With so many unknowns in our job market and the overall world today, it’s important for your livelihood and sanity to safeguard your career and combat any uncertainty that might come your way.
There are things outside of your control that can disrupt your career path and put your job at risk. From economic slides to financially-debilitating pandemics, we’ve learned nothing is off the table. So, how can you make sure you don’t become another unemployment statistic during the downtimes?
First In, First Out
Getting to work early and staying later than your “clocked out” time shows you’re willing to put in the additional effort. When leaders are faced with tough decisions amid rough financial times for a company, the first person on the chopping block generally isn’t the one going the extra mile.
The additional time spent at work doesn’t have to be used only on projects or tasks you’re currently working on. You could spend the extra time developing yourself professionally via educational platforms, planning your day in the morning, or reviewing and preparing for your next day at the end of your day.
Learn New Skills
No matter the industry, over time, methods or processes change. Keep yourself relevant and one step ahead of competitors by staying on top of technological changes and the market. Although turnover might not hit you directly, it could affect others in your company, including those in leadership roles. Make sure you stand out by using your newfound skills to improve outcomes and manage time effectively as changes occur.
Want to open doors? Learning new skills can expand your job responsibilities or your career growth as needs present themselves. A new language can make you a hot commodity for a company needing bi-lingual employees, further establishing your security. Does expansion mean establishing a new income stream? Learn a skill outside of your direct job responsibilities, and freelancing opportunities might come calling.
Keep and Grow Your Network
Ever heard the term, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know? Maintaining your network is critical to ensuring a healthy career path. And it’s not just engaging with and learning from your current contacts. It’s expanding your circle and keeping your resume updated for the just in case situations.
Make Boss Aware of Accomplishments
If you’re in a situation where frequent performance reviews aren’t the norm, take matters into your own hands. Step up and get your boss to commit to meetings to discuss your performance and career ambitions. One of the biggest missteps an employee can make is assuming that their boss knows exactly what they’re doing, whether that’s the progress made or challenges overcome. Get the meeting frequency in writing by sending a calendar invite to your boss.
Strategically plan your meetings to make the most of your boss’s time. Don’t just go in with a list of tasks you’ve been working on, presenting them like a hotlist. Instead, prove to your boss how what you’re working on aligns with the company’s value and benefits its overall goals.
Plan Ahead
Workplace and industry changes can happen in a heartbeat, meaning it could leave you looking for a job without warning. No matter how secure you feel in your position, always have a plan in place for if things go South. If you don’t plan ahead, you will feel lost, and adjusting to changes as they occur could feel overwhelming or rushed. Why put yourself in that type of anxiety-filled situation?
How else can you make sure your job or career isn’t at risk? Join the conversation on LinkedIn and check out 4 Tips for Boosting Morale at Work.
