You're not alone

 

 Progressing in your career can be frustrating during challenging economic times. In the last 12 months, as a result of the downturn, many companies have battened down the hatches, cutting headcount, freezing salary rises, reducing hours, stopping recruitment, cancelling promotions and drastically reducing training to save money.

 

What motivates 80% of people is having more challenging work. Source = Maynard Leigh How 20 of the UK's best employers are rising to meet the challenges of turbulent times 2009.

 

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development's (CIPD) Employee Outlook Survey Summer 2009; Career development and progression has been hard hit by the recession with only 24% of employees agreeing that they are learning new skills in their organisation as a result of the recession and only 7% agreeing that there are more opportunities to progress.

 

"The best people will move when times get better if you don't treat them right." Jack Welch, US Business Guru.  

 

So should you sit tight or move on to new pastures? If you feel bored, find a new challenge to get your teeth into and have a chat about redesigning your job to give you new challenges.  Cruising isn't really an option because workforces are becoming so lean.  If you do move employers, research carefully and make sure your new employer is stable and matches your values.  If you are self employed, it can be a frustrating time but beware the temptation to discount which is a slippery slope, find ways to add value instead.  

  

If you are thinking about making a career change, either because you want to or because you have to because of a shortage of jobs in your area, working with support can make the change faster and less painful.

 

If you are an unemployed professional or know someone who is, they might be interested in our workshop.

  

Energise Steer your career workshop. Click on Steer Your Career for details of the workshop and the latest dates.