Are you guaranteeing yourself job security?

If you're reading this, you're likely concerned about your job security, and with good reason. Conversations around 'recession' are up nearly 900% since last year, and topics like layoffs are trending on LinkedIn. Layoffs have also extended beyond the tech and recruiting sectors. Recent tech layoffs have shown us that no job is entirely safe, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is causing many to fear being replaced by machines.

How do you prepare for the unknown?

How can you find security and confidence and continue to grow your career in any job market?

Traditional career advice has long encouraged individuals to niche down or specialize, similar to content creation advice. Additionally, some of us have been led to believe we have one true calling.

In her infamous TEDTALK on multi-potentialities, Emilie Wapnick proposes that some of us do not have one true calling:

If you can believe it, an example of a multipotentialite is Jonny Kim: a mathematician, Navy Seal, Medical doctor and astronaut.

Being too niched in an unstable financial and competitive job market with ever-changing demands can be risky.

It's time to rethink the old way of doing things.

Start by learning the skills companies need most. Research supports this argument. A study conducted by Bentley University found that 57% of business leaders believe adaptability and flexibility are essential skills for job seekers. Similarly, a survey by ManpowerGroup found that 87% of employers believe that upskilling employees is their responsibility. The principles of job crafting remain deeply relevant in a world where job structure is:

1. rapidly changing,

2. putting more and more responsibility on the individual for the experience and engagement in their work.

Earlier this year, Linkedin (LI) released its annual report on the most in-demand skills for 2023 based on data gathered from job postings and LI member activity.

 The top five skills in demand for 2023 are:

1. Management

2. Communication

3. Customer service

4. Leadership, and

5. Sales

 The top five hard or technical skills include:

1. software development

2. SQL

3. Finance

4. Python

5. and Java.

Up-skilling and remaining a generalist can be the key to staying competitive in today's job market. When your skills are in demand, you're in demand. No matter the setback, looming mergers and acquisitions, re-organization, or change in strategy, learning in-demand skills can help you reach your career goals in 2023, even in challenging financial and employment environments.

David Epstein's book Range offers valuable insights into why being a generalist is becoming increasingly important. Epstein argues that generalists often find more success than specialists, and they're better equipped to navigate complex problems, connect seemingly unrelated concepts, and adapt to new situations. "When you work different jobs, you can identify where ideas interact — and more significantly, where they should interact." – HBR. As Steve Jobs, who embodied interdisciplinary thinking, once said, "It's technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing,"

To keep up with the ever-changing job market, generalizing is crucial. This means broadening your skill set and learning new things. Others argue that in this current financial climate, it is a necessity for millennials to be polymaths, renaissance individuals, generalists or multi-potentialities. The gig economy has given us multi-hyphenates: people who've made a lifestyle by working more than one job. By becoming a generalist, or whatever term you prefer, you'll be more adaptable and better equipped to navigate an ever-changing job market.

What are some of the potential benefits:

You can

• learn new skills,

• broaden your network,

• discover truly creative new solutions by committing to two (or more) wildly divergent careers

• make a career pivot

This is also evident in the growing non-linear pathways and career pivots. A Harvard Business review (HBR) article proposes that you should have AT LEAST two careers.

It's also worth noting that being a generalist doesn't mean sacrificing expertise. It's possible to be an expert in multiple areas, which can make you more valuable in the eyes of employers. The key is to maintain a balance between specialization and generalization.

Constantly reflect and identify personal and professional knowledge or skills gaps. Even more important to learning something new is the application of that knowledge. It seems that experience is king versus credentials. Actively seek opportunities that allow you to apply those newly discovered skills, which may not always be possible in a current role.

One last important note, hustle culture has come at the expense of mental health and life-work balance leading to burnout for many. This article does not support hustle culture, especially at the cost of your health and mental well-being.

In conclusion, the job market constantly evolves, and job security is no longer guaranteed. Traditional career advice that encourages specialization is becoming outdated. Instead, consider up-skilling and remaining a generalist. By broadening your skill set and becoming more adaptable, you'll be better equipped to navigate the job market of the future. As HBR recommends,

"When you follow your curiosities, you will bring passion to your new careers, which will leave you more fulfilled. And by doing more than one job, you may do all of them better."

However, always remember you are your greatest asset, job titles and incomes can be replaced, but you and your health cannot.