As we slowly emerge from the pandemic years, we are dealing with high level of uncertainty in both employers and employees. Employers are seeing record rates of turnover – what some have called the “great Resignation” – and are redefining workspaces, investing in new technologies, creating trust-building initiatives at their companies.
Employees are re-examining their own careers, from upskilling to improve and grow with their current company to switching careers or work styles completely. A recent study showed that not only is employee turnover still on the rise, but people are also more willing than before to quit their company even without another job lined up.
Here’s a few reasons why this period of disruption is the perfect time to chart your own career strategy pathway forward.
Take advantage of uncertainty by sharpening long-term goals
When things feel steady and predictable, we don’t always feel urgency examine our current career pathways and future goals. It’s easy to be complacent, but it keeps us from operating at our highest potentials.
When times feel uncertain, however, one of the best ways to regain a feeling of control is to create an action plan. Whether you worry about job insecurity or considering a new opportunity, creating a career plan can put the power back in your hands and leverage it for your future benefit.
Instability can be just the wake-up call we need to realize we’re unsatisfied in our current roles. Don’t wait to rethink your future until after a crisis, like being laid off. At that point, it’s challenging to gain the necessary self-insight before making decisions out of desperation.
Instead, invest in your career development while you still have a sense of control and choice so you can stay clear headed and act in your best interest. Sometimes a shakeup at work becomes to motivating factor to start upskilling or new-skilling.
VIP Innovation’s comprehensive new Career Planning Guide is a resource for people currently in this position, or anyone wanting to rethink their work journey, from early career through retirement years. And’s it’s free – just enter your contact information here.
Develop learning agility to keep ahead of future change
There’s one factor critical for long-term success that we don’t always think about, and it’s called learning agility. More than aptitude, it relates to how you evolve, namely how you learn, and how you use your new knowledge to stay relevant in your career and continually outperform in an ever-changing world.
Research shows that high learning agility is significantly correlated with positive career objectives, such as compensation, promotion frequency, and perceptions of leadership competence. People who measure high in learning agility manage their career with a readiness to adapt, stay curious, minimize defensiveness, and unlearn deeply held mental models to make room for more purposeful ones.
A simple journaling practice can start to develop your learning agility. At the end of each day, ask yourself three questions: Did I experience and show genuine curiosity today? Was I defensive today, holding tightly to my perspectives? Did I learn anything new today or challenge my past beliefs?
Write down your answers. Over time, you’ll see patterns that will naturally open your eyes to opportunities to shift your mental models and behavior for future growth.
Creating Certainty in Yourself, for Yourself
Assessing your career values and goals, working from intention, and investing in the process of doing great work are all vital for a successful career amidst change.
Much about life is uncertain at the moment—and many things remain outside of your control. The good news is that you’re not powerless. Instead of worrying about the uncontrollable, try to refocus your mind on taking action over the aspects that are within your control.
Next time, we’ll dive deeper into concrete steps you can do to find your purpose and develop your own career plan. And don’t forget to download the Career Planning Guide.