Future-proof your career

Concerns about financial security are on the rise in today’s rapidly changing job market. How to be successful in times of uncertainty? Here’s how.

How to be successful in times of uncertainty

Job security used to be defined by a set of significant goals built over time that allow you to progress and feel proud of your achievements. A steady job makes life meaningful, gives you purpose, pays you enough money to live and represents your expertise. Ultimately, your career defines who you are and what you do. But life doesn’t always turn out the way you want – especially not in this day and age.

What happens if your career suddenly becomes less valuable, even if you still enjoy it? Should you continue to make less money or follow a new path? You might find the idea of changing jobs daunting. Perhaps you’re worried about what will happen if you fail.

These are some questions you may have asked yourself to determine whether you’re on the right path, in terms of your career progression. Thankfully, there are strategies you can put in place now to ensure you don’t hit a dead end in the future. Workplace transformation specialist, author and communication strategist Sihle Bolani believes it’s possible for everyone to achieve long-term career goals, whether starting a new job or building on an existing one.

What does future-proofing your career involve?

Never stop learning, expand your network and keep an open mind. Make use of online courses relating to your line of work, and other courses that may interest you because they explore new policies or global trends. Don’t limit yourself to what you studied at a university or stick to the tasks you know at work. Career changes are happening more frequently as more people prioritise fulfilment, as opposed to having a job solely to make money.

hoW should employees adapt their career to s uit the rapid pace of today’s Workplace?

• It all starts with a change in mindset. Keep abreast of

what’s happening in the world and how it affects your job. • Consider how technology can support or impede your work. Suggesting ways your organisation can become more agile and able to adapt to change also helps position

you strategically within it.

• Follow discussions about legislation that might affect your industry. How will you redefine your role in a newly legislated environment?

• Don’t be reactive. You have access to information, knowledge and resources that enable you to take ownership of your career.

What common challenges do employees face When entering a neW Workplace?

Lack of inclusion by colleagues within the organisation, poor onboarding processes that leave new employees feeling confused and overwhelmed, and misalignment between the values communicated about the organisation during the recruitment phase and what the new employee experiences. People have left new jobs within three months of having started because the employer turned out to be the opposite of what they represented – different culture, values, equality, you name it.

hoW do you build a meaningful career?

Don’t underestimate the importance of a solid work ethic. It’s one of your greatest assets. Treat people with respect, regardless of their position. Always act with integrity and perform your duties ethically. Invest in the development of yourself and others. Be passionate about what you do. The activities that give our lives meaning are those that push us beyond personal gratification. What role does Workplace culture play in career longevity?

“Career changes are happening more frequently as more people prioritise fulfilment over generic employment”

It plays a huge role. It determines whether talented employees who go against the grain are recognised and embraced, abuse is tolerated or not, and employees are safe, happy and productive. Most employees engage with workplace culture via their direct line manager. Ever heard the adage “People leave managers, not companies”?

What’s the best Way to create a strong personal brand?

Want to be remembered? Act with integrity, insightfulness, consistency and visibility.

any advice for young Women entering the Workforce?

Learn as much as you can. Identify a mentor or sponsor and ask them to teach you new skills that go beyond what your current role requires. Understand how your organisation works and makes money. Who are its customers? Not only will this information influence how you approach your work; it will show you understand how your role supports business strategy. Use your voice, share your ideas, ask questions and raise your concerns. Your input is valuable.

do Women face different challenges in the Workplace? is it more difficult for Women to future-proof their careers than it is for men?

Women still aren’t taken seriously in the workplace. We’re surrounded by countless organisations that don’t have women at the helm. It’s generally believed that in order to succeed in her career, a woman needs to be more masculine, tough and put family second. That’s misogynistic and outdated. But until organisations get serious about transformation – and I’m not referring to the digital kind – this way of thinking will perpetuate.

“Women still aren’t taken seriously in the workplace. We’re surrounded by countless organisations that don’t have women at the helm”