Finding Job Security: A Nuanced Perspective From A Career Coach

In a recent group coaching session, a participant asked an important question: "How do I find job security?" Over my 12 years in this profession, I realize that job security is not a straightforward concept. 

The days of pensions and tenures at a single company are long gone. While certain fields like accounting, nursing, and law may offer relative stability, even the tech industry, which was viewed as "stable" just two years ago, has experienced its share of instability.

While some industries such as healthcare and consumer staples are expected to persist regardless of economic fluctuations, our ability to predict labor market trends is challenging due to economic, health, and geopolitical factors. 

In such a dynamic landscape, the key is to stop focusing on job security, and instead focus on what we can control, which is our employability. Our employability is our ability to move around the labor market and find employment.

Ways We Can Improve Our Employability

One area that we can prioritize is our mental health and well-being. By nurturing our mental health, we can more effectively tackle challenges head-on. This, in turn, enhances our performance, boosts our confidence, and improves our relationships with others - all qualities that contribute to job retention or finding new opportunities.

It is worth noting that job instability can have a negative impact on mental health, and conversely, positive mental health can influence job stability. Therefore, it is essential to establish habits and routines that foster a healthy mindset, regardless of external uncertainties.

Another factor in achieving employability is continually growing our skills. I have found that individuals who stay informed about industry trends, invest in training, and obtain relevant certifications tend to stay ahead of the curve and become more competitive in the job market.

That's why it's never too late to enhance our skill set, but being proactive about it (e.g. getting a certification when our work is relatively stable) rather than reactive (e.g. due to facing layoffs) makes it easier.

Building and nurturing professional networks is also important for employability. We know that companies or departments are more likely to hire individuals they know, like, and trust.

By actively cultivating relationships within your field or fields that interest you, you can develop relationships with others who might know of job opportunities.

We Can Help You Build Resilience and Find The Clarity For The Ideal Career Path.

While researching labor market trends such as job growth can be valuable, it is important not to solely rely on external factors. That's why at Inner Compass Coach, our main focus is on self-discovery, providing guidance to individuals to help them clarify the talents and skills they want to emphasize and their career next steps.

We also recognize the importance of fostering positive mental health to support our clients in feeling more confident through transitional periods. Additionally, we prioritize the significance of relationship building and networking, equipping our clients with the essential skills to navigate opportunities with ease.

Our comprehensive approach encompasses self-awareness, mental well-being, and the cultivation of strong professional connections, empowering individuals to thrive in their chosen paths. Through our online courses and coaching programs, we empower individuals to increase their employability skills and navigate the dynamic job market with confidence.

Ultimately, our employability comes from our own commitment to flexibility, self-growth, and resilience. So, I encourage you to embrace the challenge, invest in yourself, and take charge of your professional journey.