What's Next for You?
Erik Boemanns
Leading you from IT risk to reward. A lawyer/technologist bringing executive expertise to IT GRC, privacy, and security. Together, we can reach your next level of success.
Crawl, walk, run might start us out.
But leap, fly, soar sounds more exciting. If that’s what you want, at least.
As Generation X reaches the peak of our careers, we’re staring at “What’s Next?” Our parents’ pensions and retirement plans have had a hard time translating to the economic turmoil our careers have had to span. We’re not ready to retire and many of us couldn’t even if we wanted to, so we’re looking for our career capstone. A legacy leaving culmination of our experience, our knowledge, and the work ethic we brought to the market.
Amidst the angst, or contributing to it, is a job market unlike anyone has ever seen. The great resignation didn’t end, it just paused pending a resurgence in the market.? Many leaders are looking – either actively after a layoff, or passively in defense of the next one. Regardless of the reason, the question becomes how someone stands out to be recognized against the backdrop of their peers. Generation X is particularly well equipped to do so. It requires drawing from our pre-Internet history and applying it to our current technology adaptiveness.
Finding new opportunities is three-dimensional chess.
Taking yourself out of your comfort zone and finding new opportunities is three-dimensional chess. Where resumes and networking socials was once enough, the Internet and social media adds new dimensions to how to grow to the next level. As worn out as the phrase “personal brand” is – it’s never been more important either. And that brand must be broadcast on all frequencies and channels. You have to show up online, in person, and stay part of the conversation. You have to be willing to not just consume information but contribute it as well.?
A framework for this would start simple.? First, know yourself. Second, introduce yourself. Third, meet others. Self-promotion is ineffective by itself. Promotion of others will always be of a higher value. To be able to promote others, you have to build a strong network and be willing to learn about others and listen to them as well. At the same time, you have to be sharing your own knowledge and brand so you can be invited to the opportunities to meet others. It’s a long game and the only shortcuts come by luck.
It's important to remember this isn’t for everyone. It’s fine to be fine with where you’re at, headed, and the surety of your “next.” But for those who are asking or wondering if their plans need to change, then the time to start is now. Start today thinking about what you bring to the table and your unique skills and experience. Also think about who needs help and you know could help them. These steps start setting the pieces on the board so you’ll be able to move them where you need as you get further along.
If you’re thinking about “what’s next,” I’d love to have a conversation. I can share my lessons of what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m still trying to figure out. And maybe, we can figure out what’s next together!
Week In Review
This past week's thoughts have drifted across a variety of topics. One of the lessons reinforced is people want to see real things. Enhanced, crafted, and artificial messaging gets lost in the void. But an authentic message still rings true.
Check out all the thoughts here:
Check them out and join in the conversation!
In Conclusion
I'm grateful to all of you who spend the time sharing your thoughts, engaging with posts, and being part of the amazing conversations happening here.
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I hope this coming week is exactly what you need it to be!
Thanks, as always!
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About Erik
Erik Boemanns is a technology executive and lawyer. His background covers many aspects of technology, from infrastructure to software development. He combines this with a "second career" as a lawyer into a world of cybersecurity, governance, risk, compliance, and privacy (GRC-P). His time in a variety of companies, industries, and careers brings a unique perspective on leadership, helping, technology problem solving and implementing compliance.
He's available to help you with any of this now too!
Product Development & Business Agility Coach | Teaching kittens how to be cats in product development
7 个月I deeply appreciate your post today, Erik. You summarized my thoughts on "what's next" better than I could have imagined. Adding, creating, and enhancing value of the people surrounding you is a mark of greatness, of leading by example and with a heart to assist them along their own journey. Well done, sir, well done!
I love that your key is to promote others. What a great message! This market has changed everything. The layoffs are seemingly constant and job hunters are faced with an overwhelming disadvantageous search. It's so true that you have to show up and be part of the conversation. I made the mistake of fading out when I got a job, but that's just a lesson I had to learn and I will reinvent myself for what's next. Thanks for all your positivity and wisdom!
Cyber Staffing & Recruiting | Cyber Business Innovator & Strategist | ex-CISO | MSSP & MDR | AI | GRC | DFIR/TTX | SecOps | Drive Margin | Nearshoring | LATAM-USA-Philippines | Emerging Markets Expertise
7 个月Your timing could not be better: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/schawacker_cybersecuritycareers-ageism-activity-7225600488124112896-_Fx1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop