued threat of a recession have all combined to create a great deal of uncertainty around how the economy—and job market—will fare in the near future. Many view periods of economic uncertainty as the time to hunker down and wait it out. But what if you’re striving for career advancement, either at your current organization or in another role? 

No matter what is going on around you, there are steps you can take to continue advancing your career. Here are some ideas:

• Don’t assume there aren’t opportunities to make a change. Even in times of economic uncertainty, there are jobs. As an executive recruiter, I can attest to the fact that hiring is still happening at a brisk pace and there is still competition for top talent! If you’ve been thinking about making a change, continue to watch the organizations and companies you’re interested in and ensure that your resume is up to date. 
• Think long-term. If this isn’t the time to make a change for you, it could be the perfect time to think longer-term about where you’d like your career to grow and create a roadmap for getting there. Do you want to lead a nonprofit some day? Start by joining a new board of directors now. Is your goal to head up your department or team? Think about what skills and experiences you need to gain in order to get there.
• Invest in continued learning. This is part two of thinking long-term. This could be a great time to take a class, invest in a coach, or pursue a certificate program. Investing in learning and growth now will help you be ready to make a move when things become more settled. 
• Keep tabs on trends in your sector or industry.  Refresh your news feed and media intake so that you’re focused on trends and news from the field in which you want to work. Follow leaders on LinkedIn. This will give you a sense of where innovation and change is happening, who is hiring and growing, and what the leaders in your space are thinking about. 
• Stretch yourself. Find opportunities to learn and practice new skills in your current role. Volunteer for cross-team projects. Seek out a new mentor or colleague to work with and learn from. It’s important to be intentional about how you stretch. Think about what skills and experiences will help you grow, and then try to find opportunities to gain the requisite experience.
• Network, and network some more. Building relationships is an important element of any career development plan. But for many people, networking can feel like an overwhelming endeavor. That’s because there is a misconception that you have to identify and reach out to strangers in order to network. But that’s not the case! Start with people you already know who are in roles or organizations that interest you. Reach out and ask for a few moments of their time to pick their brains. Focus on asking for information rather than specific favors: Do you have any certificates or degrees? What do you love most about your role? What advice would you give someone who is looking to advance in that particular career path? Always follow up with a thank-you note (an email would be acceptable for networking thank-yous) and offer to do the same for anyone in their networks. 

Making career moves during uncertain times can feel challenging. It’s hard to know exactly when it’s the right time to consider a change. But some of the steps outlined above can help you move incrementally toward where you want to go, while putting yourself on a trajectory of growth and momentum, so that when the time is right, you’ll be prepared.  

Molly Brennan is founding partner at executive search firm Koya Partners, which is part of the Diversified Search Group, where she is also the nonprofit and social impact practice lead. A frequent contributor to Philanthropy News Digest and other publications, Brennan also authored The Governance Gap: Examining Diversity and Equity on Nonprofit Boards of Directors.