The Protean Career

 For as long as I can remember, the most ideal life events of an American adult consists of: graduating from high school, attending college and landing an amazing job in some big firm with great benefits and a consistent work schedule. But in today's workplace this is no longer the case. Longevity and loyalty have unfortunately taken a backseat, thanks to the protean career movement!

The protean career means that nothing is forever. A protean career is "is a process which the person, not the organization, is managing. It consists of all of the person's varied experiences in education, training, work in several organizations, changes in occupational field, etc. The protean person's own personal career choices and search for self-fulfillment are the unifying or integrative elements in his or her life."

Technology is one element that has helped to eliminate many of the jobs previously held by human beings. Things are now computer-generated and technologically controlled. People are no longer necessary for many jobs that once ceased to exist without our participation. What a person used to be able to do, a computer can now do better and faster. Afterall, time is money. Therefore, companies make money by taking jobs from people and giving them to computers.

No career is forever with the exception of three: A clergy position,  government position, or a tenure position. So, if you would like to be either a priest or nun (clergy position), a USPS worker (government position) or a teacher (tenure) then you will have a lifelong career. However, for the rest of the people in the world who wish to do something else this is not the case. The only possible promise that can be made is that unemployment rates may continue to rise. However, I am not saying that a person who does not hold one of the three protean careers cannot hold a lifelong position. The odds are just very unlikely.

Although, there are some ways to increase your chances of holding one position for a lifetime. First of all, try to be realisitc. If your employer is not doing well then you may not have a job for much longer. Be flexible. Do what it takes to stay employed. Last but not least, adapt. There will be times when it is necessary to try something new, or take a courses to further your education, so be willing to take the extra step.

If the above suggestions do not work then the last point I would like to add is to take a look at Protean Careers where 6 tips are listed to thrive or read the tips below....

        THE 6 TIPS:

1. Reduce television time and spend an hour a day contemplating the future and where you fit in. You can’t change anything tomorrow with the same thoughts you have today.
2. Don’t put all your financial eggs in one basket; consider multiple sources of income.
3. Bring more value to the marketplace tomorrow than you did today; invest in lifelong education and increase your worth, so you are compensated accordingly.
4. Create your own job. You don’t have to invest big bucks to start a business. Just seek out opportunities and go for it! Become a painter, a cook, an electrician, a subcontractor, or form a web-based business. Be resourceful and identify ways to self-generate income.
5. Downsize your life and live within your means. The federal government is broke and most states are as well. All of society must become fiscally responsible.
6. Invest in good health. No one can build a thriving future with poor health, no energy, and a negative mindset. We all must work as hard on ourselves as we do on our careers.

***information for this blog was gathered from Jayblock

The Importance of Networking

Networking is a crucial part of business. It is a way to establish connections and maintain those connections. These days, it's all about who you know.

 

So...what is networking and why is it so important? Networking is a professional, social media gathering of friends and connections that could help further one's career. An essential part of networking invloves making a great first impression. During my previous employment, I was responsible for numerous positions, including: management and bookkeeping. The company brought in a trainer to work with me for a week to instruct me on how to be a successful bookkeeper. As it turned out, my trainer happened to be the Head of her department. My trainer frequently complimenting me on my skills and had even gone so far as to say that I was the best trainee that she ever instructed. I was flattered by the compliments and felt that if ever I chose to move up in the company, she could potentially become a very valuable resource.

 

A few years went by and I had decided that I wanted to major in business, which involved accounting and other bookkeeping aspects as well as management techniques. I joined a site called LinkedIn, and immediately began to build up my connections. I found my previous trainer and decided to add her as a connection. For those who don’t know what I mean by a connection on LinkedIn, I simply mean that I add people that I know who could help further my career.  I have added past trainers, business major classmates, college instructors and even the head of the business department at my university. Any of these people could essentially assist me in getting a job in the future and by knowing them I may end up receiving a position over another person, who may even be more qualified than myself. For instance, my past trainer could help me, if I ever chose to get a higher-ranking position with my previous employer. By connecting with her on LinkedIn, I have established a relationship and maintain a good rapport with her. If ever there is a position that opens up in the company, she may reflect upon our training sessions and reccommend me for the position. I could ultimately land a new, challenging, and better-paying position.

 

Networking can also be important when it comes to the everyday operations of a business. There are going to be many events which are mandatory for employees to attend. These events could also be attended by other companies. You are more likely to build relationships by meeting and talking with new and like-minded people. In doing so, there is a potential for partnering up with a separate company to achieve goals greater than both companies could have done separately. This is definitely one great benefit of networking!

 

Great sites for networking:

1)      LinkedIn                                                                                     

2)      Facebook

3)      Twitter

 

Tips for networking:

1)      Be professional

2)      Establish relationships and follow through (call connection after to show that you are interested in working with them)

 

 
Resources for more information about networking:

1)      Social Networking Sites

2)      Networking Tips

 

3)   Networking Conference Sites