The workplace is changing, with temporary jobs, short-term appointments and gigs increasingly becoming the norm. Here we outline five actions you can take to become better prepared for the changing world of work.
Whether we like it or not, the workplace is changing. Unlike our parents, or grandparents, who only worked for one organisation their entire professional lives, the current work force will likely change jobs at least half a dozen times throughout their career. Hence, there is now a greater sense of work and being employed as being a more dynamic and unpredictable state, and not necessarily offering the long-term stability that previously had been the case.
Although more people might be opting to embrace the ‘gig’ nature of work (such as fixed term or short-term jobs) that is readily available today, employers are also embracing this approach. As a result, they are more inclined to maintain a core team, and bring on additional expertise and manpower only when needed. It therefore means that people who would prefer to be in permanent employ, may still find themselves out of a job and facing uncertainty.
So, regardless of whether you are already enthusiastic about the gig economy, or will do so reluctantly, it is crucial to be prepared. Below, we outline five things we think you ought to do, in order to be better prepared for the changing world of work.
Admit that the workplace is changing
In almost any ‘‘X’ step process’, one of the first steps is to acknowledge the situation. In this case, it would be foolhardy to ignore the signs and predictions. In squarely acknowledging that the future of work is changing, and job security may be more fleeting than it used to be, in the first instance, it can help you better see and contextualise yourself – your skills and capabilities, your current position, whatever professional aspirations you might have, etc., – within the context of your environment. Further, and in being better informed about your own context and situation, you should be in a position adjust your attitude and perspective, and to be more proactive, as needed.
Redefine success and what It means to you
In the changing world of work, the metrics that you use to gauge success may also need to change. For example, although you might not be in full-time employ, success could redefined to mean having multiple short-term contracts, and your services being in demand. Further, if your time is not fully occupied in paying work, a win might be defined with respect to how productive you are, or what additional skills you are learning to continue to ensure that you are marketable.
Be prepared to hustle
The posture you adopt in a long-term job/position is likely to be vastly different than if you have a temporary or short-term appointment. In the case of the latter, it would be important to keep your ear to the ground for now opportunities, into which you can move that might be able to offer better pay, stability, and/or benefits. Ultimately, you will be keeping your resume current, applying for jobs, going to interviews, etc., to keep your name out there and your skills current, and to ensure you are able to capitalise on new and better opportunities as they emerge.
Be prepared to multi-task
In being in a short-term position, and recognising the competitive nature of the workplace, the pay from one job might just about cover your daily expenses, but leave you with very little for discretionary spending and saving. It may thus be prudent – and necessary – to juggle two or more jobs. One might be your main focus and source of income, with others you do on the side. However, the point is that you may need to be more creative and flexible in the number of income streams you have, and how you manage them.
Build and maintain a financial cushion
Finally, and in light of the growing uncertainty of the work place, it is becoming increasingly important to build and maintain your savings, in order to have a cushion between jobs. Financial advisors recommend that people save enough money to cover at least three to six months of expenses. Not only will such a cushion give you some piece of mind while you figure your next move, it is also easy to get behind on important payments (rent, mortgage, loans, etc.), in addition to try to cover your basic living expenses, which could exacerbate what might already be a challenging situation.
Image credit: Max Pixel
