Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 18 to 27.

[I] In today’s quickly changing job market, where long-term employment is now a luxury, the idea of career cushioning has become increasingly important. [II] The rapid changes that followed restructuring, AI-driven change and mergers revealed how fast even stable jobs can disappear. [III] Career cushioning means preparing alternative options – such as improving skills, building networks, or exploring part-time opportunities – before problems arise. [IV]

An essential component of career cushioning is broadening one’s work experience across diverse professional settings. Many individuals apply for apprenticeships, join short training courses, or take on casual work to expand their abilities. These experiences provide useful skills and insight into different fields. Although they may be temporary, they can still offer security by opening new opportunities. This ongoing development widens opportunities and helps them maintain momentum even when market conditions shift unexpectedly.

The growth of remote work and digital communication has also changed how people prepare for possible job loss. Workers now recognize the importance of transferable skills – such as digital literacy, strong communication, and analytical thinking – which can be used in many professions. Employers are increasingly interested in adaptable employees who show initiative and responsibility. As companies, together with their departments, divisions, and workers, reshape their structures to respond to global changes, workers with a wider range of skills usually have better protection against sudden layoffs or reorganization, whereas those who rely mainly on technical specialization may find it harder to adapt to new roles.

In the end, career cushioning represents a fresh way of thinking about job security. Rather than depending on only one full-time position, individuals create several paths toward stability. This approach can be a new mindset, a practical strategy, a rewarding method, and it helps people reduce stress while discovering new interests and career options. Although uncertainty will always exist, preparing early allows individuals to respond more confidently when change arrives.

(Adapted from https://theeverygirl.com/career-cushioning)

The word “They” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________. A. low-context cultures B. consistent speaking styles C. outside factors D. detailed messages