I get an opportunity to work with many different people in many different situations. I recently had a chance to work with an individual that was recently laid off after 12 years of employment with 1 employer. Entering the job market after a 12 year hiatus can be a shocking experience, if you are not prepared. I wanted to explore a couple of things that have changed in the last 12 years and things you should consider if you are entering the market under a similar circumstance.
It is very important to realize that the possibility of being in your next job for 12 years is not impossible, but unlikely. Things change faster in today’s job market than they ever have, for large reason being that businesses provide services faster than they ever have. You need to be willing to look at all the options that are available for you. In addition, you need to be willing to explore avenues that you may have never considered such as consulting or contracting. Let me be clear, wanting a permanent position where you feel comfortable and want to provide your expertise for the next 12 years is not a bad thing! In fact, that is the type of mentality that I would want my employees to have. Recent statistics have show that the average term of employment in the U.S. over the last 10 years, is less than 3 years. This takes into account all forms of employment in the U.S. from high level executives to local gas station clerks. You may say well that makes more sense, does it?
With the economical ups and downs seen over the last several years, you most likely are related to or know someone who has been laid off from their position. With that being said, there are many reasons that folks can be relieved from their positions. Companies that are even performing at a high level always want to perform better. It is important to realize that companies sometimes first look to cut costs from within. There is no secret here, internal/permanent employees cost companies a lot of money. This number doesn’t just revolve around salary but also the benefits and additional perks that companies tend to offer to capture talent. This is where contracting comes into play and can provide companies the flexibility needed following tough internal decisions. Anchor Point works at several levels of employment from contracting, contract to hire and permanent. I don’t want to scare anyone from exploring permanent employment as Anchor Point provides that type of employment as well. However, don’t be too quick to turn down something that may be unfamiliar because with no risk there is no reward. We are happy to educate interested folks in the possibilities; you just have to be willing to listen.