Work takes up a huge part of our lives. Ideally, the time and energy we spend should bring us satisfaction. But many of us are feeling burnout and uncertainty these days. Job layoffs, potential government shutdowns, economic changes, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) make it tough to feel secure. As a writer, I often worry about being replaced by machines too.
So, how can we tackle these work challenges? I chatted with career coaches for their insights.
Prioritize Your Time
It’s easy for the day to slip away. I know how challenging it can be to juggle work, especially when you have kids. A structure helps.
Ally Meyers, a coach in New York, describes intentional time use as a “superpower.” One effective way is time blocking. This means designating specific time chunks for tasks like focused work or responding to emails.
When everything seems urgent, start by focusing on three main goals for the week. “Keep those three top of mind as non-negotiables,” Meyers suggests. By setting clear priorities, you can avoid burnout.
Crystal Barrow, a coach in Connecticut, emphasizes taking care of yourself. “Mark yourself as unavailable during self-care times. Whether it’s a walk or a yoga session, make that time sacred,” she says. If you don’t recharge, you won’t perform your best.
Turn Worries into Action Plans
It’s natural to worry about layoffs or missed promotions. Planning for these “what ifs” can give you a sense of control. Building an emergency fund or polishing your resume can help.
Barrow suggests keeping a “results go bag,” where you note your professional achievements. That way, when opportunities arise, you’ll have proof of your impact ready to share.
Feeling anxious about AI? Use it to your advantage. Brian Pulliam, a tech career coach, says learning about AI tools can enhance your current role. Think of it as a helpful intern—delegate tasks that AI can handle.
Take Small Steps Before Big Changes
If you’re unhappy at work, you might consider quitting. But before making a rash decision, reflect. Often, it’s the work environment rather than the job itself that makes us feel stuck.
Meyers advises assessing what’s causing your stress and whether you can address it through skill-building or open communication with your team. If you decide change is needed, look for smaller, manageable steps to transition. Pulliam recommends trying part-time opportunities before making a leap into a new career.
Make Your Achievements Well-Known
Whether you’re job hunting or proving your worth at your company, visibility matters. Barrow advises sharing one notable win weekly with key people in your network so they recognize your contributions.
If your achievements go unnoticed, it’s hard to ask for promotions or raises. Tailor your communication to your audience for better impact, whether that’s through casual chats or emails.
Leverage Your Network
Networking can open doors. Professional organizations and alumni groups are great for finding mentors, job leads, and growth opportunities.
Pulliam shares that his biggest jobs at Microsoft, Zillow, and Coinbase came from connections rather than mere luck. Building relationships is key in today’s job market.
“Connect with colleagues on LinkedIn. Talk to people and explore referrals,” he advises. In a world leaning toward automation, personal connections remain invaluable.
As workplaces continue to evolve, adapting our strategies will help us navigate these changes with confidence.
Source link
personal finance
