Let’s face it, this is pretty much impossible to predict. Will we still need auto mechanics or diagnostic radiographers in the near future? How will we learn a new language 15 years from now? Will we still need teachers? Of course, new opportunities will also arise. Many people are already needed to maintain all those solar panels, for example. Even if your job is in a completely different sector, the question is what requirement will your job have by then? What skills and knowledge will you need to have?
Rapid and uncertain developments bring a lot of uncertainty. Something most people are not very comfortable with, and it shows. Research shows that even a little uncertainty can cause stress, physical complaints or burnout symptoms. Where we often think a little insecurity keeps us on our toes, it turns out it doesn't. It comes at the expense of our performance, creativity and innovativeness.
Enough reason to take action. Below are 3 tips.
1. A plan
An important factor in how you view and experience uncertainty is your mindset. Just having a plan already has a positive impact on this. By changing your mindset, you will experience less uncertainty. A plan gives a foothold. Therefore, develop a number of future scenarios for yourself. Step into an imaginary time machine and see what your work life could look like in a number of years. For each outcome, think about what skills and/or knowledge you need in that situation and what you have to do to get there.
2. Network
An effective way to stay in control of your own career is to actively seek out and be open to new opportunities. Like an entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for new clients, you are always looking for opportunities for growth and development. You can use your network to do this. Talk to people who do something that fascinates you or seems interesting, and that you want to learn more about. How does that person do what they do? What do they like or dislike about it? What does a day look like? How did they get there? Important: You are not asking for a job, you are exploring what direction you want to grow into. There is no reason to do everything alone, because with more people you see and know more. In addition, many people enjoy sharing what they are excited about. So check out who is in your network. Of course, you can also ask your colleagues what they do. By learning what other positions within your company involve on a daily basis, you might come up with some great ideas.
3. Social environment
Above all, don't skip your immediate social circle. After all, they know you best. Nice question to discuss over dinner: 'If I were not ... (accountant, veterinarian or manager), what would you see me doing?' The people around you sometimes see you slightly differently than you see yourself. They may come up with surprising answers and you may discover new talents and/or career opportunities.
In today's rapidly changing world, there is no point in working toward the perfect job that will take you straight into retirement. So the question is not "what do I want to be?" but "what can I grow into? This gives space because this question has many different answers. You need many ideas so you can explore all the possibilities for your future. Understand that there are 5,000 roads that lead to Rome (according to my colleague 486,317). If we don't get there via road 1, there are 4999 left to get there. And that can remove a lot of pressure.
Are the people around you not inspiring you? Then it's time for new friends! No, just kidding! Sometimes you spin around in the same little circle and it doesn’t get you anywhere. Consider looking for like-minded people. People with the same question. In a training or development program, it's easy to come into contact with people who also like to work on their growth and development. And a new, fresh perspective often gives you new ideas.
Conclusion
There are many ways to reduce insecurity when it comes to your work. It is up to you to take action. Are you looking for the shortest route to a new, fresh look at your career? Then sign up for our Career Design Experience. A training in which you actively get to work on shaping your future through learning, experiencing and active play. Check out the CDE.