SCS Career Strategist Ann Park, shares how to boost your career health so you’re ready to make the most of unexpected change.
Many of us who feel comfortable in our jobs don’t spend a lot of time thinking about what we would do if we were suddenly laid off. But in this time of rapid and ongoing changes to the workforce, we need to protect ourselves in the unfortunate event that we are laid off.
It is important to assess the health of your career to ensure that you are ready to adapt and take on a new career challenge if you suddenly find yourself among the hundreds of Canadian professionals who have lost their jobs this year.
Here are five ways to boost your career health right now.
- Assess your skills and research current trends in your field to determine what types of additional training/certification you need to participate in to stay up to date in your field.
- Start planning your career for the future. Think about what your goals are for five years from now, 10 years from now, 15 years from now, and plan accordingly.
- While you are working, you have access to networking opportunities that would not necessarily be available to you if you were unemployed; leverage these opportunities and continue to build relationships.
- Grow your network by having conversations with those who are in careers that you would potentially be interested in pivoting to in the future.
- If you are finding it difficult to stay motivated, reach out to career practitioners who can help you to develop a Career Health plan and help you stay on track.
Ann Park is a Career Strategist with SCS Blueprint Career Services.
Blueprint Career Services are designed to help you find your way forward. Whether you are taking the first steps in your career, ready to level up to leadership, or preparing to pivot and take on a new challenge entirely, Blueprint offers one-on-one coaching, group workshops, panels and events, and free resources to help you set and meet your career goals.