Nationwide budget cuts are taking off, government offices are closing, and businesses are shrinking overhead costs. Current employees should get a “Plan B” ready now.
Don’t be fooled by the recent small improvement in employment numbers. If you are in a company, division, industry, or type of job that is at risk for reduction, get moving NOW to be prepared if you are impacted.
The “sequester” is cause for concern regarding the economic outlook across the board. And we’re likely to see a dip in consumer confidence, as well. Consumers are not optimistic that they will get a raise; that there will be more jobs. Owners of small and medium-sized businesses are questioning whether business will improve over the next six months.
After coaching hundreds of people in the last three years, I have heard it all. Here are the top three excuses why they are not preparing for their next career move.
“It won’t happen to me; I’ve been here a long time.”
“I have no idea what I would do next.”
“Our business/company is doing just fine.”
Here are the top 3 things you should do right NOW, while you’re still employed:
- AIM: Write out your “next job” goal with great precision, including target functions, industries, and companies.
- UPDATE: Re-boot your résumé. Don’t just add your current position; give it a face-lift with keywords, power verbs, relevant skills, and metrics.
- NETWORK: Combine social media with face-to-face connections – industry or association events, alumni events, and any other relevant events you can identify. Use your local Business Journal to find the best events, job leads, fast-moving companies and much more.
In summary, it is more urgent now than ever before that you be ready today for something that could happen to you tomorrow. The job market is already highly competitive and job searches are taking much longer than in the past (an estimated one month for every $10K in annual pay).
We have car insurance, home insurance, health insurance, but no “Job Insurance”… build it now. There are things you should be doing NOW to prepare for your next career move.
Don’t worry; you’re not sneaking behind anyone’s back. The activities you should be involved in are everyday business behavior and don’t have to be “hidden” from the public or your employer. For example, using LinkedIn. Many companies see the value of great LinkedIn profiles for their employees; they’re even teaching how to build one!
Don’t be caught without a “Plan B” for your career. It’s nobody’s responsibility but yours.
