DIY Career Development: Invest in yourself when your employer won't.

It was the year 2021, and it seemingly all started with a hiring freeze. In 2022, the widespread layoffs followed.

But one crucial early warning sign of the job market crash went largely unnoticed. Companies had already started to budget and brace for the rough times to come, even though it was already too late.

Across every industry, in the midst of the pandemic, employers slashed, gutted, or eliminated their Professional Development stipends and reimbursement policies.

The sudden cuts to our "Pro Dev" budgets slipped under our radars, obscured by the shadow of the quarantine.

As we approached the "new normal," many companies quietly neglected to reinstate the budgets that once helped their employees learn and grow outside of their hands-on work responsibilities. Gone are the days of companies funding trips to conferences and workshops, courses and seminars, degrees and certifications, professional memberships, or even books and learning materials.

Your career growth wasn't ever their responsibility, but it certainly was a nice perk while we had it.

So, what now?

Now, your career growth is your responsibility.

I'd argue that it always was. But, with someone else funding it, it's so easy to leave it up to them. Employers were happy to drop $2k to send you to a conference, so what's the incentive to do any more than that?

Why You Should Invest in Yourself

1. Adaptability and Resilience: The only constant in today's job market is change. When you invest in your own growth, you become more adaptable and prepared for industry shifts and economic downturns, ensuring your skills remain in demand. Diversifying your competencies can open up new opportunities, even in challenging times. Instead of focusing on job security in your current role, aim for career resilience.

2. Personal Empowerment: When you deliberately choose your own methods of professional development, you'll ultimately craft a career path that aligns with your ambitions and values. When you rely on your employer for career growth, you're merely a passive participant. Decide for yourself which skills you want to hone and how you want to contribute.

3. Increased Earning Potential: Continuous learning and skill acquisition are directly correlated with increased earning potential. The ability to quickly acquire and master new skills is a skill in and of itself, and many employers are well aware of this. By investing in yourself, you're effectively investing in your ability to earn a higher salary and land better job positions. Do your research to determine which skills and certifications are most aligned with your salary goals.

10 Ways to Invest in Yourself

1. Conferences

2. Training Workshops

3. Online Courses

4. Certifications

5. Professional Memberships

6. Advanced Degrees or Continuing Education

7. Networking Events

8. Books and Reading Materials

9. Bootcamps

10. Career Development Coaching

The shift away from company-funded professional development might seem daunting, but there are still many benefits to self-directed career growth. When you take responsibility for your own development, you set the stage for a fulfilling, resilient career that can adapt and thrive in the face of change. Carve out the career you want for yourself, and don't leave it up to your employer.

If you work for a company that still provides a professional development budget, don't forget to use it! Research your options, then choose a subject and learning method that best suits you and your career goals.