A “go bag” is a pre-packed bag filled with essential items and supplies that you can quickly grab and take with you in case of an emergency or when you need to leave your home or current location in a hurry. The purpose of a go bag is to ensure that you have the necessary items to sustain yourself and address immediate needs during unexpected situations, such as natural disasters, evacuations, or other emergencies. A sudden earthquake or fire is less likely to happen than a job transition so wouldn’t it make sense for us to have a “career go-bag”?
In the modern professional world, career agility and adaptability are key to success. We need to be prepared for unexpected career twists and turns. A go bag is one way to ensure preparedness because it acts as a toolkit packed with skills, knowledge, and resources that we can readily deploy when navigating the dynamic terrain of our careers.
Why Every Woman Needs a Career “Go Bag”
Navigating Unforeseen Challenges
Just as in life, unexpected challenges can arise in one’s career. These may include sudden layoffs, workplace conflicts, or industry disruptions. Having a career go bag equips you with the skills and resources to adapt and respond effectively to these challenges and make these transitions smoother and more successful.
Seizing Opportunities
Opportunities often come when least expected. Whether it’s a chance to take on a new role, start a business, or pursue further education, a well-prepared career go bag ensures you’re ready to seize these opportunities without hesitation.
Boosting Confidence
Knowing that you are prepared for almost any professional situation can boost your confidence when making big job decisions. It’s a mental safety net that allows you to take calculated risks and explore new opportunities because you know your “worst case scenario” is unlikely to happen.
Essential Items for Your Career “Go Bag”
A Defined Personal Brand
What is your elevator pitch? If you’re drawing a blank, it’s time to review your personal branding, or lack thereof, and carve out time for reflection, strategizing, and curating a brand. For example, if you’re a Director of Sales for a Fortune 500 company, your “brand” may be that you get the “un-gettable” accounts and cauterize relationships so well that there is never a question of a client’s loyalty to you and your company.
Once you have your brand identified, focus on building a strong online presence. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can open doors and enhance your visibility in your industry. Strive to post original content at least twice each month and consider writing an article for LinkedIn to further ensure you’re seen as being a subject matter expert in your field.
Education and Skills
A continual investment in your education and skills is a good one. There are incredible online courses from ivy league schools, varying in cost, as well as workshops, or alumni meetups. Pursuing certifications relevant to your field or areas of interest ensure you maintain a diverse skill set which is invaluable in a rapidly changing job market.
Networking Connections
Cultivate a strong professional network. Maintain relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. Networking can provide support, mentorship, and access to hidden job opportunities. If you don’t already have a mentor- seek one out who can offer valuable insights, share experiences, and help you make informed decisions. Explore if your company has a mentor program, and if not try find one through attending or volunteering at industry events, virtual meetups, or alumni organizations.
Financial Literacy
Understand personal finance and financial planning. Having a sound financial strategy can provide stability during career transitions or emergencies. This includes budgeting, saving, and investing wisely. If you don’t have a financial advisor yet, it’s something worth considering.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Develop an entrepreneurial mindset, even if you’re not an entrepreneur. This mindset encourages innovation, problem-solving, and a proactive approach to career challenges.
Professional Wardrobe
Post pandemic your wardrobe may have transitioned from suits and dresses to yoga pants and hoodies, but it’s important to maintain a professional wardrobe that suits your personality and makes you feel confident. Having a go-to outfit for interviews or important meetings ensures you’re always prepared to make a positive impression.
Health and Well-being
Prioritize self-care and well-being. Physical and mental health are foundational to career success. Regular exercise, stress management, and a balanced lifestyle contribute to sustained productivity.
List of accomplishments
Create a running list of accomplishments that ensures your confidence remains strong. One tough meeting or review may have the power to send you into a swirl of Impostor Syndrome but if you have a hard list of things you’ve done that were “wins” it will be harder for you to get rattled for have your confidence contingent on other people’s onions.
It’s worth your time to proactively pack your career “go bag” to make you’re prepared, adaptable, and confident when facing unexpected challenges or opportunities.
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