By Gail Ostrishko, Consultant, The HR Group, Inc.

"They just don't make them like they used to!"

This is a timeless truth; applicable to almost anything you can think of, but especially indicative of current careers. Past generations went to work for a company with the intention of being employed through retirement. They offered loyalty and longevity with the expectation of the same from their employer. Many of our parents worked for the same company for decades, retiring with the proverbial pension and gold watch. Those days are long gone and for good reason.

Today's workforce is diverse and dramatic. They are no longer willing to settle for a job, they want a career that allows them to express who they are through what they do, and to have a life too. They are career pioneers, in a quest for value and meaning in their lives. Sure, the current economic agenda has thrown a monkey wrench in the mix, but most people are still not willing to just settle for a job. After all, most people spend more time working than they do engaged in any other activity!

Our current workforce is comprised of four very distinct generations, all with unique values and perspectives on their work and their careers. Many older generation employees still embrace the baby boomer mentality that we must work long and hard because that is what it takes to build a good organization. They are willing to make significant sacrifices, and expect others to do the same. Younger workers are less likely to embrace the same mentality. They are more diverse, socially conscious and technologically savvy. Many are more committed to raising families and enjoying life than they are to climbing the corporate ladder. They will leave jobs they do not like, believing they will find another one they do.

Compound the cross-generational issues with the consistent downsizing, outsourcing and reorganization characteristic of the current corporate climate, and you get a cacophony of unique perspectives. While many people lose jobs in the process of reorganization, it is not always a negative experience. For many, it is just the creative catalyst they need to make much needed changes in their lives and their careers. This forced transition mimics the mama bird pushing her babies out of the nest, forcing them to fly. While the initial plunge is alarming, it is paramount in the overall process.

Career Pioneers take an internal inventory, literally working from the inside out to determine what makes sense for them based on their unique strengths and abilities. They are more likely to craft a conscious vision of a career they desire for themselves and go about finding or creating it, as opposed to the traditional approach of applying for available jobs based on the best-perceived potential fit.

Career Pioneers embrace the #1 rule of leadership: Know Thyself, in their quest to be leaders in both their personal and professional lives. They utilize a clear structure for self-evaluation including consciously and consistently seeking wisdom and feedback from others

Career Pioneers see work as just one piece of the larger puzzle of life. While it may be the centerpiece for some, there are other elements that hold equal value in creating a healthy and balanced life.
They are willing, even eager to take risks and they have courage to explore new territory.

Career Pioneers set their sights on what they want and believe in their capacity to achieve it. They know they deserve what they desire and are willing to invest the time, effort and energy to achieve it.

Pioneers lead the way, opening up new avenues of thought and development, preparing for new possibilities and adventures. Don't you want to be a Career Pioneer??

The HR Group offers a variety of resources and consultants for Career Pioneers. For more information, contact The HR Group.