21st Century Career Success
By Michelle Casto
When it comes to modern career development,
one thing we can all count on
is change. With the advent of technology, telecommuting, and E-commerce,
how work is performed is in a state of reinvention. Self-employment and
small business development will become more the norm than big business. And
career changes will be more frequent due to rapidly changing organizations
and industries.
Finally, the line between one's personal and professional life will become
even more blurred. Since the modern world of work is rapidly changing to
keep up with the demands of our fast-paced lives and lifestyles, here are
some characteristics of what the new work contract will look like:
* Seeking more meaning from work.
* Equating "career success" with personal satisfaction over paycheck or
status.
* Everyone will need their own "name-brand."
* Increased use of technology.
* Finding work that needs doing.
* Changing in the way management and leadership is conducted (less arrogance
at the top level, more power on lower levels).
* Increased need for networking and self-marketing.
* Lifelong "trying on" of various roles, jobs, and industries.
* Creating a plan that is flexible, and continually assessing the "fit" of
the work.
* Increased representation of women and minorities in the workforce.
* Changing career fields numerous times in a lifetime.
* Self-responsibility: Everyone knowing they have to chart their own career
direction.
However, the 21st century career also offers many advantages:
* More career opportunities for everyone.
* Freedom to choose from a variety of jobs, tasks, and assignments.
* More flexibility in how and where work is performed, i.e. working from
home or telecommuting.
* More control over your own time.
* Greater opportunity to express yourself through your work.
* Ability to shape and reshape your life's work in accordance with your
values and interests.
* Increased opportunity to develop other skills by working in various
industries and environments.
* Self-empowerment mindset.
* Allows you to create situations or positions where you can fill a need in
the world that is not being filled.
* Opportunity to present yourself as an independent contractor or vendor
with services to offer.
How can you successfully navigate through the turbulent times of change and
career uncertainty? By developing resiliency, exercising proactivity,
creating excellent self-marketing tools, keeping your skills up-to-date, and
finding your unique life balance.
1. Develop resiliency (the ability to bounce back).
Having the right attitude about career change is imperative to your ability
to bounce back from setbacks, sudden changes, and twists and turns along
your career path. You will experience a lot of career change and
transitions, so you may as well get comfortable feeling uncomfortable.
2. Take a proactive approach to your career development
You must constantly be on the lookout for new ways to apply your gifts and
talents in the new economy. This requires thinking creatively, actively
promoting yourself/business, and being actively involved in how your career
progresses. Staying involved in professional associations like NAFE, and
continuous networking are excellent ways to connect with other like-minded
professionals.
3. Create first-rate marketing materials
Always keep your resume current. You never know when you are going to want
to share it with someone or pass it along. If you are in business for
yourself, develop classy business cards and letterhead. Harness the power of
the internet by developing an interactive website.
4. Commit to lifelong learning
To keep earning, keep learning. Do not wait until you lose your job or want
to look for another position to gain new skills or training. Recognize the
need to be open to learning and attend classes related to your area of
expertise to keep your skills sharp and marketable. Keep in mind the top
skills needed for career success include: Communication, Computer-knowledge,
Creativity, Customer Care
5. Find your unique life balance
There are four dimensions to life: love, labor, leisure, learning. Remember
that work is just one aspect of your life pie. Be sure to indulge in all of
your areas. Because having an overall balanced life is what leads to the
most fulfillment.
About the author
Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed. is a Whole Life Coach, Speaker, and Author of the
Get Smart! LearningBook Series: Get Smart! About Modern Romantic
Relationships and Get Smart! About Modern Career Development. She can be
reached at coach@getsmartseries.com You can visit her website at http://www.getsmartseries.com.
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