HOME

ABOUT PEG

JOB FAIRS

Layoffs? Mergers? The new workplace, just a passing phase? Think twice. William Bridges' bestselling book, "Jobshift; How To Prosper In A Workplace Without Jobs", discusses a new workplace that has already arrived and is here to stay.

The traditional concept of a job is based on the industrial model, of large employers. This concept is being replaced with a new definition of work: work that needs to be done, rather than set duties, hours, and permanence. The lack of a job anchor affects us psychologically. Rather than fight the trend, learn how to thrive.

What is happening? Permanent jobs in all areas (defense, health care, white and blue collar) are being replaced with temps, contract workers, job sharing, self-employment, and telecommuting.

The new trend will create more opportunities for self-employment, part time work, piece meal work. If you can ride the wave, you might have more leisure with even more income, without the headaches of office politics. Skills required in this new marketplace are writing, reading, arithmetic, computer, and above all--work-search skills!

The winners are:

• Workers who know how to market their services
• People who see change as opportunity, and seize the moment
• Those who are flexible, and can easily adapt to change
• Proactive job seekers

Those who won't fare so well include:

• Those who are have been on the same job for a long time and are out of touch with the new marketplace
• People who have difficulty selling their services
• Workers with outdated skills and/or without the means to upgrade or adapt their skills
• People who are "married" to a specific industry, particularly if that industry is dying
• Individuals who are motivated primarily by security and structure.

How can we make sure we end up in the winners column?

We need to develop the four P's: Purpose, a Picture of the future, a Plan for action, and a Part to Play. We will have to be market-driven due to the project nature of work.

In addition, we need to take a look at your D.A.T.A.: your Desires--what you want in life, your Abilities--what are you really good at, your Temperament--what kind of person are you, and in what situations do you thrive; and finally, your Assets--what advantages do you have, or what aspects of your history or circumstances could you turn to your advantage.

The new marketplace takes a combination of savvy, skills, and follow through. Technical skills are great, but they need to be combined with marketing and good interpersonal skills. Furthermore, you can resist the winds of change, or as Seneca said centuries ago, "The fates guide those who go willingly; those who do not, they drag."