Last week, a treasury professional messaged me:
“Mike, I’m likely leaving my role at the end of the year. When should I start looking?”
I didn’t even pause.
“Yesterday.”
Why?
Because waiting is a career gamble you will lose.
Looking isn’t disloyal.
Your employer wouldn’t think twice about relocating HQ, closing your office, or restructuring you out of a job. You’d have no say in it.
I’ve just seen it happen twice in the same week.
Chicago office. Closed overnight. Everything moved to Detroit. No rehires. Just a box for your desk and a “thanks for your service.”
Even if your company is brilliant, you still have to protect yourself.
That doesn’t mean bolting for the exit – it means you’re ready when the right role comes knocking.
And here’s the mistake most people make…
They wait until they need a job to prepare.
By then, it’s too late.
If you want to be first in line for the best opportunities, you have to be market-ready all the time.
Here’s your checklist:
- Polish your LinkedIn – headline, summary, skills that actually show what you do.
- Do it quietly if you want – switch off “share profile updates” so your boss doesn’t see every comma you change.
- Reconnect with your network – past colleagues, mentors, peers. Keep it warm.
- Know your worth – salary surveys, recruiter chats, market intel.
- Keep a brag list — recent wins, deals, projects. Have them ready to share.
- Show up – conferences, webinars, professional groups. Opportunities happen in the room.
It’s a lot easier to say “No thanks” to an offer than it is to panic when you suddenly need one.
So, when’s the best time to start looking?
Yesterday.
Best regards,
Mike
P.S. Want to quietly get your LinkedIn in shape without broadcasting it? Go to Me > Settings & Privacy > Visibility > Share profile updates with your network and turn it off. Now you can make updates without setting off alarm bells.
