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The digital economy can feel like it's shifting beneath our feet, with AI and algorithms forcing us to regularly question many long-held assumptions about the future.
When technology is so rapidly reshaping entire industries, job security is top of mind. We know the changes are systemic, not personal, but it's no less unsettling. For some people, the question becomes: If I lose my job, should I consider a new career altogether?
There's no right answer, and a backup career isn't built overnight. But three career experts we asked agreed that in this relatively unstable job market, beginning to map out a Plan B can be an important exercise.
"You have options to prepare yourself, no matter what somebody else decides for you," said Margaret Phares, executive director of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches. "Especially in this market — that is so chaotic and without a lot of predictability — to be able to pivot is a strength."
So what?
Contemplating another career is big, and you'll need to decide what works for you, and how far you want to take it. If you're ready to explore the idea, here's where to start:
Narrow the focus
Considering a backup career can be overwhelming, especially if you've invested a lot in your current one. Dr. Emily Bullock-Yarrow, a career researcher and professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, recommends taking the RIASEC test to help you match your interests with a career type.
There are six interest areas — Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or Conventional — that correspond to different types of work. For example, enterprising people, or "persuaders," tend to like selling, managing, and having a social influence, while realistic people, or "doers," tend to be interested in working with their hands, tools, and the outdoors.
Get an outside perspective
Bouncing career ideas off of your social circle or a career coach can give you perspective you won't otherwise have.
"It's really hard to get outside of our heads," said Dirk Matthews, president of the National Career Development Association. "We really need people around us to help us draw this out."
Stay curious
The earlier in life you cultivate interests, the more you'll know about yourself if and when it comes time for a career pivot, said Matthews. Even just dabbling in online courses from Coursera, Udemy, or freeCodeCamp lets you explore diverse types of subject matter. And in the long-term, you're probably better off choosing a career because you truly like it, not because it's a field that's easy to enter.
Do a test-drive
Once you have an idea or two for a backup career, think about whether a related hobby or side hustle could help you test the waters. For example, if you're interested in farming, you might start growing microgreens in your closet. Or use Catchafire to find volunteer opportunities that can help you meet people and build skills and confidence.
Stay positive
The idea of starting over with your career can be scary, and it's OK to acknowledge that. But exploring a backup career doesn't have to be an entirely defensive play. It might help you discover new parts of yourself. And today's workforce is actually lucky to have so many career options, according to Phares.
"We can never predict what will happen to us or what our needs might be," Bullock-Yowell said. "But we can always do some preparation."
Related Reading
College Students Are Changing Course in Search of 'AI-Proof' Majors. But No One Knows What They Are (AP)
Four Futures for Jobs in the New Economy: AI and Talent in 2030 (World Economic Forum)
A Layoff Survival Guide: What to Do Right Away (SoFi)
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