I think all of us already know that the old days of company loyalty and job security is outdated. However, many of us still get a shock or surprise when we come to a realisation that our job is at risk because of company re-organisation or perhaps we just don't get along with our boss.

If we approach every job thinking its temporary, and not a given long term right, a few (positive) things happen

• We start to enjoy our job. Ironically, because the pressure and concerns about keeping the job is lifted, we begin to see positives in our situation and our interaction with our colleagues and bosses become less weighted with "what will he think of me?" concerns. This many a time can even lead to performance improvements in our work too
• Our minds are open to new possibilities.  Instead of feeling handcuffed, we begin to see new growth opportunities in areas which we may have previously missed. We become more receptive to new ideas and new directions, and many a time, this can lead to our own "Ah-Ha" moment
• We prepare ourselves for the next step. In being open, we begin to become more aware of the need to be prepared. We begin to explore and be curious - and this can often lead to good outcomes.
• Our family and friends find us better company. No longer weighed down by concerns about your job, you become a better parent, sibling and friend. You find yourself becoming more of a giver than a taker. 
• We become more responsible. In recognising we are in charge of our career and not the company, we take up this responsibilty to develop ourselves. We begin to take charge and take pride in what we do. And often, we become bolder and braver too.

If the worst case situation does happen to you, having this mindset that you (and not your company) is responsible for your own career, gives you strength and clears you for the road ahead

reproduced from my linkedin article

I recently came across the notion that job seekers are a in a "business of one" - in other words, job seekers should view themselves as building up their own self-business. This means, everyone of us are indeed business owners!

With this, then we need to take it to the next step, and plan our career like a business. We need a Business Plan. As with any business plan, we would need to factor in the following aspects:

• Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives - we need to identify what we want to achieve with our careers, and project this out into long term and medium term targets, and especially list goals & objectives which are achievable and measurable
• SWOT analysis - just like a business, we need to understand ourselves. In particular, we need to build on our strengths, work styles and preferences, and how we can attack opportunities. 
• Market Analysis - once we understand ourselves, we need to do some leg work and know our target market. Research the companies and identify how we can solve their problems. 
• Go-to-market strategy - job seekers need to position themselves as problem solvers, and clearly communicate their unique value proposition. Building a personal brand if you will. Communication channels (eg social media like linkedin) should be identified and marketing content (eg resume) drawn up. Offline tactics and activities (eg informational interviews, reaching out to networks) followed through.
• Milestones and Key activities - this is our tracking mechanism to measure progress and forecast necessary activities and other linkages 
• Critical Success Factors - we need to be clear what is critical to achieving our goals. How can our family or network help? Do we need to be trained in a new area?

 Once the plan is drawn up, its not sealed in stone and cast aside. Like all good business plans, it will be tweaked, revised and revisited regularly. Its not a static document

Above all, once this plan is done, TAKE ACTION & TAKE CHARGE!

reproduced from my linkedin article

I have always marveled at those who find, at a very early stage of their lives, their own goal or meaning - their own "Ah-Ha" moment - where everything just seems to fit and fall into place. For them, their path and raison dete becomes so clear, and whatever they do is designed to fulfill this path. 

However, I suspect for the majority of us, this "revelation" of our role and place in the world takes a bit longer. Perhaps for some, this never happens.  For me, it took over 40 years, and it was a slow simmer process building up to that magical moment when it hits you. And when it does hit you, you wonder why you haven't realised it earlier before.

I believe a key "need to have" is our mental condition - are we in a state of mind to recognise the "ah-ha" moment? More importantly, once it hits you, are we in a position to SEIZE the moment and ACT upon it. Yes, timing and luck has a large part to play as well, but this only sets the stage. As the Bard said, the whole world's a stage, and we are but players. We need to be the protagonist in this stage, and take action.  

Carpa Diem "Seize the Day" 

1. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Don't overlook or brush aside anything new that comes your way. Continually reference this new idea or activity to your own values. If it matches, take heed and move to the next step
2. Is the timing right?  Be realistic and truthful about this. Readiness is as much a state of mind as it is the set of circumstances. 
3. Do you have support? This is critical. No man is an island. And especially when it comes to getting out of your comfort zone, a good support structure is crucial in reinforcing your sanity and self worth
4. Set realistic targets. There is much said about creating visions and goals, but these can be too lofty and far ahead. Have road markers along the way which are achievable, and check these off when you accomplish them.
5. Celebrate your successes and milestones! Make sure you especially do this with your supporters and loved ones. It nurtures and sustains you
6. Be prepared to fall down - but get up quickly! Nothing is ever always smooth. Life is a jungle gym - sometimes you need to swing sideways in order to move forward

Above all - Take Action! Don't just think about it....do it! Even a small step is an action step moving forward.

Have you had your "Ah-Ha" moment? if yes, how did you recognise it and act on it?

We are all familiar with the concept of climbing the corporate ladder. But how many times do we come across an opportunity to grow personally or develop ourselves but this means a horizontal move or a career transition? What if, instead of a career ladder, we really should look at our career as a Career Jungle Gym?

Consider this

• A Jungle Gym is basically a horizontal ladder
• When you swing on it, you really strengthen your muscles (resolve) and build resilience to reach the other side
• Being able to swing on the jungle gym, you develop perspective of your surroundings better
• After swinging, you have the experience and strength to climb better
• When you swing, you don't step on anyone below you
• On a jungle gym, sometimes you can do so with someone else. When you climb a ladder, you do it alone
• When swing on a jungle gym, others look up to you, but do not feel threatened. In fact, they can shout encouragement to you, and you are able to aknowledge this. When climbing a ladder, all they see is your a_se

So next time you come across an opportunity to move horizontally, don't write it off so quickly. There are benefits, and see how this can fit into your overall career plan