It’s perfectly normal to feel unsure about your job security. After all, the job market can be very competitive and many industries are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Add to that the idea of a recession hitting or (fingers crossed) another pandemic heading our way, you may start to really worry about the security of your career. But worrying will only ever get you so far before it starts to feel a little counterproductive. Because stressing about something isn’t going to change the scenario — only action can do that.
However, you may be thinking — what exactly can I do to protect myself and my career in uncertain times (or just for life in general? Well, for starters, you’re going to want to read things like this blog post and Recession Proof Your Career: Psychology Today to help you calm your nerves. And from there (you’ve guessed it), you’ll want to start taking some action. But in order to do that, you’ll need to know what you can do. So, to help you, in this blog post we’re going to take a look at what this could mean for your life and your career, as well as some steps and strategies you can implement to make yourself more marketable and secure in your career.
What Could a Recession Mean for Your Career?
With the global economy becoming increasingly uncertain, it is important to understand and anticipate how a potential recession could affect your career. A recession can lead to job layoffs, which would have a direct impact on employment levels in any job market. Businesses may also be less likely to hire new employees during a recession, choosing instead to remain conservative with their hiring practices.
Even if you are currently employed, you may find that opportunities for promotion or raises diminish during a recession due to budget cuts and tightened business spending. The best strategy is to be proactive in developing your skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends while keeping an eye out for potential openings during challenging economic times.
Are We Always Secure in Our Jobs?
It is impossible to guarantee security in any type of employment. Even workers with seemingly stable jobs can suddenly find themselves unemployed, either due to unexpected economical changes or because their employer has decided to reduce staff. The reality of losing a job can be frightening, leaving workers feeling vulnerable and exposed as they seek out new opportunities.
Despite this uncertainty, people are more empowered than ever before to pursue whatever interests they have. Yet, it’s still a good idea to be aware of what’s going on in the world. and make meaningful connections in the workforce. By staying alert, prepared, and open-minded to all possibilities, you’ll find that you can still feel secure at work even when the economy seems a little rocky.
Is it Possible to Make Your Career More Secure?
Having a secure future is something most of us strive for, but does this have to come with a particular career choice? Absolutely not. Making your current career more secure comes down to preparing for uncertain times and having a plan in place. You can do this by staying up-to-date in your field of expertise, networking with people you trust, and building relationships both inside and outside of the workplace.
With the right strategies in hand, you can create new opportunities and be better positioned when changes occur. It’s not always about being in the right field or making choices based on security. Just remember that not every industry is recession-proof.
What You Can Do to Get Ahead (Securely) in Your Career
Okay, so now that we’ve taken a look at the idea of job security and what you can do about it, you might want to focus on the actual steps you need to have in your plan in order to feel as secure as you possibly can, and get ahead in the process. Let’s take a look.
1. Expand Your Skillset
One of the best ways to make yourself more marketable is to acquire new skills. Look for classes, training programs, or even online courses that teach you valuable skills in your field. This will not only enhance your resume, but it will also give you the confidence to take on new challenges at work. It might even help you to get ahead in the process too! Plus, learning new things is always fun and fulfilling.
2. Build Your Network
Another effective way to boost your career security is to build a strong professional network. Connect with coworkers, peers in your industry, and people you admire on LinkedIn. Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars to meet new people and learn about the latest industry trends. You never know where your next opportunity might come from, so it’s important to stay connected and maintain positive relationships at all times.
3. Keep Your Resume Up-to-Date
Even if you’re not job searching at the moment, it’s important to keep your resume up-to-date. This will help you stay on top of your accomplishments and skills, and it’ll also make it easier to apply for jobs if you ever need to. Plus, having a current resume will give you a sense of satisfaction and confidence in your career.
4. Focus on building your strengths
It’s easy to get caught up in the things you need to improve on, but it’s important to also focus on your strengths. Build on your strengths, and find ways to use them more effectively in your job. This will not only make you more valuable to your employer, but it’ll also give you a sense of accomplishment and confidence in your career. And you’ll know how to be resourceful too should it ever come to it!
5. Consider Freelancing or Side Gigs
And finally, if you’re feeling particularly insecure about your job, consider taking on freelancing or side gigs. Not only will these opportunities help you build your skills and expand your network, but they’ll also give you a sense of financial security if something unexpected happens at your main job. Plus, it’s always good to have multiple streams of income.
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