Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Job Change – Is it the other inevitable?

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Here we thought that only death and taxes were inevitable.  Looks like “change” is peering her head around that same corner, and I don’t mean the change that the politicians keep bantering about.  I mean the real, honest-to-goodness, things are going to change around here kind of change that happens at work.

Some are suggesting that some of the very tenants of our work world are likely to change as baby boomers retire and our system adjusts.  That may be years down the road, but talk of recession and lots of pink slips make talk about change a definite here and now topic.

How can you prepare for change?  Some thoughts…

 1.  Keep your head out of the sand.  You don’t want to engage in unsavory gossip, but make it your business to know the skinny in your area and the company at large.  Touch in with professionals in competing companies as well so you’ll have a finger on the pulse of your industry.

2. Make yourself vital.  Volunteer for projects.  Don’t complain.  Become an expert in a niche market.  Specialize in something useful and leverage your services when change comes around the bend.

3. Keep your eye on the prize.  What are your goals?  Plans?  Do you hope to move up the ladder in your company?  Move on to another industry?  If you don’t have plans, change will come and hit you in the face.  I don’t have to tell you that most people who are hit in the face aren’t going to be lucky enough to have much say in the directions they go.  Don’ t let that be you. 

Keppie Careers will help you prepare for your next career step.  We offer resume writing, career coaching, and an array of services to help you make the best change possible…www.keppiecareers.com

Baby Boomers Retire – Possible Impact for the Rest of Us!

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An article in the January 14th issue of The Wall Street Journal suggested that companies prepare for looming baby boomer retirements by, among other things, offering flexible work schedules in an effort to retain older employees and avoid a worker shortfall.

The AARP’s website reports that by 2014, 32% of the U.S. workforce will be 50 or older.  They note that, as numbers of younger workers decline, companies who want to maintain their competitive edge will seek to attract and retain experienced workers.   

The impact of this potential trend may be felt by a variety of job seekers.  Parents of young children who want flexible schedules may benefit.  Experienced workers who opted out of the paid workforce for a variety of reasons (raising children, caring for relatives) may find companies more interested in their experience and less worried about a gap in continuous paid work.

AARP lists companies that value the mature worker.  If you are a job seeker who might benefit from an organization that values experience and may offer flexibility, this could be a valuable resource.

It will be interesting to track how companies react to predicted trends.   Informed job seekers will be prepared to take advantage of developments as they come!

keppiecareers.com…We advise, encourage, enlighten!