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by Robyn McKenry, Career Consultant

Remember when having a career meant climbing the corporate ladder and working for the same company for 30 years?  Remember when employees could trust that the company would provide opportunities for professional development (the afore- mentioned ladder), benefits, and increased salaries?  Remember when longevity and loyalty were valued? If you do, you are a dying breed. 

Once upon a time, career change was a positive, optional, and exciting choice made for greater advancement, more money, and/or greater prospects for professional growth.  The keyword being choice. 

The reality of career change today is a radically different story.  Career change is being thrust upon us, like it or not, as companies go out of business or reduce staffing or simply “clean house” to make room for upcoming stars.  The glut of available talent in the job market means companies can get a bigger bang for their buck by hiring younger, higher-educated, and cheaper workers (like outsourcing overseas).  This rocks our self-esteem and causes a ripple affect. 

If you have a job, you’re probably dealing with “Doing more with less” which simply means your full time job just went from 40 – 50 hours per week to 60-70.  The annual raise you were expecting (and needing) has become “be thankful you have a job” or “great job, but there won’t be any raises this year”; (unless you are a CEO at AIG or an automobile company.)  

Even the most confident people are feeling a bit insecure.  And, the stress of all this is literally killing people. 

Think it’s not fair?  You’re right - Now get over it. 

So, how do we go from living in fear and trying to survive to thriving?  Begin by changing your outlook.  Instead of seeing the negative and feeling like a victim, focus on your strength and power.  Treat this opportunity as a choice, because you always have the choice of how you perceive the situation.  Start right NOW. 

Re, Re, Re (to the nth Degree) Most, if not all of us, have been affected by the “Re – s” of the past, like re-organization, and re-engineering.  These were the re’s that were done to us.  It’s time to turn the tables and re-claim your power. 

Re-write your mental script; change your “story.”  In Richard Bach’s book, Illusions, he says, “we are always free to choose a different past or a different future.”  Re-define the focus of your past to allow for a more positive outcome.  Take negative thoughts and turn them around to create affirmations. 

Re-examine your goals.  Every successful endeavor requires a clear destination.  Use the SMART method; goals need to be Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.  Dare to dream and re-align your priorities toward a more balanced lifestyle.

Re-imagine your future and refine the parameters of your “ideal job”.  Write a personal strategic plan called “The Me I want to be in 5 years”.  Close your eyes and picture yourself at your perfect job.  Once you have the picture, open your eyes and record all the details.  (What were you wearing? Where was your workspace?)  Now, create an action plan, write down the steps you need to take to get there. Post this where you will see it regularly.

Re-wire your brain.  Invest in yourself through training and education.  It’s never too late or too early to get an education.  Knowledge is yours forever and no one take ever takes it away from you.  Even if you already have a degree, take classes to spark new thoughts, break out of a rut and meet new people. 

Rejuvenate your body.  Once a day take a 15-minute walk outside.  If it’s sunny, you get vitamin D and it will improve your mood.   Re-train your mind’s eye, refocus and meditate.  Take 1 minute a day to sit quietly, relax and think about NOTHING.

Re-evaluate your assets. Write an exhaustive list of all the things you can do; include volunteering, hobbies and other talents and skills. Use the list to create several resumes using a functional format.  Make sure you stand out.  Customize your resume and cover letter to make it easy for hiring officials to see your qualifications for their positions.

Re-establish relationships with the friends and colleagues you’ve been neglecting.  Tell people exactly what you are looking for in a career and be specific.  This may be the most challenging “re” of them all because it requires you to swallow your pride and be vulnerable.  That’s OK, do it anyway. 

Each person has a personal and professional style that is immediately reflected in every aspect of his or her career.  You decide how you choose to transition from one job to the next and what approach to use in your career search.  Even in these uncertain times, the choice is yours.

Email Robyn McKenry with your career questions: zazou@comcast.net

Robyn McKenry is the owner and principal of Zazou Entreprises, Ltd. Established in 1995, Zazou offers a wide array of services connected by a common thread, combining a unique blend of management and business background with a genuine desire to help clients fulfill their career goals and dreams.