Career Context, Options and Possibilities
Context shapes everything.
Context provides the the framework within which we make decisions, set goals, and navigate our work and life paths. Whether deepening our understanding of the backdrop to the areas or sectors we work in, or want to work in, to considering our individual context of values, passions and preferences, these are important in helping to shape our choices.
Moreover, socio-economic context plays a significant role, influencing access to education, networking opportunities, and career progression paths. Recognising systemic barriers and leveraging available resources can help mitigate inequalities and promote inclusivity in career development.
Lastly, understanding the context of where we currently work, including culture, values, and growth prospects, enables individuals to make informed decisions about job roles and employers that align with their professional objectives and personal values.
In times past longevity and loyalty to an employer and a career within an organisation was a norm, an ambition, a given. The contract between organisation and employee had a mutuality – we look after you and you are loyal to us - I do good for you, you do good by me. It had a sense of being in relationship beyond a simple transaction. This still has currency in some enterprises and may return in a different form as public services breakdown and people look to organisations to provide health, wellbeing and care provision as part of their attraction. But at the same time:
· the employee-employer contract is disrupted
· retention and recruitment challenges are rife
· faster turnover of staff is commonplace
· reluctance to engage more than the minimum is being noticed
· people wanting different freedoms and flexibility challenges
· life hubs more relevant than work hubs
· seeking more meaning in work
· a sense of an employee market
· many disillusioned by workplaces that call for what they saw their parents sacrifice.
Out of the changing context of work there are new stories being created, different kinds of enterprise, shifting mindsets and unresolvable problems to face. Out of these changes research suggest a majority of people seek a clearer career pathway. The emerging context has shaped at least five approaches to how we work including full time employment: part-time employment; freelancing; entrepreneurship, or some combination of the four.
How do you think about your work?
· If you had three adjectives to describe what you want work to be what would they be?
· If you had the same number of adjectives to describe the reality what would they be?
· How committed are you to shifting the gap, if there is one, on a scale of 1-10?
How we think about work and career offers different possibilities, some ways create openness and momentum, others shape reaction and passivity. It seems to make a difference if rather than thinking about being employed it shifts to a focus on employability.
Oasis approaches career development as an exploration of what we each bring by way of experience, skills, expertise and ambition in life and work, what we care about, and what is called for from the future. It is not simply about finding the right job or matching our abilities to what is needed today or tomorrow, but increasingly about discovering which aspects of who we are and want to become can be brought to what we do. Employment and our working lives can be a key part of how we make sense of ourselves, for many it is consciously a fundamental part of our identity.
· What does work represent for you?
· To what extent is it a powerful force for impacting what you believe you are about?
· And how does it do that?
Oasis approaches career development through integrating and encouraging the stories, ideas and awakening the inner compass that lives in each person to help individuals shape and enact more meaningful careers and life journeys.
Sometimes, these aspects can be best developed through a learning relationship with others or another. If you want to explore this further, it may be worth looking to a group or individual coaching for deeper development. Always talk to whoever you might choose before deciding, if possible try a session to see if the chemistry is right for you.
If you were to talk to a friend or find a coach to explore your work your future what would you be seeking (mark as appropriate for you) – nudge – inspiration – sounding board – challenge – reviewer – prophet – catalyst – navigator – awakener – directional support?
As you consider your career journey, remember to travel light and stay open to new opportunities and learning experiences.
Until next time, travel light and be well.
· Next Insight - Navigating the Paths of Career Development
o An exploration of key ingredients when considering what matters for your career
o Questions to develop your career awareness
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