Issue: Surviving Outsourcing

Forget about job security! Businesses are outsourcing jobs in record numbers, closing US operations and moving jobs off-shore where their cost of doing business is less. Welcome to the global economy!

Many of the people whose jobs have been outsourced will endure a protracted period of unemployment and retraining before landing another job at lower pay.

Restructuring, outsourcing and exporting jobs are not just a fad. We're apt to witness this trend as long as there are parts of the world where work can be done for less. As a result, we will continue to see jobs leave our country and downward pressure on the pay for jobs that can be exported.

To survive and thrive in this environment you need to develop expertise in a unique specialty that is in demand, and stay on the leading edge. While this does not guarantee job security, it positions you to be more attractive in an increasingly competitive job market. Here's what I recommend:

Passion Creating your career and landing good jobs is much easier if you have a passion for your work. When you have a passion for what you are doing it shows, and it gives you a competitive edge over others.

Plan Create a strategic plan for your career. Look at the trends in your line of work and think through their implications for you. How can you capitalize on them? What do you need to do to protect yourself? Given this range of possibilities, what makes sense to you? Discuss your options with your mentor and create a plan for how you will grow and increase your value to your employer.

Get a mentor you respect who will take an interest in you, who will give you honest and insightful feedback, and who will be there for you. An internal mentor may open doors that an external one can't, but an external one can be your mentor no matter where you work and may be more objective than an internal one.

Showcase your ability Seek/volunteer for assignments that highlight your strengths and require to demonstrate your value.

"Toot your horn" - discretely Your boss needs to know about your challenges and accomplishments. Keep him/her informed (Just thought you should know that ______ came up as an issue, and this is how I handled it). Keep a record to refer to at performance review time. This approach keeps your boss informed without making you look like an unabashed self promoter.

Network Your network is the group of people for whom you'd go an extra mile to help, and who would reciprocate for you. Nurture your relationships. When you are seeking a new job the probability is that you will land it through the people you know.

Assess your progress and update your resume As with any plan, review your assumptions and progress periodically. Refine and readjust it to reflect changed circumstances. Then update your resume and get a critical evaluation of it. Does it reflect increasing expertise and value?

A career is a long time, and in a fast changing environment, you cannot leave it to chance. Pursue your passion with a passion. Keep in touch with the changing environment in anticipation of change so that you are not forced to react to change.

Sincerely,

Ian Jacobsen, FIMC
Certified Management Consultant