By Brian Fippinger
When I embarked on my professional journey at the age of 18, I assumed I would have a single career, perhaps even with one employer. Back then, I began my career with the Bell System, a company synonymous with job security and lifetime employment. Little did I know that by the time I turned 53, I would experience not just nine different jobs, but nine distinct careers—each representing a unique chapter in my life. I would become a “career cat,” adapting and reinventing myself time and again.
For a long time, I thought I was an anomaly, but insights from the industry reveal otherwise. The prevailing belief is that the average person will pursue about seven different careers throughout their lifetime. Though the origins of this number remain unclear, it certainly appears frequently in searches related to career transitions. According to a significant study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, economist Chuck Pierret, who has been tracking U.S. workers’ job stability since 1979, found that individuals between ages 18 to 42 have held an average of 10.8 jobs thus far.
Embracing Multiple Career Changes
To further investigate this trend, I casually surveyed individuals in my network about their career transitions. I was surprised to learn that many people had similar experiences to mine, with numerous transitions leading to actual career changes. This sparked a realization: if your professional life entails shifting from one role to another—as mine has, from Actor to Consultant to Engineer and beyond—how can you remain adaptable, relevant, and mentally sound? In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be sharing insights from the frontline of this evolving job landscape, focusing on helpful strategies and lessons learned.
The Key to Success: Lifelong Learning
Today, I want to emphasize what I consider the most crucial trait for thriving in today’s dynamic job market: being a Lifelong Learner.
A Lifelong Learner is someone who actively seeks knowledge not just for personal satisfaction but for professional growth as well. According to Wikipedia, lifelong learning is a “lifelong, voluntary, and self-motivated” pursuit that enhances social inclusion, personal development, and employability. I would argue that a critical aspect of this is to remain “Constantly Curious.” Without a sense of curiosity, it can be challenging to stimulate self-motivated learning.
Staying curious is essential for preparing yourself for the next transition. This pursuit goes beyond learning the latest software updates or regulatory changes; it demands venturing into uncharted territory. Failing to do so can leave you stuck in an obsolete role.
The Cautionary Tale of "Phil"
Take the story of Phil, a former client, for instance. After ten years in a stable position, he unexpectedly found himself unemployed. As an accomplished IT Director and Strategy Consultant, Phil excelled at managing teams and translating technical jargon into business language. Despite a robust resume filled with success stories, Phil struggled to land interviews and felt bewildered by the sudden lack of opportunities.
Upon reflection, it became evident that the job he desired—and had excelled at—was no longer in demand. His skills were akin to those of a manufacturer of buggy whips in an age dominated by automobiles. Phil had devoted little time to continual learning or exploring outside his immediate expertise, rendering him unprepared for the job market's evolving needs. He had unwittingly stopped learning.
Consider how many of us may have fallen into this trap. When was the last time you read something unrelated to your profession that wasn’t merely a leisure novel? Have you mastered a new skill recently? Can you remember how to embrace the role of a beginner? In a rapidly changing job environment, we need to be continually ready to start over.
How to Become and Stay a Lifelong Learner
Here are some practical tips for becoming and remaining a lifelong learner:
- Adopt a Beginner's Mindset: Zen Master Shunryo Suzuki noted, “In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities; in the expert’s, there are few.” Embrace opportunities and remain open-minded during transitions.
- Always Be Reading: Keep a book on hand about a subject outside your field. This expands your perspective and may ignite ideas for your future career.
- Create a "To Learn" List: While you may have a daily to-do list, consider a list of things you wish to learn. Make proactive efforts to enhance your knowledge.
- Engage in Critical Thinking: Don’t accept information at face value. Spend time journaling or contemplating what you have learned to ensure true comprehension.
- Apply Your Knowledge: Learning is futile without practical application. If you've gained a new skill, find ways to implement it in real-life scenarios.
By cultivating the habits of a Lifelong Learner, you’ll not only prepare for your next career opportunity but also enhance your curiosity and, ultimately, your overall success in all areas of life.
Conclusion
As you navigate your career path, remember that adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning are essential for thriving in today’s ever-evolving job landscape.
SEO Tags: Career changes, Lifelong learner, Job market trends, Personal development, Professional growth, Learning strategies, Career transitions, Curiosity in learning