21st Century Career Success

When it comes to modern career development, one thing we can all count on is change. With the advent of technology, telecommuting, and E-commerce, how work is performed is in a state of reinvention. Self-employment and small business development will become more the norm than big business. And career changes will be more frequent due to rapidly changing organizations and industries. Finally, the line between one's personal and professional life will become even more blurred. Since the modern world of work is rapidly changing to keep up with the demands of our fast-paced lives and lifestyles, here are some characteristics of what the new work contract will look like:

• Seeking more meaning from work.

• Equating "career success" with personal satisfaction over paycheck or status.

• Everyone will need their own "name-brand."

• Increased use of technology.

• Finding work that needs doing.

• Changing in the way management and leadership is conducted (less arrogance at the top level, more power on lower levels).

• Increased need for networking and self-marketing.

• Lifelong "trying on" of various roles, jobs, and industries.

• Creating a plan that is flexible, and continually assessing the "fit" of the work.

• Increased representation of women and minorities in the workforce.

• Changing career fields numerous times in a lifetime.

• Self-responsibility: Everyone knowing they have to chart their own career direction.

However, the 21st century career also offers many advantages:

• More career opportunities for everyone.

• Freedom to choose from a variety of jobs, tasks, and assignments.

• More flexibility in how and where work is performed, i.e. working from home or telecommuting.

• More control over your own time.

• Greater opportunity to express yourself through your work.

• Ability to shape and reshape your life's work in accordance with your values and interests.

• Increased opportunity to develop other skills by working in various industries and environments.

• Self-empowerment mindset.

• Allows you to create situations or positions where you can fill a need in the world that is not being filled.

• Opportunity to present yourself as an independent contractor or vendor with services to offer.

How can you successfully navigate through the turbulent times of change and career uncertainty? By developing resiliency, exercising proactivity, creating excellent self-marketing tools, keeping your skills up-to-date, and finding your unique life balance.

1. Develop resiliency (the ability to bounce back).

Having the right attitude about career change is imperative to your ability to bounce back from setbacks, sudden changes, and twists and turns along your career path. You will experience a lot of career change and transitions, so you may as well get comfortable feeling uncomfortable.

2. Take a proactive approach to your career development

You must constantly be on the lookout for new ways to apply your gifts and talents in the new economy. This requires thinking creatively, actively promoting yourself/business, and being actively involved in how your career progresses. Staying involved in professional associations, and continuous networking are excellent ways to connect with other like-minded professionals.

3. Create first-rate marketing materials

Always keep your resume current. You never know when you are going to want to share it with someone or pass it along. If you are in business for yourself, develop classy business cards and letterhead. Harness the power of the internet by developing an interactive website.

4. Commit to lifelong learning

To keep earning, keep learning. Do not wait until you lose your job or want to look for another position to gain new skills or training. Recognize the need to be open to learning and attend classes related to your area of expertise to keep your skills sharp and marketable. Keep in mind the top skills needed for career success include:Communication, Computer-knowledge, Creativity, Customer Care

5. Find your unique life balance

There are four dimensions to life: love, labor, leisure, learning. Remember that work is just one aspect of your life pie. Be sure to indulge in all of your areas. Because having an overall balanced life is what leads to the most fulfillment.

About The Author

Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed. is a Whole Life Coach, Speaker, and Author of the Get Smart! LearningBook Series: Get Smart! About Modern Romantic Relationships and Get Smart! About Modern Career Development. She can be reached at coach@getsmartseries.com (361) 816-0685. Visit virtually: www.getsmartseries.com and www.brightlightcoach.com

---

Image and Style Count

When I was a child, there was a pool nearby... Read More

Dissatisfied with Your Job? Take Your Power Back!

Apparently, there are all sorts of reasons to be dissatisfied... Read More

2 Job-Search Success Stories

Here are two success stories from my readers who found... Read More

Expose Lies on Resumes

Purpose: Learn about the new Polygraph for management hiresHis heart... Read More

Job Interviews -- What Your Pre-Interview Research Should Cover

When you go in for a job interview, you're not... Read More

Consultants - If We Cant Laugh At Ourselves?

There are hundreds of varieties of Consultants these days. We... Read More

References: Choose Wisely

Sophisticated job seekers know and understand that sometime during the... Read More

Match, Meet, and Mesmerize at a Job Fair

Are you considering another trip through the career maze? Attending... Read More

Are You Eking Out a Living, and Cant Get What You Want from a Job?

Many people are working at jobs they don't want and... Read More

Settling Successfully Into Your New Job

The euphoria of getting a new job can sometimes be... Read More

Job Interview Preparation - What Employers Are Looking For

When an employer decides to conduct an interview with you,... Read More

The Top 10 Ways to Achieve Balance in Your Life

1. Define Success for YourselfClarify and write down what success... Read More

Job Interviews -- The Four Worst Objections You?ll Face and How to Deal with Them

Dealing with tough questions and objections is an essential part... Read More

Personal Grooming: 8 Top Reasons Why You Can?t Take It For Granted In Your Career

Most people when they landed "the dream job" after an... Read More

Job Interviews: Use the Personal Touch to Get a Job

A study conducted by the Journal of Consumer Research in... Read More

Three Tips for Successful Networking

I generally shy away from using the word "networking" when... Read More

Discover What You Really Want To Do

Are you doing what you really want to do or... Read More

Sample Cover Letters ... The Hidden Pitfalls

You can benefit from sample cover letters as they can... Read More

Make a Great First Impression

Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training

The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More

Become an LPN, the Fast Path to a Nursing Career

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) CareersLicensed Practical Nurses provide the most... Read More

Simple Interviewing That Works

Powerful questions to get below the surface1. Ask for specific... Read More

Telephone Phobia: Make the Phone Your Job Search Friend

You're pretty comfortable using the phone. It's something you do... Read More

The 4 Job Search Facts You Need To Know!

Are you harboring bitterness or anger towards your current or... Read More

Ode to a Spoon

"Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what... Read More

Take This Job and...Re-staff It

Deciding to leave a job isn't easy. In fact, quitting... Read More

How To Deal With A Difficult Boss

Most people at some point in their lives have to... Read More

Retiring in Paradise

I have to admit that I'm starting to slow down... Read More

Applying for a Job in Another Country? International Resumes

Is an International Resume still a Resume? This is a... Read More

The Fallibility of Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing has become rampant across industries, more so in... Read More

How To Stay Calm in Tryng Times

That's not you? Great! Bad habits are hard to break... Read More

3 Secrets to Landing a Home-Based Position

Landing a telecommute position isn't easy. Finding them in the... Read More

Take Charge of Your Job Search: 12 Steps to Success

Despite what many people may say, a job search does... Read More