It’s a Continuing Process
In a few days we not only close out the year 2019, but the decade of the 2010’s. During this past decade, I have spent my time as a certified coach, first trained in Life Coaching concepts, and shortly after that in Career Coaching. Before that, I had worked in a corporate role that had me at the same corporation for a 30 year career.
While the economy is certainly considered in a better position than when we started the decade, and fewer people are statistically unemployed, the decade definitely marked a change for a number of people. That change is not going back to what was the status quo, any time soon. In fact, I caution the individuals with whom I work either directly as a coach, or in the job search support groups that I facilitate, to understand, their children are entering a world of careers and jobs that are far different than their parents knew. As part of that, they may make choices or take paths which not considered right by their parents, but may be ones that are best for them.
Even in a better economy than what was the case 10 years ago, so many still have so much to learn about navigating the world of work 2020. Those that have not been in search for a long while, when coming upon the way job search works compared to the last time they looked for a job, often are in shock. The need for a STRONG Linked In profile was barely scratching the surface 10 years ago. While there was encouragement about networking with others, it was nowhere near stressed as it is now. In fact, a message that those in search that land often miss, and only get “reinforced” when they find themselves back in search again is they should keep networking, even after they land a job position. That networking may not be in the job search support groups they used when they were in search, but it could be in professional associations for their field, alumni associations or charitable endeavors. The point is living a life where one gets up, goes to work, comes home and stays to themselves and never, or are very limited in their connection with others, is only going to put someone back at “Step One” in their job search the next time.
That next time can often come quickly. For some, their first available work opportunities are in contract roles that can last months, or perhaps at best 2 to 3 years. However, the alternative of waiting to be offered a full-time position can lead to a longer search, going months without receiving an income, and building up a resume’ that shows large gaps in employment. Even landing a full-time position offers no guarantees. Places of employment do not stay stable as they once did. Mergers and acquisitions happen all the time. A new way of doing things comes along putting the previous way of doing things and a company which supports those ways, out of business. There are very few people with guarantees in the world of work 2020.
So, what is one to do? Here are some thoughts and tips that I suggest:
a.) As previously indicated, look for networking activities that will keep you connected. They do not have to be every day or week. But, they should not be so rare that you realize you are seeing the same people in your life day after day, week after week. Look to not only join your professional association, but attend some of their meetings. Perhaps be active as one of the members that run the organization. Look for activities as your local place of worship, a charitable cause in which you believe, or perhaps if you have children, being active in leading or supporting their activities.
b.) Look for ways to stay current in terms of your education. That does not mean having to complete a degree. It could mean a certification course. It could mean even a course on several separate subjects that are introducing you to ways/technologies that are becoming prevalent in your business or job role. Classroom type learning will get you to meet others, but if you feel time pressed, the current world allows for virtual learning very easily.
c.) Use the tools available to you to read up on changes/evolutions in both your line of business and profession. What are the types of skills being sought? How are they being applied? If you had to take on one of the roles in another company, would you have the skills to do so?
d.) Look at the online job postings, (even if you are not looking for a new job), to see the skills/qualifications that are being sought. Yes, those descriptions will ask for an individual that can do probably more than is truly needed. But, what skills/keywords appear to be occurring over and over again
e.) Occasionally assess yourself. Are your values now the same as they were 5 years ago, or 10 or more years ago? If you are like many people, probably not. Values evolve and change. To the extent they do, does that mean that ultimately you are looking to practice your profession in a different size company, or different industry. Considering it while you are still in control of your career will likely help you to think clearer when you feel pressed to “land something.”
So, start out the New Year committed to looking at your development and evolution as both a person and someone who works or enjoys a vocation in a new way. You may not do it perfectly, and sometimes you will slip in terms of your commitment, but if you are conscious about what you are looking to achieve you will get yourself back on track.
