Resumes and Roses require constant attention.
Are you dreaming of the same, secure job for life? A job with status and tons of security or even a rose-paved career path that extends far into the future with more roses at the end?
Then, I am sorry, as this dream is truly a thing of the past. There are no guarantees of job security or of permanency in any job.
In this climate of change, innovation and creation of new job roles, what are you doing to best prepare yourself for the tricky, often twisted path?
Even roses need to adapt to seasonal fluctuation, unexpected changes in weather patterns, and unpredictable climate. Let’s not forget the competition for nutrients from weeds, disease and pests, not unlike some workplaces.
Many of us associate what we do each day at work with who we are. This is not entirely our fault. Identity is closely associated with our jobs and at most social occasions, people will ask us “Where do you do?” and make judgement of us based on our job title!
Businesses both large and small, are reviewing and changing the way they staff their workplaces. It could mean more part time and/or casual labour, it could be a matter of downsizing. I’m not implying that their methods are ethical. but it does happen.
A job is something that we do, but should not be something that defines us fully, and forever! Our work provides us with an income, and our job gives us a title along with responsibilities and duties to perform. Some lucky people get to do the job that they love for many years and can actually attain the 100% perfect fit! However, this is not the norm, most of us tend to link and merge our personality into the job and do the very best we can do to enjoy our working life.
Now here’s the problem. We sometimes “marry” and merge our personality into our work, so much so, that if and when, the job is no longer available due to whatever reason, redundancy and economic downturn. We are understandably distraught. Jobs themselves are labelled, either permanent or temporary, and this misleads us into thinking that permanent work is on-going and perhaps forever.
The best way to approach the world of work is to truly understand that you don’t “own” any job, and to start this process, don’t call it “your” job. It’s just a role and a duty you are performing at this space in time, to be of use to the community; acquire an income; feel fulfilled and maybe enjoy a way of life.
Your job is not your whole life, even though it can help us meet others and socialize, provide personal and professional growth, and of course, be a source of income. The job is here and now, and who knows for how long? No one can predict the future with any certainty, and we are no longer assured of one job for life (unless we start our own business based on our interests, and even then nothing is assured)
We are living and working in times of rapid change, with new technologies and new ways of performing roles, and let’s mention the other R word. ROBOTS . In Conclusion, what are you doing to best prepare yourself for the future?
Here are three major suggestions to help get you thinking, and hopefully set you on the rosy path to learning and growing from experience: Keep abreast of change, Maintain your currency, and thirdly, check the job market.
1.Keep abreast of trends, read and research articles on new ideas and emerging work patterns – seek out contemporary and analytical thinkers on You Tube, Ted talks, or listen to podcasts, but keep informed or you will feel “left out” or worse, hit by a change that other’s saw coming first and were more prepared to adapt.
2. Maintain your currency in education, training and up-skilling and with new technologies; never stop learning and developing your knowledge, whether its personal development; meditation, learning how to learn, or viewing stimulating lectures on You Tube. Just do it!
3. Check the job market regularly, what new roles and new industries are emerging? Most importantly, Review, Revise and refresh your resume every 6 months!
In conclusion, what are you doing to maintain your currency? How are you remaining relevant within the job market? What strong, core skills-sets do you possess? How do you keep abreast of current recruitment practices? Is your resume written in such a way that it emphasizes your transferable skills?
Ivana Agapiou 0404056278 #resumewriter