Now is the Time to Increase Your “Career Currency”

In BusinessWeek.com, I’ve been talking about “Increasing Your Career Currency” during a time of hopeful impending economic turnaround. The comments I’ve received from career professionals at all levels have been relatively similar: it’s refreshing to get some empowering advice these days. There is so much understandable fear about change in every aspect of our lives, that it helps to know that fear of the unknown is actually the first step toward real change. How liberating! That pit in your stomach worrying about your resume, job search, your boss, his or her last tantrum, your co-worker, or your latest challenging assignment – can all be turned around – if you let it. Press “reset” and take a deep breath. Get ready to use all that incredible energy toward the positive. My article outlines some simple steps on how to achieve this.

Yesterday’s announcement that layoffs have slowed supports a new positive mindset and a focus on your own career currency. The available workforce is surging albeit with increased jobless claims that are expected to peak next year. This signifies that there is an expected lag time – and build up in – those filing claims. Companies are not ready to hire actively yet, but they are not laying off staff as they were before. Orders are gradually reappearing – and while this work is being absorbed by existing staff and other resources – needs will ultimately exceed current labor supplies: all positive signs for the future.

Increasing your career currency is part of my passion to help you gain control of your career, as in Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant™ (TOT): How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job (John Wiley & Sons, July 31, 2009), and humanize your workplace™.

I would be pleased to get your feedback, comments and questions.