Reflect And Rise!!!
Year 2020 has been posing challenges to all of us in various forms and shapes which we were not prepared for. Business downturn, pay-cuts, job losses, financial crisis, wellness are some of the common crisis which affected us.
Of course, we didn’t see this coming. How can we be expected to be prepared in the first place? Sure, we can’t control everything but we can always prepare ourselves on some of the aspects in our personal or professional life which can be controlled and nurtured.
Job losses have been one of the most seen feeds on our LinkedIn page and people have not been able to get hired even after months together. While some of us have been fortunate enough to have the job in hand during this pandemic, we have also seen people switch jobs. While some complained that there is so much work, stress and imbalance of work & life, some consoled others and themselves Thank God at least you/I have a job.
We liked, commented and shared posts for better reach but what happened after that? I am not trying to ridicule situation or anyone but trying to share with all of you that, what can we do so that we never land in a situation of losing a job for whatsoever reason. Have you ever wondered, how some people are always successful, or did not go through any job crisis or were put under performance observation (PIP)?
Here are some of my learnings that might help you too, to have an edge in your career.
1. Continuous Learning and being Relevant all the time: One has to keep learning and updating one’s self irrespective of their career stage. Do I have the skills to perform my current role effectively? What are the current trends/skills related to my profession? What skills are needed to elevate my profile? Getting answers are not enough but working towards it. Once you gain confidence that no one else can do your job better than you and , that’s an indication that you are good at what you do. If you feel otherwise, you are in some serious trouble.
2. Choosing friends at work: This goes with the same philosophy — what you eat, what you become. I was once told in the early stage of my career that your colleagues can never be your friends. Well, it’s not true. Your work friends from different groups can be your best mentors too. Choose your friends wisely. Spend time with those whom you look up to, who are making a difference. Your friends can transform your career in a great way(we can always choose which direction of the transformation we want to end up with)
3. Your present is your future: Clarity on what you are doing at present v/s what you want to be doing in long-term are the two questions to get answers first. Then analyse if your current tasks or contributions are building a stepping-stone towards your long-term objectives. If you see a gap, act immediately. Speak to your manager or mentor or anybody from whom you can get help from.
4. Work-stress (not people stress) and workload is good: You may hate me for this opinion but trust me; it’s true. This is one of the indications that your company is doing good, you are surrounded by smarter people and it needs you to keep up the pace with it so that you all can grow together. So, my suggestion here is if you ever find yourself stressed and handful of work, thank your employer and ask how else can you contribute. If you have lot of free time at work and surrounded by easy going colleagues, quit that place and do yourself a favour.
I am sure there are many other ways to it which must have worked best for our friends in the industry. It’s not that people do not want to help, it’s us who are not open to seek help. Everyone is busy in the current world, if we do not have time to ask for help, why will anyone stop by us and extend help. Reach out for help and find your mentors around you. This is not necessarily someone at your skip level or some Directors or VPs and the likes. This can be anyone whom you feel they are doing well and they are on the right path.
