The Forever Recession and The Protean Career

Are you Ready for Your Protean Career?

In a recent Blog post Seth Godin talked about the 'Forever Recession (and the coming revolution)'. It is a fascinating and timely post that you can read more about here http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/09/the-forever-recession.html

This recession seems different from any over the past almost 100 years. It appears that systemic and fundamental changes are underway in our economy. The question individuals should be asking is what do these changes mean for my career and for my children's future careers?

Have you heard about the Protean Career? - In the emerging post-industrial economy the time has come to examine a protean approach to career navigation. You are now, more than ever, the author of your own career future.

The concept of a Protean Career is not new, it is just newly relevant. What does the Protean Career look like? The Protean Career is one that involves frequent change, reinvention and adaptation. It is a model similar in many ways to the pre-industrial revolution.

Over the past year I have been working with author Jay Block and his team to build the Protean concept for use by today's job seekers. You can read more about Jay Blocks ideas on the Protean Career here http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/the-new-era-of-protean-careers-2/

The 12 Protean Principles can provide guiding principles relevant to navigating the coming 'forever' recession and preparing for the post-industrial - or Third Industrial Revolution' that Jeremy Rifkin talks about in his new book (read an excerpt of it in the Huffingtonpost here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeremy-rifkin/the-third-industrial-revolution-_b_964049.html)

'The 12 Principles of a Protean Career'

1. Establish high standards of personal responsibility

2. Anticipate change and consistently look for opportunities

3. Embrace curiosity and lifelong learning

4. Be adaptable and diversify

5. Build and maintain a positive circle of influence

6. Forge beneficial and reciprocal relationships

7. Assess, manage, and increase your market value

8. Generate financial sustainability

9. Safeguard your physical and emotional health

10. Leverage your time advantageously

11. Compose and execute strategic achievement plans

12. Act deliberately; react appropriately; adapt as necessary

Seth Godin talks about the race to the bottom - one that involves holding on to jobs that will not remain relevant or that will not elevate a community or individual in the future. Too many job and career seekers (and governments, unions, educators) have their heads in the sand hoping for a return to the days before the recession. The days when you could ride out a recession and expect future growth. There will be future growth, but many will be left behind if they do not prepare today for tomorrow.

It is time to re-awaken your pioneer spirit, learn to do with a little less and find a new career frontier. The first step in this process is understanding that change is happening and that you can be part of the forever recession or the new post-industrial economy. It is your choice.