Own your career, embrace uncertainty, create stability

Ask a job seeker what they want in their next position and “security” will likely make the top 10 list. Most of my clients identify security as a core value. They want a guarantee that their jobs and incomes will be stable. Unfortunately, in today’s world of work, stability is no longer an unspoken perk that comes with being employed.

We may not always show it, but deep down many of us feel anxious and vulnerable. On some level, we know that we are susceptible to unexpected changes. Most of us also realize that if we want to move forward in our careers, it is up to us to make it happen. The problem is that we are vulnerable and unprepared to make smooth transitions. The image that comes to mind is “sitting ducks.” It is not a pretty picture!

Career experts suggest that all jobs, even those considered permanent, are nothing more than temporary assignments. The fact is that no one can give us security; it is something we must create for ourselves. How can we find security when the world is so unpredictable? It comes down to being prepared.

We not only need to be prepared for unexpected changes, such as a layoff or a company going out of business. We must also be prepared to make quick changes when good opportunities arise. The following steps can help us take ownership of our careers, ease our fears and anxiety, and increase our sense of security and freedom:

Be self-aware

Continually take the pulse of your own career goals and desires. Do you love your work or are you ready for a change? Do you know the value you provide to clients or to an organization? This may sound simple but many of us have a difficult time identifying and articulating our value.

It is also vital to understand how your skill sets translate into dollars in today’s job market. Candidates often act as if their personal budgets should dictate their salaries. It is not a given that you will find a position that pays a higher wage or even the same wage as you earned previously. Knowing the reality around this is key to making good career decisions and to career ownership.

Be industry savvy

Whether you are currently employed or considering a position, do research to understand the organization’s financial status and future goals. What is the strategic direction of the company? Who are its main competitors and how are they faring? Is the company poised for success or struggling to compete?

Just because you work for someone else does not mean you need to be in the dark about the well-being of the organization. Career ownership requires thinking like a business owner. Strong industry knowledge is key to making the best decisions possible.

Be a life-long learner

You increase your security in the world when you frequently scan the horizon for what is coming up next in your field or industry. You can then take steps to ensure you are armed with the skills necessary to succeed.

One way to identify gaps in your skill sets is to review job postings for current positions that are similar to your own or for positions to which you aspire. Chances are high that you will see some requirements that you don’t meet.

Attendance at conferences and workshops are obvious activities, but you also can seek out practice projects, job shadows, mentoring partnerships and even internships to continually acquire and practice new skills.

Be job-search ready

Is your résumé up to date? Is your network active and alive? Far too many of us ignore these things until we are in dire need. Take steps today to tune up your career portfolio so that you are ready for what is next. This can save you time and money, not to mention relieve stress, if you suddenly find yourself on the job market.

“Penny” was laid off last September. It literally took months before she was fully prepared to execute an effective job search. Her severance dwindled while she updated her online profile, retooled her résumé, polished her interview skills and learned how to network to uncover good opportunities.

Emotional readiness also is important. If you are burned out or grappling with feelings of grief and loss, your job search may need to wait. Sometimes you do more harm than good when you try to transition too quickly.

Create extra income streams

One of the best ways to take greater ownership in our careers and in our lives is to find more than one way of earning money. I know people with good jobs who generate extra income in a variety of ways, including blowing out sprinklers in the fall, growing hay, making and selling jewelry, playing music, and freelance writing.

A client kept his family afloat during a transition by selling electronics on eBay while he conducted a job search. “Mark” had been doing this for years, so it was easy to ramp up his online business when he needed to increase his income.

Be a saver

Financial advisers suggest that you have enough money in your savings accounts to cover six months of living expenses. There is no guarantee that you will receive a severance package or that it will last as long as your dedicated job search. Money is power, so start saving for those rainy days.

Following this advice won’t prevent unexpected changes from occurring, but these steps can help ensure you are prepared for setbacks as well as ready to jump when good opportunities come along.

Embracing the temporary nature of work can be a major paradigm shift. Only when you fully accept that job security is an illusion can you “get real” and begin to take ownership of your career and of your life. No more acting like sitting ducks. Take back your power! Now is the time to soar.

Carrie Pinsky is a freelance writer, job-search coach and training specialist. Reach her at Pink Sky Counseling and Career Services, 970-225-0772 or pink-sky.net.

on Facebook on LinkedIn