Job Hugging Won’t Save You: The Hidden Risk of Playing It Safe
Part of our Leadership Transitions Series, exploring how leaders finish strong, stay connected, and shape what comes next.
"In volatile times, the riskiest move isn't leaving—it's staying disengaged."
When the industry feels unstable, holding tight to your current role seems logical. But what if that "safe" choice is quietly undermining your career?
I recently explored this in BioSpace, where I write regularly about the realities of leadership in biopharma. The piece unpacks a pattern I'm seeing across the industry: job hugging—when fear keeps you anchored to a role that's no longer serving you. With layoffs continuing and budgets tightening, it's natural to want to stay put. But disengagement doesn't go unnoticed, and playing it safe can make you more vulnerable, not less.
The article explores why job hugging backfires, how companies spot disengagement even when you think you're hiding it, and three practical ways to take back control—without walking out the door.
Here's the full article, originally published in BioSpace:
👉 Job Hugging Won’t Save You: The Hidden Risk of Playing It Safe
Key Takeaways:
Why job hugging is a response to fear, not strategy
How disengagement makes you more vulnerable during restructures
Three actionable ways to reclaim agency without quitting
The difference between strategic staying and fear-based clinging
Reflection Questions for Readers:
Are you staying in your role by choice—or by fear?
When was the last time you volunteered for a stretch project?
What would "readiness" look like for your next opportunity?
About the author
Angela Justice, PhD, is an executive coach and strategist who works with leaders preparing for bigger roles, broader scope, or moments where their voice shapes outcomes. Her work integrates behavioral science, leadership psychology, and real-world executive experience.
