In a recent LinkedIn post, Ani Filipova discusses the often-overlooked vulnerability of highly experienced professionals in the face of corporate restructuring. She highlights the uncomfortable reality that extensive years of service and senior roles do not automatically guarantee job security when organizational needs shift dramatically.
Filipova draws from her own extensive career, noting her 25+ years in banking and a significant role as Regional COO at Citibank. She reflects on the potential impact of a major restructuring that occurred after her departure, posing a critical question about her own preparedness had she remained: “If I’d stayed, and my role had suddenly disappeared, would I have been completely unprepared for what came next?” Her candid answer is a stark affirmation: “And the answer is YES!!!”
The Illusion of Stability
The core of Filipova’s message revolves around the false sense of security that long tenure can create. She points out how easily a senior position, stable income, and predictable routine can be upended. In her words, one day professionals have a clear view of the next few years, and “The next day, all of these disappear.” This abrupt shift can trigger a cascade of anxieties, from immediate concerns about housing and children’s education to broader questions about career direction and geographical location.
“Because experience matters. But experience alone is no longer enough.”
Filipova argues that this lack of a ‘Plan B’ can create profound uncertainty, impacting every facet of a professional’s life. The traditional view that accumulating years of experience is the ultimate career safeguard is, in her assessment, becoming increasingly obsolete.
Bridging Experience and Future Value
The Need for Adaptable Skills
According to Filipova, the professionals who will thrive in evolving economic landscapes are not necessarily those with the most years in a specific role, but rather those who can effectively translate their existing experience into skills that remain in demand. She emphasizes that adaptability and the continuous development of relevant competencies are crucial for maintaining career options and income potential.
Identifying High-Income Skills
Filipova identifies a critical need for experienced professionals to proactively cultivate specific skills that the market will continue to value. She suggests that the key to navigating potential career disruptions lies in understanding how to leverage past achievements to build future-proof capabilities. As she puts it, “The professionals with the most options will be the ones who know how to turn that experience into skills the market will continue to pay for.”
To address this, Filipova announced a free live masterclass designed to guide experienced professionals in this transition. The session aims to cover essential topics such as identifying high-income skills, maintaining relevance in a changing work environment, creating diverse career and income streams, and effectively utilizing existing experience to build new competencies. The masterclass is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th, with sessions at 1 PM CET and 7 PM CET.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ani Filipova on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 14, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →