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Your Career is An Asset: Don’t Let it Depreciate

December 19, 2008 | Author: Promise Phelon | Filed under: The Networking Habit

As we look at increasing unemployment figures, and try to stomach the idea that there are more job cuts in the forecast, we understandably feel fear.
Fear that we’ll lose our jobs, status in the world and access to the small wonders that make life worth living.

But the dark headlines, jagged markets and job jitters all conspire to distract us from something we can control: Our career goals.

In tough times, we tend to focus on simply staying employed. Our definition of success now equals not getting laid off.

“We stop moving forward and simply hang out in the bunker,” writes Cube Rules blogger Scot Herrick. “And that’s a big mistake.” Avoid this bunker mentality and ask yourself the following questions about where your career – one of your greatest assets – stands.

  • Is this position one that (because of the company, the work you’re performing or your boss/leadership) you’ll have to “explain” at your next interview?

When your organization goes into survival mode, your own job may also stagnate. You got hired to do X, but find that you’re now being roped into doing Y and Z because X is no longer a priority. Before you start offering to pick up the boss’s dry cleaning, review your goals and think about how continuing to do this job will affect your personal growth, skills and career plans.

  • Are you spending at least five hours per week cultivating and expanding your network?

If not, think about your attitude toward networking. We don’t mean going to big events and randomly introducing yourself to other people who are trying to randomly introduce themselves. We mean staying in touch with existing colleagues and contacts and making an effort to help others who may be in a position to help you.

  • Will this position build on the skills, relationships or credibility that you established in your most-recent role?

“Maybe you need to take a job you’re not thrilled with, but remember that no one can dictate your learning curve,” writes Penelope Trunk at Brazen Careerist. “You control that … When I was unemployed, I worked in interesting jobs for free. When I was employed, I read outside my expertise at night. When I was out with a group of people, I looked for the people who could teach me something new.”

  • If you’re going for a new job, will it give you the chance to bolster your resume and differentiate you for your dream job?

Going for a job out of desperation will not get you anywhere. Look at yourself as a rare and valuable free agent who has something to offer.

  • Will this position help you get your dream job faster or strengthen your unique value proposition?

This video interview with researcher and author Marcus Buckingham points to some fascinating research on why we should focus on activities that leverage our strengths and uniqueness (rather than trying to improve on weaknesses). As Buckingham says, “What’s your edge? Own it, use it, channel it.” (By the way, an Oprah interview with Buckingham will be aired today, Friday, Dec. 19).

If you answered “no” to three or more of these questions, we’re afraid your career asset is depreciating and you may need a bailout or a different job.

Related Resources:

Try UpMo’s Network Readiness Evaluator

Where is My Network When I Need It?

Five Lessons From Successful Networkers

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This entry was posted on Friday, December 19th, 2008 and is filed under The Networking Habit. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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2 people have left comments

It is surprising how easy it is to get into a “bunker mentality” given the circumstances at many companies. People don’t realize they have crossed this line where they now just put up with stuff instead of looking at where the opportunities are for them now.

Good article!

Scot Herrick wrote on December 19, 2008 - 3:08 pm | Visit Link

Absolutely. Thanks for the feedback Scot. Your note is poignant as a lot of professionals are being forced to assess “opportunities” in a market and at a time that just isn’t their best interest. Again, appreciate your thoughts!

Promise Phelon wrote on December 20, 2008 - 9:36 pm | Visit Link

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