How to future proof your career ….
Well here we are again eh…… redundancy meets recession meets cost of living crisis meets record numbers of over 50’s unable to find work ….
and yep, it’s real
and yep if you let it, it can really get you down and push you into that paralyzing “doom state” where you feel like the foundations of your life are as secure as shifting sand
and believe me, I am not making light of this
I have felt that utter fear and paralysis on more than one occasion….which is why I have worked hard at not only redefining work on my terms but also future proofing my career
the good news (if you can call it that) is that redundancy rates in UK currently are pretty even men versus women
the not so good news is that unless you are in that age “sweet” spot of between 24 - 34 you are vulnerable, and this rises as we get older.
it isn’t hard to believe the stats that men work less hours for more pay currently and also that women are working much later in life than ever before - now this can be purely out of necessity but equally it can be because we WANT to - we still have the appetite, the motivation, the drive and the desire
So, how do we keep ourselves relevant and employable?
Here are my top 10 to get you started:
get clear on your unique combination of strengths - consider these your “super powers”
always be looking ahead and keeping at the forefront of your industry or the area you want to move into
write a paper, a proposal, a thought piece on why you believe your organisation needs to be aware of these new developments/opportunities - don’t wait to be asked and certainly don’t wait for someone else to get there first
look at the opportunity in you current role - what can be improved upon, what is everyone else avoiding, what one thing could make the biggest impact - then put yourself forward as the expert
tell everyone what you have to offer - do not assume they already know
look at your current role and assess how much time is being spent in your “zone of genius” - and how much in your “zone of struggle” - how can you redress the balance
take the lead in instigating a project/meeting/conversation or article on a subject you care about that you would like to incorporate more into your role
don’t forget that magic formula of Passion meets skills meets need/opportunity meets what you can get paid for = your niche
keep on learning - books, articles, forums, webinars - doesn’t have to be a full on commitment
follow thought leaders who you admire - connect with them and learn from them and notice how age or gender is irrelevant when it comes to having a POV people can relate to
and never, ever think that you are too old and it is too late ….stop that kind of self defeating thinking now!