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Resilient careers

I had to make a presentation on building disaster proof careers. Now, nothing is disaster proof, so I told them I would make a small presentation on building resilient careers - that are take more shocks, can enable one to bounce back rather than prevent the fall.

Here are some points:

  • Stand on two feet - have two skills - so that there is always a backup
  • Think skills rather than jobs. 
  • Think cross industry application
  • Remember that you can pivot
What that also means is that one has to think long term - think ten years, not one year and therefore, short term blips, breaks, u turns, pivots dont matter as much as the gaining of experience over 10 year. 
Think skills. A skill is something you can sell regardless of firm. The more skills you have - sales, marketing, creativity, design - the more fungible you become across industry. And maybe even independent.
Built a network by giving. And start early. Your school, college - are all part of a multibagger (to use a stock parlance) network that will give you great returns as you grow.
Bias for Action. Never stop moving. 
Keep your eyes open - because the next big thing can come anytime. And the ones who are very successful or very occupied dont take up such challenges.
Think projects. Pick small projects. Side projects. Each of these will truly build your skill. Even without a job rotation, you can pick up an immense amount of skills from projects. 
Collaborate like your life depends on this. This is a skill that is more and more useful as you move up the ladder or as an independent entity or when you build your business.



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