Career cushioning
PopularQUICK MEANING
Workplace meaning
Preparing backup career options while remaining in one's current job.
EXAMPLE“Employees used the term “Career cushioning” while discussing the new workplace trend.”
ALSO WRITTEN AS
DETAILED EXPLANATION
Career cushioning is a term used in workplace contexts to describe preparing backup career options while remaining in one's current job. It is most likely to appear in workplace discussions, career content and social media. It is generally safe in ordinary conversation, although tone and context can still change how it is received.
REGIONAL TREND SNAPSHOT
How current is “Career cushioning”?
Scores are SlangCheck editorial research snapshots and are not live search-volume measurements.
EDITORIAL RESEARCH
Researched entry
Current term with clear meaning and useful search demand. Primary editorial source: SmartCompany Work Trends — https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/smartcompany-work-trend-guide-2025-coffee-badging-quittok-9-9-6/. Imported from the July 2026 SlangCheck gap analysis; regional scores are editorial estimates, not live search-volume measurements.