Invest in yourself: Be prepared for a changing job environment
Updated: Mar. 23, 2019, 2:44 a.m. | Published: Mar. 29, 2010, 9:38 a.m.
By Joey Nigro-Nilsen / CNY Works, Inc.
Joey Nigro-Nilsen is business services representative at CNY Works Inc., Syracuse. She works with businesses, job seekers and employed workers to navigate changes in the work-force landscape.
Central New York experts in career counseling, hiring, job placement and family budgeting share their advice on landing a job, moving up in a career, re-entering the job market or stretching a budget. Find their tips each Monday in MoneyWise in The Post-Standard and here on syracuse.com.
Though it's an unsettling thought, odds are at some point in your professional career, you might be laid off.
From my vantage point in work force development, I have long held the belief that everyone should prepare to be laid off and think about a "Plan B" and even a "Plan C." We can no longer settle into a job and expect that our current skills will keep us employed for life.
The work force climate has become increasingly unpredictable, making the development of strategies toward achieving long-life employment frustrating and daunting.
Most of the forces in play are unstoppable: rapidly changing technology, offshore competition, mergers, bankruptcies and continual restructuring to cut costs in response to economic shifts. These conditions have given new meaning to "lifelong learning," a passive concept when it was first coined in the 1970s. Now, developing knowledge and skills is not an option, it is vital.
Thankfully, the American workforce culture is changing in response to these challenges. Employers recognize the need to invest in ongoing worker training. They understand that the only way to survive and thrive is to have a well-trained workforce. Worker training is not limited to industry-specific skills training. Successful organizations encourage the development of "soft" skills such as efficiency, leadership and team building, all of which improve performance.
Most employed workers today understand this and are enthusiastic about taking advantage of training that will help them remain employed and make them more employable if they lose their jobs.
During my 30 years in employment and training I have interviewed laid-off job seekers from just about every sector and every level. The majority of them have told me that they didn't see it coming, making their anger, confusion, uncertainty and fear more pronounced than if they had expected it.
I've been laid off myself and understand that the journey from job loss to re-employment is probably one of life's most difficult transitions — especially if it requires a career change. I've been there too.
Preparing for this possibility while you're still employed won't take away those emotions when you suddenly find yourself without an income; but it can make the transition to a new position a little easier.
If you're currently unemployed, you can fast track some of these suggestions. I would urge you to take advantage of available resources in our community, both public and private.
Always know the answers to these questions:
What if I was laid off?
Are there other companies that might need my current skills?
Do I need more skills to remain competitive?
Realistically assess your skills against the demands and requirements of your industry.
Adopt an entrepreneurial spirit:
Look for opportunities to add value to your organization.
Take an active interest in the health of the company.
Engage in the race to remain competitive and express an interest in learning.
Find ways to invest in yourself in your current position: Not every employer can or will provide training. It involves work and money but it's one of the best investments you'll ever make!
Embark on an honest and comprehensive self-assessment:
Buy a copy of "What Color Is Your Parachute."
Take the time to really work every chapter.
Get professional if you can.
Reflect on your values and needs:
Only you can determine what is important to you but you may have to consider your family, your lifestyle and obligations. Start with these:
Financial Needs?
What do I want?
What do I really value in life? Rate your top five, for example:
Professional Growth?
Compensation?
Job satisfaction?
Geographic location?
Identify an alternate career:
At a minimum ask yourself these questions:
What are my interests?
Is there a dream career that I gave up on?
Is it viable today?
What education/skills would I need?
Is it within my reach?
Network to find someone who is doing work you might like and ask their advice.
What are the day-to-day duties?
How did you get started?
Ask them if they know what the short-term and long-term forecasts are in their field.
Keep on top of trends:
Research, research, research!
Stay on top of industry changes and anticipate trends in your current and/or target industries.
Adjust your plans to make changes as the needs of the industries evolve.
Amazon.com has a listing of professional and trades magazines from accounting and finance to the sports and leisure industries.
Links to 33 magazine subjects from agriculture, automotive, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, trade and professional services, and utility and energy can be found at: www.allyoucanread.com.
From there you can get names of publications and Google those. Also, check your local library for current and back issues.
Continually update your resume:
It's easier to evaluate your current skills, strengths and weaknesses while you're still working.