Activity: Career Planning

3. Two Strategies to Manoeuvre Through Uncertainty

Many of us strive for “security,” as in, the full-time, permanent position. Some say, this type of security is becoming more of an illusion. There are no guarantees and we never know what the future will hold or how it will unfold. 

We advocate to empower yourself by taking charge over what you do have control over, and adopt and integrate an adaptable mindset.

Adaptability and positive outlook are covered in the Demonstrating Skills Unit.

1. Scenario thinking

One way of manoeuvring uncertainty is to use scenario thinking. This is an approach to envision a few ways that the future could evolve and to think through different routes to move closer to your vision no matter what might happen. 

With a direction or vision in mind (for now—it does not have to be your ‘forever’ vision), imagine and develop three scenarios:

• a realistic scenario based on what is happening today, 
• a best-case scenario, and 
• a worst-case scenario.

Think of a couple of potential obstacles or challenges. 

Next, think of contingency ideas for each of those challenges in each scenario. Try not to get mired down on detailed descriptions of these scenarios. By doing so, this is another way to navigate ambiguity.

What steps would you take to still move towards your “vision”? These steps are a contingency plan.

Write down your scenarios in the Career Planning Worksheet, or jot them down in your own journal. (**Example below)

Most people still think of Plan A and B. Plan B is a back up if Plan A does not materialize. If you use scenario thinking, you can always move yourself toward YOUR own version of your future, not Plan B, which you were not excited about in the first place.

2. Freelance/contract work

A second way to manoeuvre uncertainty is to consider the pursuit of freelance or contract work. This can be advantageous for a number of reasons, 

• Flexibility,
• Work in diverse settings,
• Develop skills, experience, and knowledge in various areas,
• Foster the development of a portfolio of skill sets, which opens opportunities and expands your labour market,
• Demonstrate adaptability,
• Reduce the dependency on one income stream, if you are solely employed by one employer, changes occur with your position and your income drops to zero.

The primary benefit—especially in an unpredictable climate—is to be as agile and portable as possible.

There is a downside, there may be more instability, continual career search, and quite possibly no benefits or paid holidays.

This approach follows the Chaos Theory of Careers (CTC) (Bright, 2013) as a way of navigating the unknown, mentioned in the unit introduction. In uncertain times, this strategy could be a potential solution for the short-term and for those who value freedom and autonomy, this could be a long-term career trajectory. Furthermore, by working within different settings, you increase the possibilities of chance events and opportunities—a central premise of The Happenstance Learning Theory (Krumboltz, 2009).