Note from Susan

Recently I attended the annual conference of the Shell Hispanic Employee Network. The theme was navigating rocky waters. The attendees were optimistic, yet their questions revealed the reflection and concern going on in the background. Here in Houston, those in the energy industry are navigating rocky waters daily. Yet uncertainty is not unique to the energy industry. Where there is change there is uncertainty.

We need to support each other during uncertain times. That’s why I wrote on the topic of career uncertainty this month. It’s also why I developed a new program to support women facing career uncertainty.

Lately I’ve had a lot of questions from women in transition, those considering career moves or those facing organizational changes. Building a Solid Career Foundation is an individual coaching program designed to guide you through times of uncertainty and toward clarity in your career. It helps you out of that place of anxiousness and in a place of peace.

If you are experiencing the uncertainty and anxiousness that comes with change and would like support in this area of your career, please contact me at Susan@womenleadingtogether.com.

Warm Regards,

Susan

Feature Article

How Do You Respond to Career Uncertainty?

In one of my virtual programs recently I noticed that the group was quiet when normally they would be very engaged. This was highly unlike previous groups where there was lots of enthusiastic engagement, questions and storytelling. Finally I probed what was holding them back.

One very insightful woman asked, “Have other groups been facing as much uncertainty in their careers? We’re all in an environment of layoffs, acquisitions, new management and organizational changes.”

She had a point. Almost every one of them was operating in an environment filled with uncertainty.

I can’t count the number of conversations I’ve had this year from women who are concerned about changes in their company. I sense the anxiousness in their voices when they say:

• Should I change jobs?
• Should I stay where I am and keep my head down?
• What do I do if my supporters are no longer with the company?
• I recently made a job change and now I don’t have advocates in my new job. I feel vulnerable.
• It’s just so political these days.
• Maybe I should just make a dramatic change.
• Is this a good time to change functions?

All are natural considerations. Many are born of fear.

When times are uncertain we have a tendency toward two extremes: (1) burrow in and stay out of the way or (2) run, which in this situation might include a change to get far away from the source of the discomfort.

The best response usually falls in the middle. Here are some actions you can take to ease the anxiousness.

Stay visible. Instead of keeping your head down, be visible with the people who can and will support you.

Stay close to your circle of influence and your supporters. Understand that if you make a big change in functions or companies, you are leaving your supporters behind and will have to develop a new group of advocates.

Get connected. If you’ve lost or neglected to develop your advocates, make it a priority to develop new ones now. Get guidance or introductions from those advocates who have left or transferred. They may not be in a position of as much influence but they may have connections with those who are.

Check your skills. Have you kept up to date with the changes needed in your company/ profession? If not, take care of that.

Stay aware. Keep your perspective broad and keep your eye on the business. It will not only make you better at what you do, it can help you anticipate business needs and changes.

Build on your strengths. If you are considering a job change, either out of need or desire, make sure that the change draws on your strengths and builds on your previous experience in some way.

Keep your mind open to options. You have more than you think. Explore other companies. Talk to people in your own company about job alternatives. Explore other types of jobs that build on your skills. One woman was considering leaving her long time profession in a niche area, building on her financial expertise and joining a family business in another city. That’s a pretty dramatic change, and she’s not certain whether she will pursue it, but considering options gave her a greater sense of comfort.

Spend time doing things that calm you. Never make a big decision out of fear. Make decisions when you are in a place of peace.

In any case, don’t keep your head down and don’t overreact. Be strategic and intentional with your career choices. You have more choices than you think.

If you’d like to explore how the Building a Solid Career Foundation program can guide you through career changes, please contact me at Susan@womenleadingtogether.com

Resources and Items of Interest:

Mistakes I Made At Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What they Got Out of Getting It Wrong by Jessica Batal: What I found interesting about this book was the variety of women interviewed. They had very different career paths than many of the career execs we read about, and also had some perspectives I’d not heard before.

“Sweeping Away Gender-Specific Toys and Labels”: This New York Times article caught my attention since I’ve been researching how gender differences develop. Play as children is a big influencer, so it’s relevant how toys are marketed and sold.

About Susan

Susan Hodge created Women Leading Together in order to provide seminars, workshops, and coaching circles to help career women move forward to create fulfilling careers. Visit our website at www.WomenLeadingTogether.com.

Copyright © 2015 Women Leading Together, LLC

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