I love my job but I am starting to get apprehensive

Anonymous

August 4,2023 at 2:59AM UTC

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I love my job but I am starting to get apprehensive

I took a director job about 2 years ago - big leap, moved across the country for this job. I love what I do. I've been pretty successful in my role and I can see a lot of possibility for growth. However, we're a moderately sized company (about 10K people) in a fairly volatile industry. Things can move fast. I've been all in on this, with no "Plan B".

With some high living costs right now (new mortgage, kids in school etc.) and hoping to retire in 10-15 years, if things do go south I could be in a financial pickle quickly.

My question is - how much hedging is reasonable? Should I periodically be interviewing for other jobs just to see what's out there? Or is keeping my certifications up to date and my resume fresh enough? Should I be reaching out, for example, to contract houses I might like to work for just in case, or just keep their contact info around? What's a "normal" thing to do?

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Huong Nguyen-ValleAugust 4,2023 at 6:02PM UTC
It never hurts to casually look for work and see what is out there.
AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 2:37PM UTC
I’m always looking, even if I’m happy in my current position. I always keep my resume updated, and try to maintain contact with my network. This is probably more a product of trauma from being laid off from my first job during the Great Recession than anything.
AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 1:12PM UTC
I think my take could be cultural & industry relevant so you may not identify: However I also work in a fast paced, profit orientated industry and I do think unless you make the C-Suite, you have a shelf life. Not many survive redundancy after their mid 50s.With this in mind, I too have thought exit strategy (I'm late 30's). So starting now to think about 1) savings/investments but like you, kids in school so not too much to play with!! 2)skill sets and making sure I am building these to enable me to move into consultancy once I have got to the "used by date"!! In your position I wouldn't be worried so much about a new company but I would make myself known in my existing business as widely as possible. Internal networking can be invaluable if there is a restructure. I would also be mindful to always be growing skill sets so they don't pigeon hole you into only capable in 1 skill set. Work external networks too, take on speaker roles at events or coaching/mentoring roles in industry charities etc - this will help you if you do need to find a new position outside of your company before you had planned. Hope some of this is helpful.