Facts on Job Security
Many of us grew up watching sitcoms where “Dad” would come home at 5:30 after a “long day at the office” and sit down to dinner with his family to share stories about what his coworkers have been up to. Of course, “Dad” was at the company for years and would probably retire from that same company with a nice pension in place and a comfy golf filled retirement planned.
Of course, our sitcoms are different, and a better reflection of our own reality. The truth is that we’re moving faster from the days of “Leave it to Beaver” than we think! Our economy is increasingly dependent on global markets and technology growth. As technology drives the speed of business it also drives the speed of globalization and change.
These facts sound rather far from home, but they mean a lot to a young professional who can no longer count on being at the same company for the majority of his or her life.
Take these statistics into consideration when you set your goals for the future:
- In 2002 100,000+ “white collar” jobs were moved off the US shore. It is projected that by 2015 that number will increase to over 3.3 million.
- Mergers are a way of life. Each year we hear about several major mergers and buyouts. Often these actions result in thousands losing their jobs. (Visit the US Census report for information on mergers each year.)
- The average individual changes careers 3-8 times in a lifetime.
Overall, it’s important to be responsible enough to anticipate and accept change when it comes your way. While these statistics may seem daunting, the job market is better than it has been in years, and as long as you maintain an edge, you’ll be just fine!
