Career Briefs: Standing Grounded in Uncertain Times

I was recently talking with a long-time colleague, a seasoned executive navigating a career transition. They expressed a feeling I know many of us share: a sense of uncertainty in the face of today's shifting job landscape. It got me thinking about the idea of 'solid ground' – that feeling of stability and confidence we all seek in our lives - both personally and professionally. 

It's easy to get caught up in the headlines and feel the weight of the feelings they generate. We hear about layoffs, economic shifts, and the rapid evolution of technology, and it's natural to wonder: Where do I fit in? What does this mean for my career? 

But here's what I've learned over years of working with executives: solid ground isn't found in external circumstances. It's built from within. It's the product of self-awareness, adaptability, and a deep understanding of your personal brand - it's what makes you you!

Consider the analogy of a tree weathering a storm. Its roots, firmly grounded, provide the resilience to withstand the changing seasons. Your career resilience is built on the same principle – knowing your core strengths, your passions, and the contributions you bring to the table.

If you are facing uncertain circumstances or sitting in a period of unrest, I encourage you to explore your roots. Remind yourself where you find joy and fulfillment. Lean into your strengths and focus on navigating each day with intention. 

Try not to get discouraged. The job search is more than just finding a job; it's about building a sustainable and fulfilling career that aligns with your values.

Remember, while the job market may be in constant motion, your roots are planted in solid ground.

Rooting for you,

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Suzy Welch on What AI Can Never Replace

Suzy Welch, renowned author, speaker, and business journalist, tackles the persistent challenge of work-life balance in her recent article. In her recent piece, "The One Thing AI Will Never Fix Because It is Unfixable", Welch discusses the enduring struggle of balancing work and family, particularly for parents.

She argues that despite technological advancements, the fundamental conflict between the demands of work and family remains a persistent issue. Welch emphasizes that the overlap of child-rearing and career-building years creates an inevitable tension that individuals must navigate.  

Don't miss my upcoming LinkedIn Live interview with Suzy Welch TODAY at 12:00 noon EDT! Join us as we dig deeper into navigating career transitions with purpose—sharing insights, strategies, and real-world advice to help you make confident, intentional career moves.

Join Suzy Welch Today @ 12:00 noon EDT on LinkedIn Live with Sarah Johnston

 Have questions for Suzy? Submit them here.

The Modern Elder: Curated Career Conversation with Chip Conley

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Chip Conley, renowned hospitality entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author on his inspiring work for “the modern elder”. Chip shared invaluable insights on navigating career transitions and the evolving nature of work.

In our interview, he emphasizes the importance of cultivating "modern skills" such as resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence to thrive in today's dynamic job market. Additionally, Chip discussed the concept of "ikigai," the Japanese philosophy of finding purpose and fulfillment in life and work, and how it can guide career decisions. Read the full interview here.

New Jobs Report Shows an Uncertain Job Market

The February jobs report released last week paints a mixed picture of the US economy. While it shows continued job growth and a strong labor market, it also provides a snapshot of the economy before recent policy changes, which could hurt future job growth.  

The US economy added 151,000 jobs in February, which is below economists’ expectations of 160,000. The unemployment rate increased to 4.1% from 4% the month before. The labor force participation rate also slipped.  

Key Takeaways from the February Jobs Report:

• The federal government posted a loss of 10,000 jobs for the month, with 3,500 of those losses coming from the US Postal Service.  

• The healthcare sector continued to post substantial gains, adding 52,000 jobs last month.  

• The leisure and hospitality sector lost jobs for the second consecutive month, driven by cuts at restaurants and bars.  

• The churn needed for a healthy labor market has slowed significantly in recent months.  

The “most talked-about article” this month in the career space is titled, “The Job Market is Frozen” sheds light on a striking market phenomenon:

What This Means for You

While the future of the job market and the US economy remain to be seen, it is important to be prepared for uncertainty and have a strong resume and online presence.  

Here are some things you can do to prepare:

• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date and showcase your skills and experience.

• Network with people in your field. Networking can help you learn about new opportunities and connect with potential employers.

• Practice your interviewing skills. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience and qualifications.

• Be patient. The job search can take time, so don't get discouraged if you don't find a job right away.

Is a College Education Less Expensive than Believed?

Is a college education may be more attainable than many people perceive? Rose Horowitch, a staff writer at The Atlantic, challenges the widely held belief that college education is becoming increasingly unaffordable in the article, "The Secret That Colleges Should Stop Keeping."

Horowitch argues that the actual cost of attending college has been declining in recent years. She points out that while the published "sticker price" of college has been rising, the net price that students actually pay after financial aid has been decreasing.

Horowitch cites data from both the College Board and Brookings Institution, showing that the NET cost of attending public four-year universities has fallen by 21% since the 2014-15 school year, and the average American is paying the same amount for tuition as they were in the 1990s.

The Psychological and Career Impact of Layoffs

In 2023, the Mental Health in Tech Report revealed a concerning trend: 77% of tech workers attribute deteriorating mental health to the repercussions of layoffs, with 55% admitting to increased substance use due to job cut fears. This underscores the profound and lasting impact of layoffs on individuals.

In a more recent article, "Once You Are Laid Off, You Will Never Be the Same Again," Mert Bulan emphasizes that the effects of a layoff extend far beyond financial concerns, impacting one's self-worth, career trajectory, and overall well-being. The article highlights the importance of seeking support, reframing the layoff as an opportunity for growth, and proactively managing one's career.

Leading Through Transformation with Wisdom and Vulnerability

In the article "How Transformational Leaders Must Lead," Sarena Lin, a senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, emphasizes the importance of inclusive leadership, vulnerability, and role-modeling for successful organizational transformation. Lin argues that leaders must embrace vulnerability and collective wisdom to navigate the complexities of change, fostering collaboration and innovation.

The article also highlights the unique contributions of women leaders, who often possess qualities such as empathy, resilience, and a collaborative spirit, which are needed for creating an inclusive and innovative organizational culture.  

Top Newsletters for Staying Ahead in the Job Market

If you are not endlessly scrolling on LinkedIn, how do you stay up-to-date on job market trends?

There are a few excellent newsletters that I'd recommend, in addition to Briefcase Coach’s Career Briefs, that can help you level up professionally. Here is a list:

• Level Up Your Career: The Random Recruiter (Who Is He?) covers one job search topic in depth each week. His topics and content are super practical.

• Career Essentials: Known for her thoughtful and practical content, Career Essentials by Career Sherpa’s Hannah Morgan is a must-read for introverts and job seekers over 50.

• The Job Hopper: With nearly 20 years of experience, Alison Doyle makes job searching simple with easy-to-follow advice, perfect for those new to the job search process.

• The Keys: Meg Applegate— a career coach and writer for thoughtful career women— packs her issues with productivity hacks, career power moves, and burnout-proof strategies; it’s like having the cheat codes for sustainable success.

• Recruiting Brainfood: A must-read for those in charge of hiring, Hung Lee's weekly newsletter offers invaluable insights into the world of recruiting.

• Get Hired: Andrew Seaman's Get Hired newsletter is a valuable resource for job seekers at all levels, offering insights and tips on everything from crafting a compelling resume to acing your next interview.

These newsletters offer diverse perspectives and valuable insights to help you navigate the job market and achieve your career goals.