Redundancy, it isn’t the end of the road!
As they say, the only thing in life that is constant...is ‘change’. In a society that has changes all the time, with new and improved ways of solving problems, collaborating and getting things done; one of the key characteristics of any good employee or leader is adaptability. We are talking about taking charge of your career! - being employable is your responsibility, it’s not up to organisations to spend the time and money on your development - your job is to keep yourself relevant and resourceful and keep up with changes in your industry. Here are some tips that can help you to avoid redundancy of your career.
WHAT IS REDUNDANCY?
Redundancy occurs when an employer either doesn’t need a certain role or job to be done by anyone or has become bankrupt. Redundancy can happen when a business introduces new technology (when the job can be completed more efficiently and less costly by technology); company progression is reduced due to lower sales or productions; closes down; relocated interstate or overseas; restructures or re-organises because of a merger or takeover.
TIPS TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CAREER
Gather info - Come up with a career plan. It starts with awareness of self and your industry - what’s happening now and where it is headed - explore your skills, values, opportunities, obstacles and the goals to be constantly improved on. This will represent where you stand, and what you want for the future and how you will adapt. This plan is a work in progress and can be implemented as you continue down your career path, e.g exterior training programs, seeking support from family, friends and colleagues etc.
Transferable skills - these skills can help you be indispensable. More often than not we take our skills for granted without recognising that they are in what makes us unique and employable. Being aware of our Transferable Skills is valuable in self-development and further distinguish yourself from other colleagues and candidates. The greater and prominent your skills, knowledge and experiences are, the greater your prospect of being indispensable becomes. Ensure that your skills and qualities are actively shown to the employer.
Longevity - Most of us are great at short-term plans to stay on track, but remember you must also be able to improvise and adapt when it comes to your career (a lifelong event). There are times where unexpected events can occur and you’ll need to figure out a plan B.
Resources - Think of your career as a resource you need to develop. You need to develop 3 types of career capital:
Why? What drives/motivates you to give your best everyday?
How? What skills do you have to offer? How will you do your work?
Whom? Who will be key contacts and be a part of your network that you can leverage to propel and build your career?
If you are able to answer these three questions, you are heading in the right preparation for anything!Pulse - keep an eyes on these areas as they will change over time, check on these periodically and what any shifts could mean in your career. The key is to continuously reinvent your career to stay relevant.
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