iFive

Not long ago (like before the recession), there was a general belief in some “truths” about the employment market.  Like, the fact that people would have 7 or 8 jobs before age 35.  And, that with the generation right behind the boomers being smaller in numbers, we would see a new war for talent as the boomers retired and companies scrambled to replace them. 

A new Towers Watson study just out pretty much says, “not so fast, my friend.”   Apparently we have some new truths to ponder.  Among other things, the study reports that an astonishing 33% of the 20,000 people who were surveyed from midsize and large companies, said that they would like to work for the same organization forever.   And, the AARP reports that almost 70% of boomers say they will keep working past retirement for a variety of reasons, most of them economic.  Add to this, the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there are 5.4 people available for every 1 job opening and if you don’t drink, you might be thinking about starting.

But to me the really gloomy news from the new study is that even though employees feel that they cannot leave their current jobs, more than half (51%) felt that there was no clear path toward advancement at their current employer.   Stuck and going nowhere - can’t go out, not going up. 

Here is my take on this.  Jobs will return.  Companies will invest in talent again.  It will happen.  The question is what should people who are employed be doing now, to be in winners in the recovery, not just survivors of the recession?  Waiting out the recession is not a career strategy. 

Instead….take a stone-cold look at your skills and assess them against your dream job.  Ask for some straightforward feedback from co-workers and your boss.  Understand what your current personal brand is…. from their perspective.   Network internally, including asking people who are in jobs you want if you can shadow them.  Find a mentor, inside or outside your organization.   And invest your own money to find help in closing your skills gaps….especially in the people skills, like relationship management, change management, communications and influence.   Show your company that while things may not be so good, you are moving forward personally.

Yes, I know, the greatest companies continue to develop their people even in difficult times.  But, not everyone is fortunate enough to work for one of the greatest companies.   There are only a few great companies but there are a lot of good companies.  And being one of the greatest employees at a good company is very rewarding.  

Survive?  Good.  Recover?  Better. Come out the other side stronger than ever?  Great!