We know, things are looking bleak at the moment.
But when the sh*t hits the fan—even on a global scale—there are things each of us can do that may help us ride this wave rather than drowning… or at least bob somewhere close to the surface.
Here is a partial list of considerations we see value in taking, during these difficult times.
SECURE YOUR JOB AT YOUR CURRENT COMPANY
Take a few minutes to perform an honest mental inventory. Ask yourself, “In what ways does my work directly contribute to the vitality of the company?”
The quicker you’re able to answer this question, the less likely it will be that you’ll be made redundant in the near future.
Asses your relationships as well. Are you well integrated, with ties to people beyond your immediate supervisor and direct reports? Does anyone else do your job? Could they?
No one is saying to go around brown-nosing, but if your contributions and presence are not felt widely, it could be a sign that you’re on the bubble.
EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
So let’s say you are on that bubble, or suspect you are. What then? Arguably, the expansion and cultivation of your personal and professional network should be a regular activity—but if it isn’t—there’s no time like the present to start.
Covid has made it difficult to mingle in person, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to meet. Apps like Shapr have been around for a while, and can help you connect with others interested in networking—all just a few swipes away.
Speaking of networking…
UPDATE YOUR RESUME AND LINKEDIN PROFILE
It doesn’t hurt to keep a current resume on file. You’d be amazed how many of your accomplishments you’ll forget before you have the chance to commit them to the page. This is another one that’s good as a general practice, but vital in times of uncertainty.
Likewise, your LinkedIn presence has the power to help or harm you professionally—more than perhaps anything else in the digital realm. Basic steps like a professional headshot (from the past 5 years), a descriptive, human-voiced summary, and up-to-date job descriptions
MAP YOUR SKILLS
It is said that the odds of becoming the best at any single skill is astronomically low—but the odds of becoming the best at a unique combination of skills is attainable. So if you end up having to pivot—even in your mid or late career—you may be further along than you think.
Start by listing your skills and strengths on a sheet of paper, then begin organizing them in groups, and connecting them with lines. In the end, you may find that you’re a lot more transferrable than you think, as soft skills are almost universally necessary.
And lastly…
DON’T LOSE HOPE
Job markets, economies, industries, even personal histories—are all full of ups and downs. And nothing—whether upswing or downturn—is permanent. Keep in mind that most of us will experience between 5 and 8 recessions before our careers are over.
We’re in this for the long haul, so while recessions, pandemics, and other global unrest may set us back—it’s never the final word.
We want to hear from you: What actions are you taking right now? What have we missed from our list? Contact us today.
Visit us on Twitter or LinkedIn. Or—to get even better acquainted—give us a call at +1 612 234 1153 (US), +44 7 835 160 205 (UK), +972 3 681 8885 (IL), or info@tamooz.net.