New career trends to adapt for the remainder of 2019

OUT with the old, IN with the new; here are some tips to help you climb the ladder of success.

1.     OUT: One Career/Job. IN: Various income streams

A “lifetime career” is so yesterday. Yes, you may have established expert experience in your profession, but it doesn’t mean that your job should be your only source of income. Take note of the writing on the wall and diversify your income streams. That hobby you enjoy doing for leisure could bring you extra coins when you choose to turn it into an income generating venture. Analyse your strengths and weaknesses and review the opportunities at your disposal to plan your next move.

2.    OUT: Full-time jobs. IN: Part-time Consultancy Contracts

Full time permanent jobs give us that sense of security that we need to focus on work. But is it a guarantee that you will have your job till retirement? Most of us seem to ignore that every job is temporary. Your career may be all rosy today but a single step in transition may make you hit rock bottom. Long term stay at your full time job depends on your ability to have realistic expectations and reposition your skills for an evolving employment scene. Freelancing is nowadays very rewarding. Use your experience and networks to put yourself out there. Your work will market your abilities and you can benefit heavily from part time consultancy contracts. Dream bigger and better.

3.    OUT: Your company manages you. IN: Be your own boss

Our parents were taught to know that getting employed in a reliable company is the “safest” way to make a living; that your company will look into all your affairs and manage your career, promotions etc. But things have changed. Your supervisor may have your best Interests but he/she may have a lot to handle at work. You should steer your own career development. To thrive in your career, you have to be aware your financial standing, tax responsibilities and skill upgrading Initiatives.

4.    OUT; One skill specialisation. IN; Hybrid skill set

We live in the age where skills become obsolete in just a few years. Many employees are faced with a perpetual hunger to stay current, through continuous learning and improved productivity. Having only a technical skill may not be enough to get you where you want to be in your career. Mash up your skills with expertise in project management, customer relations and conflict resolution. The combination of technical skills and valuable soft skills creates a hybrid set that is more marketable and more rewarding. Soft skills will be an added bonus to your individual brilliance and will position you as a well-suited candidate for a complex team environment. Rethink your career objectives and create a learning culture for yourself so that you can evolve with the job market.

5.    OUT: Traditional perks such as retirement. IN: Individualised benefits such as student loans

A generation ago, employees joined the workforce with high expectations of retirement benefits. Modern workers now join the workforce burdened with educational loans that keep on accumulating hefty Interests. Entry level employees still value the basic benefits but they join the workforce wanting to know if the company embraces provisions for student debt. It is now a widespread idea that most companies prefer allocating a specific amount for employee perks individualised to their needs. Some may prefer settling student loans, others may enjoy paid parental leave, and others may even acquire personal fitness trainers! If you have your own company, it will not be long until you have to recalibrate and take these modern, Individualised perks for your employees into consideration

6.    OUT: Annual newsletters. IN: More Fluid Feedback

For a career to thrive, staying connected with benefactors and clients increases the potential of productivity. Communication is vital since it fosters collaboration and flow of feedback. Annual newsletters and reviews are important, but over relying on them to reach your clients may not be the most modern way of handling important company Information. The flow of feedback has become more fluid nowadays thanks to technology. Have in-depth information at your fingertips. The fluidity of information is an important step in the right direction in benefiting the company, employee and the customer.

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