Fireproof Your Career

These days retrenchments and cutbacks are a given – so see them as opportunities to learn and grow

ECONOMISTS have warned that the global recession may be a double dipper – a second recession following a brief period of growth – with more retrenchments on the cards. But instead of allowing anxiety to gnaw at your gut, try to shift your perspective.

See job loss as an opportunity – to give your career a shot in the arm, to grow as a person, and to create a more fulfilling life for yourself. It’s not as scary as it sounds. Here’s what to do.

HAVE A PLAN

“Having a career plan or agenda can help you manage the changes ahead,” says executive coach Fred Bakker.

“Bear in mind that if you don’t have a plan you’ll inevitably become part of someone else’s plan.”

What are your long-term career goals? Having an idea of where you want your career to lead won’t only give you a sense of direction, and greater job satisfaction, it’ll also encourage you to grow and learn in your current profession. Both are critical factors in maintaining a successful career.

Conversely, expecting to have a job for life will likely cause you to stagnate and lose your professional edge.

BE POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE

There are many things we have no control over, but being proactive means taking control and maximising those aspects we do have control over.

It’s easy to fall into despair but this will negatively affect your image at work, which is never a good thing. It will also sap your will to take the initiative, either by assisting colleagues, brainstorming new ideas and networking, or educating your self about your industry and the challenges it faces.

“If the playing field is equal and it’s neck-and-neck between you and a colleague as to who gets retrenched, then your performance coupled with your great attitude will definitely win the day,” says Viv Gordon of Viv Gordon Placements.