Recently, I spoke with a PhD who had just been laid off from her role. She was shell-shocked because she was doing everything right and driving great results for the program she was managing.
For this PhD, this was the second layoff she’d faced over the span of two years and she just couldn’t understand why this was happening to her.
I listened to her for about a half hour and did my best to encourage her without offering platitudes.
One of the things I reminded her of was this: what had happened was not her fault, and it wasn’t something she could have controlled.
I’m not going to lie, having been through layoffs myself, I understand how hard that knowledge pill is to swallow. But, I’ve come to accept that some things are out of my control.
Rapid technological advancements upending whole industries? I cannot control that.
Mergers. Acquisitions. Layoffs. Companies shutting down. I cannot control that.
There is one variable I can control, however. Me.
In the last chapter of Navigating the PIVOT, I talk about creating a personal opportunity engine that ensures you’re never at the mercy of any particular employer.
What’s a personal opportunity engine? I didn’t coin the term. But I defined it in the book this way.
As we come to the end of the year, I want you to take a good look at your work life. Is everything you’re doing – the skills, projects, and networks – built on another person’s “land”? Or are you building your own even if you have a job that currently appears secure?
Gentle reminder: we only have control over the latter.
Podcast
Dr. Irina Cozma’s father wanted her to play for the Romanian national volleyball team. Irina carved out her own path instead, and became an organizational psychologist who now coaches high-achieving individuals to carve career paths that are not dependent on what “everyone” expects of them. Here’s her advice on what to do if you’re considering a career change → Watch/listen to the episode.
Quote I highlighted this week:
“I play the game. I never let the game play me.”
Until next time!
Gertrude Nonterah, Ph.D.