When
it comes to modern career development, one thing we can all count on is change.
With the advent of technology, telecommuting, and E-commerce, how work is performed
is in a state of reinvention. Self-employment and small business development will
become more the norm than big business. And career changes will be more frequent
due to rapidly changing organizations and industries. Finally, the line between
ones personal and professional life will become even more blurred. Since the modern
world of work is rapidly changing to keep up with the demands of our fast-paced
lives and lifestyles, here are some characteristics of what the new work contract
will look like:
- Seeking more meaning from work.
- Equating
career success with personal satisfaction over paycheck or status.
- Everyone
will need their own name-brand.
- Increased use of technology.
- Finding
work that needs doing.
- Changing in the way management and leadership
is conducted (less arrogance at the top level, more power on lower levels).
- Increased
need for networking and self-marketing.
- Lifelong trying on of various
roles, jobs, and industries.
- Creating a plan that is flexible, and
continually assessing the fit of the work.
- Increased representation
of women and minorities in the workforce.
- Changing career fields numerous
times in a lifetime.
- Self-responsibility: Everyone knowing they have
to chart their own career direction.
However, the 21st
century career also offers many advantages:
- More career opportunities
for everyone.
- Freedom to choose from a variety of jobs, tasks, and
assignments.
- More flexibility in how and where work is performed, i.e.
working from home or telecommuting.
- More control over your own time.
- Greater opportunity to express yourself through your work.
- Ability
to shape and reshape your lifes work in accordance with your values and interests.
- Increased opportunity to develop other skills by working in various
industries and environments.
- Self-empowerment mindset.
- Allows
you to create situations or positions where you can fill a need in the world that
is not being filled.
- Opportunity to present yourself as an independent
contractor or vendor with services to offer.
How can you successfully navigate through
the turbulent times of change and career uncertainty? By developing resiliency,
exercising proactivity, creating excellent self-marketing tools, keeping your
skills up-to-date, and finding your unique life balance.
1. Develop resiliency
(the ability to bounce back).
Having the right attitude about career change
is imperative to your ability to bounce back from setbacks, sudden changes, and
twists and turns along your career path. You will experience a lot of career change
and transitions, so you may as well get comfortable feeling uncomfortable.
2. Take a proactive approach to your career development
You must constantly
be on the lookout for new ways to apply your gifts and talents in the new economy.
This requires thinking creatively, actively promoting yourself/business, and being
actively involved in how your career progresses. Staying involved in professional
associations, and continuous networking are excellent ways to connect with other
like-minded professionals.
3. Create first-rate marketing materials
Always keep your resume current. You never know when you are going to want
to share it with someone or pass it along. If you are in business for yourself,
develop classy business cards and letterhead. Harness the power of the internet
by developing an interactive website.
4. Commit to lifelong learning
To keep earning, keep learning. Do not wait until you lose your job or want
to look for another position to gain new skills or training. Recognize the need
to be open to learning and attend classes related to your area of expertise to
keep your skills sharp and marketable. Keep in mind the top skills needed for
career success include:Communication, Computer-knowledge, Creativity, Customer
Care
5. Find your unique life balance
There are four dimensions
to life: love, labor, leisure, learning. Remember that work is just one aspect
of your life pie. Be sure to indulge in all of your areas. Because having an overall
balanced life is what leads to the most fulfillment.
