The modern job market is unpredictable. Due to the increasing threat of automation, many people are afraid of losing their jobs. That's why it's smart to have a clear career goal and backup plan. We call this phenomenon career cushioning. In this blog, our colleague Vijay shares how he is preparing himself for unexpected changes in his career.
Career cushioning refers to building a backup plan in your career. This plan protects you from challenges, such as layoffs, unexpected life events, or market disruptions. It offers security in your working life, even when working from home.
Flexible work schedules, such as hybrid or remote working, are becoming increasingly common these days. But when you work in the office, you have access to more networking opportunities and professional development. This can sometimes be a disadvantage for those who work remotely.
Fortunately, there are plenty of online options available to improve your skills and make new connections. Actively search for webinars and networking events that are relevant to your field. This way, you create an extra buffer to fall back on when changes occur in the labor market.
To be successful in your career, it's crucial to proactively invest in professional growth and development. Jobs are rapidly changing or disappearing due to advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). Develop unique skills and build a strong personal brand identity to make yourself indispensable to companies.
Personal branding is about defining who you are as a professional and what you have to offer. It's about building a stronger relationship with the audience by regularly communicating your unique perspective and expertise. This can be done via various channels, such as social media, blogs or a website.
With personal branding, you present yourself as a brand. You show what makes you unique and show your qualities, passions and ambitions. This leads to more opportunities that match your skills and interests.
“I'm active in both content marketing and photography and combine these interests by focusing on social media marketing for companies. To make myself indispensable in the field of content marketing, I am trying to expand my knowledge in this area. I do this by learning new skills, such as designing logos and animations.
While developing editing skills, I came into contact with a professional animator who makes videos for large companies. Our conversations about animation inspired me to delve into the profession. As a result, I've expanded my skills and made me more valuable to companies.”
Networking is building relationships and connections with people in your field or industry. It opens doors to new career opportunities and offers the chance to share information and ideas or receive support from others. Remember, networking isn't just about what others can do for you, but what you can do for them.
A mentor can also be very valuable in building your network. He or she can help you meet the right people by introducing you to other professionals. In addition, a mentor offers guidance and support to develop the skills you need to achieve your goals.
Of course, it can happen that you no longer get satisfaction from your current job and are considering a career change. It can be exciting to take the plunge, but offers the opportunity to take on new challenges and grow as a professional.
Before you make a career switch, it's good to explore new branches. Find out what your interests and skills are and how you can take them to another job. With the right preparation and motivation, a career change is a refreshing and successful step.
Developing a career cushion is a smart move in a world that is constantly moving. By preparing yourself for future developments, you can respond to new and unexpected circumstances.
A career cushion does not mean that you are immune to change, but have a good basis to fall back on. The current job market offers many different career opportunities. Take advantage of this! Start building a solid foundation for your career today.
Are you ready for a new challenge? Check out our vacancies.
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