Evaluating Your Career Resilience
Life is not always fair. Therefore, job security is something we should never take for granted. Job loss due to termination, layoffs, downsizing, outsourcing, or any number of other reasons can be emotionally devastating and financially catastrophic. Even if you are self-employed, unforeseen circumstances can threaten the viability of your business.
In the world of work, if the rug is pulled out from under you, it is reassuring to know that you have laid the groundwork to quickly regain your career and economic footing. Ask yourself this question: “If my current sources of income were reduced or eliminated, what would be my alternatives for making a living?”
The following recommendations will not only help you to rebound from job loss or a derailed career path, but also prepare you to grab hold of new opportunities:
More important than job titles on a resume is your “portfolio” of transferable competencies and skills. Make a list of those that you possess and are in demand in many workplace settings and industries.
Take advantage of workplace educational opportunities that will increase your skills and knowledge. Also ask for projects that will challenge and stretch you.
Keep an up-to-date list of your work-related achievements and professional activities.
Make an honest self-appraisal of how well you relate to others and the effectiveness of your oral and written communication skills. In addition, invite a few of your colleagues to share their views of your strengths and weaknesses in these areas.
Keep abreast of workplace trends in general as well as developments in your specific areas of expertise.
Embrace accountability for your own career management, growth, and satisfaction. Always maintain a proactive stance in expanding your career opportunities.
Career growth and job security is something that none of us should take for granted. Therefore, at every stage of your work life, it is important to adopt an attitude of personal responsibility for assessing and nurturing your own career resilience.
Reprinted by permission of Money Quotient, Inc.