We cannot predict the future. But we can prepare for the future. Including your jobs and career.
In these unprecedented times some jobs will be gone and some would subsequently return. Obviously companies have to get their house in order first before they can start hiring again. There will be consolidations and reorganisations which could take months to complete. Some positions may even no longer exist in post covid corporate world. It’s essentially the survival stage for companies.
Due to strict health protocol being adopted worldwide we may see those employees fall under higher risk demographics will be refrained from returning to the office. Some will work from home. Some will take retirements or golden hand shakes.
When the business stabilizes companies may hire replacements. Some jobs may remain the same, some will be newly created, and some may possibly be combination of old and new. We can expect some functions that were unheard of prior to this pandemic.
To stay employable be ready for term contract or part time role. You may have heard of gig economy in pre-covid days. Chance is you will hear it more.
Contract based, freelance, and part time jobs will be more common before companies decide to go back to permanent hiring mode. And you should grab it. It is best to stay employed on a contract based job rather than waiting for the indefinite, permanent ones.
A contract based job should not be viewed of lesser prestige. Prior to covid many developed countries are already adopting this employment model. Some people love it due to longer off days. You can decide where you to start working and when to take days off (or weeks off). Think of yourself as a partner or a vendor instead of a permanent employee. At a more senior level it is commonly called interim management. In short it is a contractual, temporary provision of management resources and skills.
As you are getting more experienced you would acquire certain skills and competencies that companies are looking for. Yet in these trying times many of them might shun the idea of employing you on permanent basis. Hence the contract based or part time employment as the solution.
It is not a totally new concept. In Indonesia’s 2 tier board systems both board of commissioners and board of directors are on part time and contract basis respectively.
The question you should ask yourself is:
What you could be missing is the perks. You cannot expect apple to apple offer for corporate perks you have been enjoying as a permanent employee. First of all every company offers different perks. Things like company car, allowances, insurance, club memberships vary from one company to another. You should monetize your perks so they are all in cash. Combine with your expected salary or fees and you will come to a number. It is easier for the client to decide and to post in their books.
You may want to focus to your target deliverables, like you would a consultant. For instance if you are applying for a ‘Corporate Health & Safety Manager’ job. Your deliverables should sound more like ‘zero covid infections across company for the next X number of months’. Quantifiable deliverables help manage clients’ expectations and translate the value you bring to the table.
In the meantime you can always continue seeking for a permanent position. As the economy recovers you will probably have more opportunities. Discuss with your client first. You never know that quietly they might have been thinking of offering you a permanent slot.
Happy job hunting!
For interim senior management and contract based professionals please email henriko@mandate-ess.com
