Do you have what it takes? Focus and flexibility.

Dear Coach:


Every time I talk to someone about my job search, they emphasize something different. Half of them say “You have to be clear on exactly what kind of job you want. Be as specific as possible about the industry, location and work environment you want.” The other half say, “Stay flexible – you’re going to have 10 different careers over the course of your life so why focus? Apply for anything you’re remotely interested in.”
-- Huh?

Dear Huh:

You may not want to hear this, but the opinions you are getting are both right. Welcome to the 21st Century.

There’s a reason your generation is called the Millenniums. You and the Gen Y’s just ahead of you are the first generations that have used a computer all your lives. You’re the first generation that totally gets what technology brings to the table in terms of efficiency. You are the generation that will help us make a transition to a new kind of workplace where workers have flexible hours to complete well-defined projects. Other generations have dealt with outsourcing and downsizing reluctantly. But people from your generation seem to me the first to embrace these changes.

So what does this have to do with focus and flexibility?

Recognize that the workplace is still in transition. While there are still plenty of companies that have regular work hours and that employ people long term, those same companies are looking for ways to work more efficiently. They may be outsourcing some work off shore. They may use project teams to get work done, and then move team members to a new project with a new team when their project is completed. The team members may not even be their full time employees.

In your first job search out of school, try to find a job with an organization that has opportunities for you to use your skills and talents. Try for sure to check that the companies you choose are in growth industries. Focus on making as good a match as you can. But realize too, that your life long career success may depend on your adaptability, even if you have a nine-to-five job.