Where is it written that there is such a thing as job security? If you can find this anywhere, you have my permission to burn the paper it is written on. Wikipedia states the following: “Job security is the probability that an individual will keep his or her job; a job with a high level of job security is such that a person with the job would have a small chance of becoming unemployed.” I fully agree with the definition, what I do not agree with is that there exist something like job security.
Nobody can guarantee you job security. Correction – this is not true. YOU can guarantee yourself job security. This is what I coin “You Security”. No job, position or career will guarantee security. Only YOU can ensure yourself security. What does it mean in practice? How can you ensure or guarantee you security? By always remaining one (or preferably two) steps ahead of the pack. Life-long education should be your personal slogan. Always keep up with the latest trends and innovations in your industry. Attend seminars and training courses AND adapt your work methods to these. Adopt entrepreneurial thinking – always see problems as opportunities and find new ways of doing things. If your industry is made redundant by technology, adapt well in advance and be a first mover. Scrap the word “tradition” from your vocabulary. Question your methods daily – is it still the best way to do things today? Am I just doing it this way because this is how I have always done it? Next time someone talk about job security around a braai, tell them about YOU SECURITY (and tell them about Prof Gary’s blog)