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Changing lanes in the career highway Cape Argus

I'm not sure about you, but I am getting a little concerned about the state of our traffic. Recently, people are getting themselves into quite a state trying to navigate all these road works and detours that seem to pop up overnight.

I know it's all in the name of progress, but it seems like we're taking three steps back and only one step forward. The other day I sat in a huge traffic jam because three lanes suddenly became one. It would have been fine if everyone calmly obeyed the upcoming instructions, but you can imagine what happened.

It was like everyone for himself out there. Taxis were hopping pavements, trucks were threatening to nudge small cars off the road, and while this was all happening, a man pushing a trolley full of glass bottles was flying past us at a speed that made us all look like we were standing still. Oh yes, we were!

Sitting in a jam certainly gives you a chance to think, and that's exactly what I chose to do. Mainly to try and retain my sanity. Then it struck me. This was not too dissimilar to how we approach job hunting.

When the economy is booming it's like travelling on a four lane superhighway. Everyone moves fast, it's smooth and people seem less worried about those around them. There's generally more smiling and laughter too.

But when you talk of recession, it's like closing three of the lanes and expecting everyone to drive in that one single lane without getting upset. It causes a bit of mayhem. Everyone's competing for space, they become desperate and it seems like the rules get ignored for a while. The one reality is that everything does slow down. In the boom time, you can find and land a job in a matter of days. In recession, it can take months and even then you could hit a dead end.

To survive a major traffic jam without getting too stressed, or losing your mind completely, you have to make peace with the circumstances you're in, and importantly be very aware of what is happening around you. If you simply sit back waiting for something to change, you could find everyone else getting onto the right track while you get stuck.

Getting stressed doesn't do you any good either. You just get more agitated and tend to do something really irrational which could land you in trouble. It's best to stay very calm, and make sure you are ready to respond to any eventuality. Another good thing to remember in a traffic jam is to find out as much information as possible. Communicate, and listen to what's happening. It could just find you the short cut you need.

Now when I think of these tips, I think they're just as applicable to job hunting in tough times. When the job market narrows and you find yourself competing more for space, even as things slow down, it's best to become very aware of what's going on around you. More now than ever, you should pay attention to the trends out there. Who's thinking of hiring? When are jobs likely to become available? Who's looking for whom? The reality is that even in recession, people are being employed. And sometimes into jobs that are not even being advertised.

That's because people are tapping into the communication that's happening around us.

So if you want to keep moving, stay in touch, keep looking ahead, keep listening to what's being said, and you will find the gap. Now you may think that the recession is officially over, but the truth is it will take at least another six to twelve months before the career highway is clear again. So best you prepare yourself for the journey.

Tips for changing lanes in the career highway

Take note of what career lane you're on. Is it fast, slow or simply getting very dangerous to be there?

What's happening alongside you? How are others moving?

Where are the gaps? Where are people still being employed?

Now take care of yourself. What's your state of mind?
Are you calm and rational, or are you desperate and frantic?

Is your vehicle (your CV) in good shape?

What do you need to fix to make sure you can survive this journey?
Stay confident. Do not be tentative. Let others know you�re on your way!

John Mullins
For more career and coaching advice contact John via email: john@johnmullins.co.za or visit his website: www.johnmullins.co.za

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