Judy Downing

Manage Your Career in Changing Times

Today’s turbulent work environment can knock even the best careers off course. So how do you succeed in the face of economic downturns, massive layoffs, and an unstable stock market?

Focus on yourself, be realistic, and follow these five steps to navigate the stormy seas:

1.      Be Your Own Best Friend

Many of us were taught to be good employees. That meant relying on someone else to tell us where we fit in, what skills we needed, and when we were ready to advance. Take back your power by being very clear about how you see yourself and how others see you. Be realistic and candid about what you really want your life to look like and believe that it can happen!

2.      Plot Your Course

Sailors know how to do this. Plan your destination and then look for a route that will get you there. Make sure to allow for some alternatives in case things don’t go exactly as planned. And set in a store of extra supplies in case you get blown off course for a while. When possible, study the routes others have taken, but be aware that what worked for them might not be exactly right for you.

3.      Brand Yourself

Let people know who you are and what you stand for, regardless of what organization you may work for. There are lots of ways to do this: volunteer in your community, go to network meetings, make presentations, network online, and write articles. Choose what works best for you and find ways to do it.

4.      Keep Connected

Connections with people are valuable. You never know when someone will surprise you with a great lead. Make sure to stay connected. Have a system to keep track of contact information for those important to you. Make sure to keep contacts current, especially if your circumstances are changing. Have a plan for staying in touch. Call one or two people each week. Send birthday and holiday cards. Send an email blast every few months to let people know what you’re doing.

5.      Stay Open

You never know when being blown off course might be the best thing that ever happened to you. If an unexpected opportunity comes your way, take a good hard look. Is this destination better than the one you originally planned? If so, maybe it’s time to get off the boat and spend a bit of time. It may give you just what you need to get where you really want to go.

Turbulent times are not always bad for business. There are riches to be found. Know what you’re looking for, keep moving, and they could be yours!

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