Future Proofing Your Career

A pole with signs pointing in different directions stands in silhouette in front of a pink and orange sunset

Whether you're at the beginning of your career, in the middle stages, or thinking it may be time to wind down a career and move to the next phase, there are a few recommendations you should consider…

Action 1 - Know Your Strengths and Assess If You’re Using Them Optimally

Take an assessment like Clifton Strengths or StandOut.  Evaluate how closely the profile fits what you are feeling day to day about using your strengths.

  • Evaluate your week…what % of time are you spending on your areas of strength? Do you feel drained every week or excited about the opportunities?

  • Consider…what things could you change this week that would allow you to focus more time on what you love to do.  Listen to Marcus Buckingham’s thoughts on this topic for an additional perspective: https://www.marcusbuckingham.com/rwtb/spend-a-week/

  • Consider...If you love what you’re doing, how can you ensure you continue to spend the predominance of your working time on things that you love to do? What priorities do you need to protect?

Action 2 - Reflect and Research the Trends in Your Profession/Industry 

Where is technology intersecting with your field?  What other influences are impacting your company or role (changes in leadership or strategy, new competitors, changing market, etc.)?

Reflect on the following questions

  • How comfortable are you with these evolving influences?  Are you prepared?

  • When you consider technology changes like automation....how likely is it that your role or parts of it could be automated?  What part of your role could be expanded if you were freed up from some of the more routine tasks (those that could be automated)? What would you do if you had more time?

  • What online learning (courses, podcasts, books, etc.) or live events could better prepare you for the future?

  • What networking groups/meet ups would enhance your understanding of the changes in the industry/market?

  • Would finding a mentor in a specific niche area be beneficial?

Create an action plan to prepare you for the future.

Action 3 - Plan B

  • If you don’t love what you’re doing, you’re not using your strengths, or it’s time to transition to Career #2 (or #3…), consider a session with a coach or mentor to help outline what could be next.

  • Review…

    • What skills, capabilities, and experiences you have that are transferable and which ones do you want to ensure you keep leveraging?

    • What additional education or experience would you need to move into Career #2?

    • Who could you talk with in that new field that could advise you?

If you go with the conventional wisdom that you will do the best in a job that you're good at and that you enjoy and maybe love, it's really important to ensure you're regularly reflecting on whether your current position allows you to be your best.  However, don't forget to pay attention to what's going on around you to ensure that you're not sticking with something that won't be there in a few years.

It's time to future-proof your career.

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Embracing Change

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Holding on Tight