What does “Future-Proofing Your Career” mean?

From the most senior of executives, to the most junior of assistants, why should we all do it?

Picture this; you are happy at your job. You have been loyal to the company and you aren’t looking to leave because you know everyone, know the business and frankly, you are comfortable. Besides, you have invested 10 years there and you’d be silly to throw away a good job with all the benefits you have accrued.

But, there have been rumours of trouble. Profits have been down and the company may be looking at ways to become more profitable. One way would be to streamline staff numbers. Your job could be on the chopping block.

What do you do? Could you have done anything ahead of this scenario?

Yes, you could have done quite a lot actually by planning ahead.

So, Future-Proofing is about planning ahead in your career so that changes that will inevitably happen, can be anticipated and worked through, ahead of time. If you have a Plan B in mind and some steps already in place, you can withstand a lot more that life throws at you than if you have your head in the sand and busily go about your job with no thought to the external forces at play.

The first step in Future-Proofing Your Career is to do an audit. Think about the answers to the following questions:

• Do you enjoy your work/job?
• Do you like the industry you work in?
• Do you yearn for something else?
• If your job was taken away tomorrow, would you be delighted or terrified?
• Is it conceivable that your job could be taken away without warning?
• Should you start planning just in case?

Work through these questions. Talk about your answers with your family, friends or a mentor. You might choose to have a career coaching session specifically on this issue, Future-Proofing Your Career.

Stay tuned for the next of the CIRCLE “Future-Proof Your Career” series to help you plan ahead in your career.

Wishing you all the best with your career goals from Maria Cordi, Career Coach and the team at CIRCLE Recruitment & HR.

Important Note: These articles have been prepared for general circulation and are circulated for general informational purposes only; these articles should not be regarded as business or investment advice. The articles represent the views of the writers and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, while every care has been taken in the preparation of the articles no representation or warranty as to accuracy or completeness of any statement is given. An individual or organisation should, before any business or investment decision is made, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and seek professional advice, having regard to objectives, situation and needs. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.