Job Shadow Risk Assessor#

This skill gives you the exact 21-day checklist to read the quiet internal signals that your job is becoming obsolete (reorgs, metric changes, AI pilots, budget freezes) and simultaneously build a 3-month runway + marketable proof without ever looking disloyal or updating LinkedIn. It matters because The First 72 Hours skill only kicks in after the layoff — this one keeps you paid while you prepare.

When to Use#

• You sense budget cuts, AI pilots, or reorgs but no one has said anything yet
• Your boss has gone silent on future projects or your metrics are suddenly being tracked differently
• You want to prepare for possible job loss without quitting or raising any red flags

Instructions#

Step 1: Silent 12-Signal Diagnostic (Days 1–3)#

Score your exact role against 12 internal company signals.

Agent action: Create job-shadow.md. Run the user through the 12-question checklist (frozen headcount, sudden metric changes, AI tool rollouts, etc.) and calculate risk score (low/medium/high). Save the score.

Step 2: Hidden Cash Buffer Build (Days 4–10)#

Divert money without changing visible lifestyle.

Agent action: Set up one new high-yield savings account labeled something boring (“Tax Adjustment 2026”). Automate a transfer equal to 8–10% of every paycheck. Update job-shadow.md with exact new runway number (target: 3 months of bare-minimum expenses).

Step 3: Stealth Marketable Proof Creation (Days 11–18)#

Create one public, high-demand proof on company time without looking like you are job hunting.

Agent action: Identify one skill that transfers out of your industry. Block 25 minutes per day on your calendar as “deep focus” and complete one small deliverable (GitHub commit, internal tool, public article under a neutral byline). Log proof in job-shadow.md.

Step 4: Quiet Network & Reference Lock (Days 19–21)#

Secure allies and documentation while still employed.

Agent action: Identify 3 people inside the company who like you. Send one low-key value-add message to each. Save every positive email thread. Draft the exact severance negotiation script for future use and store in the file.

Rules#

• Never mention preparation to anyone at work
• Do not update LinkedIn, apply anywhere, or tell recruiters until risk score is confirmed high
• All new accounts and activities must be invisible on company devices
• This is not legal advice; keep every email for potential unemployment or severance claims

Tips#

• The moment they stop investing in you (no training, no feedback, no future projects) is the real signal — not the official layoff announcement.
• Counterintuitive: The best time to create proof and network is while you still have the current job title on your email signature — doors open faster.
• The hidden savings account is the single biggest nervous-system calmer. Once you have 3 months runway, the daily panic drops dramatically even if the job never ends.