Nowadays lifetime employment and job security is hardly feasible due to a rapid changing economic environment. Take for example, the impact on jobs and professions due to the transformation from bricks to clicks. Furthermore our life expectancy is rising. We will be living longer than we all expected. As a result our pension, social and healthcare system will come under severe pressure. In order to keep our standard of living we need to be working longer. Our retirement date will most likely be a moving target or in the worst case scenario no retirement at all!
How many years do you still have to work until your retirement? And do you expect to be working for the same employer or in the same field untill your retirement? The above questions were to a certain degree an eye-opener. I realized I am just halfway i.e. I still have another halfway to go! A lot of questions popped up in my mind about my future journey as an employee. What should I do? Do I need to take actions? How to protect my position i.e. how to stay a valuable employee? Do I have other dreams I would like to pursue (please read my previous blog: https://babblewell.com/your-dream-is-not-for-sale/)? Well it’s time for a personal deep dive. Do you need to take action too?
Usually we start recalibrating our career roadmap when we are made redundant. Due to external circumstances you will be forced to look for other opportunities. What should you do to stay ahead of the game i.e. to be better prepared? First of all you should realize you cannot control external circumstances! What you should do is to act within your own power and circle of influence. Take control before it is too late! How? Take ownership and start developing your skills and competencies while you are still employed. Foremost, and not be underestimated, while you are still in your comfort-zone.
Take the time to assess your current career (status quo) and your ambitions. If you need help you could hire a coach or obtain a mentor. They can guide you. Subsequently you should draft your individual development plan (IDP). Based on your IDP you should start planning the necessary courses. Yes, I know! I rather sit on my couch too (please read the previous blog: https://babblewell.com/an-idle-mind/). It’s not a surprise but employees hardly make use of the many courses available at work. Apparently we do love our couch! However it’s time to take control of your career again. So start using your employee development budget. Remember on the one hand it will help you to remain a valuable employee. On the one other hand you will be able to strengthen those skills and competencies needed for a career change. Bottom line lifelong learning is a necessity!
All in all don’t get used to your current situation. Be ahead of the game. Start improving your competencies while being in your comfort zone. Remember YOU should be in control and not the circumstances. The future belongs to those who are willing to learn to dance in the rain.