We are living, learning, and working in unprecedented times, which calls for new, forward-thinking strategies. Just recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with career professionals of CPC in creating the Work-Life Strategist course. It was an amazing experience. I also earned the Certified Work-Life Strategist designation. This credential is specifically unique to serving clients in our ever-changing world and competitive labour market. We spend at least 70% of our time at work. Therefore, it is essential to derive purpose and meaning to make a significant impact. It is this vision that drives me to serve others in finding their passion and purpose.
Relevant course topics included self-care, work-life models, positive psychology, emotional intelligence, stress and trauma, essential skills building, and self-actualization. I have learned the essence of helping clients through challenging circumstances while helping them stay empowered and focused in attaining their goals.
Living
These days, life is more fast-paced than ever. Health and wellness or the concept of self-care is imperative and shapes our lives on a regular basis. Yet health and wellness encompass different aspects. and requires balancing all these aspects in order to live a prosperous, balanced, and healthy life. Let's take for example, the Wheel of Life (see Job Search Vault). We need to continue to employ proper healthy and safety protocols while exercising our duty of care to ensure that others around us are safe. Integrating the aspects of work-life integration along with hope, resilience, and fulfillment will improve our morale and satisfaction.
Learning
Lifelong learning is the foundation for continuous improvement. While some people see learning as temporary or transient, we need to start seeing learning as ongoing and on a continuum towards growth and greater meaning. Learning forms an everyday part of our experiences, and is part of living and working.
Building certain essential and technical skills is important so we can function effectively in the new world of work. However, we need to stay abreast of changing market developments and trends by ensuring that our skills are marketable and aligned with the changing workforce. Learning new skills helps us gain confidence, leverage problem solving, and apply critical thinking to drive innovation. But learning comes in many forms. It need not be restricted to traditional or formal classroom learning. Learning can be asynchronous and online. We learn through modelling, videos, discussions, and through our experiences, triumphs and our deepest challenges.
Working
We all need specific skills to navigate, maintain, and develop our careers, which requires a proactive and forward-thinking approach. However, the reality is that work is defined or seen differently than it was decades ago. The world of work and the nature of work is changing. We undergo experiences at work and throughout our career that are, indeed, lessons for growth and self-actualization. Gone are the days of the promising or ever-lasting permanent role that comes with a secure retirement. There is a lot of work out there though, from temporary to contract to freelance and even long-term.
But what is defined as "long-term" means something different to everyone because change is rapid and inevitable. Job or career security is up to us individually; we are the CEOs of our own brand. We each must be accountable for redefining our brand and reinventing ourselves and carving our own career paths. While there are numerous career models out there to help us understand change and career transition, an effective career planning tool is CPC's Career Development Model. You can use this tool to understand your value, explore options, plan actions, and create a brighter future.
We are living, learning, and working in dynamic times. We all need a work-life strategy that aligns with our goals, values, and needs. But these changes inspire us to find a space for driving creativity and making a difference where it is needed. We need to employ a forward-thinking, proactive, and strategic approach.
Contact Creative Horizons Communication if you need assistance or support with your career-life transition or work-life integration strategy. Email creativehorizonsresumes@gmail.com.
Resources:
Work-Life Balance is Possible: 10 Simple Strategies