A.B.C.: “Always Be Careering”

In my executive search and career coaching practice, I have noticed something over the years. Most of us tend to give thought and expend energy on our future job and career moves either when we are forced to do so by unforeseen circumstances or due to the utter misery in our current job or organization.

Sadly, many of us have been experienced at least one of these situations; some of us have unfortunately lived through both. When we find ourselves in these difficult positions, the stress or anxiety is often exacerbated because we are not prepared for the new and often unexpected challenge.

Getting Prepared
With increasing employment uncertainty and with today's workers changing jobs jobs or careers with great frequency than in any generation in history, we must begin to look at the subject of job and career transition in a new way.

In essence, we must be mindful of a new set of “A.B.C.’s” that you didn’t learn in grade school or even business school:

“Always Be Careering”

“Always Be Careering” is a mindset that your job and career search must be a constant, 24/7/365, holistic approach to “the hunt.” Just as you need to manage your finances, maintain your homes and automobiles and pay your bills, you need to make time to constantly and consistently pay attention to the care and feeding of your career.

By that I mean:

• Schedule time every day to expand your outside network and catch up with former or long lost colleagues and friends. Be open about what is going on with you.
• Always share a short career or job “elevator speech” with whoever you come in contact with. It does not matter if it is your kid’s coach, a neighbor, the guy at the dry cleaner, people know other people. You just never know who.
• Wherever you go, work or family related, always look and act your best. You just never know how that next first impression can have an impact on your future.
• Expand your world. It is important to join and be active in your work, family, community and leisure activities. Also, carve out some time for local professional organizations, either in your field or local networking meetings.
• Finally, take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep well, exercise even it’s a brisk walk, do some yoga or meditation and have ways to take your mind off of things for a while each day. It is time well spent and will help create a great reserve of energy for the times ahead.
• And, finally, relax! As with all difficult times, we’ll work through it.

Many of us have life, auto, home and medical insurance, but unfortunately there is no insurance to help you replace your job or career. When it comes to this area of our lives, we each need to be self-insured. The best way to be self-insured and self-assured is A.B.C.: “Always Be Careering.”

Please let me know if you found this helpful or have thoughts to add. We’re all in this together! Also, please share suggestions for future topics.

Be well. And, Always Be Careering!

Mark