Maintaining Career Currency: Staying Relevant While Out of Work

Maintaining Career Currency: Staying Relevant While Out of Work

Introduction

Being unemployed comes with its own set of challenges, and one of the most significant yet often overlooked aspects is the gradual loss of "career currency."

For instance, an accountant not actively practising their craft during this time may start to feel disconnected from their profession. But here’s the empowering news: acknowledging this reality is half the battle. Once you accept that your professional currency may be impacted, you can take proactive steps to maintain and enhance your relevance in the marketplace, putting you in the driver's seat of your career.

This blog explores how to stay sharp, build functional currency, and turn this time into an opportunity to amplify your value.

Understanding Career Currency

Career currency refers to the skills, knowledge, and experience that keep you competitive and marketable in your chosen field. When employed, you're constantly "earning" this currency through hands-on work, collaboration, and exposure to industry changes. However, being out of work can lead to stagnation if not addressed proactively.

Recognising this is not a cause for panic but an opportunity to take charge. By taking intentional actions, you can maintain your currency and create new and compelling stories for your CV and interviews, giving you a clear sense of purpose and direction during this transitional period.

How to Maintain and Build Career Currency

1. Stay Informed About Industry Trends
   Dedicate time to reading industry publications like, for example, The Economist, blogs such as those from the Harvard Business Review, and reports from top-tier consultants to stay on top of the latest developments in your field. Sign up for newsletters from these sources or attend webinars they may offer to keep your knowledge fresh and relevant.
   
   

2. Upskill Through Courses and Certifications
   Now is the perfect time to take the course you've wanted but have not had time for. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses that can not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to growth on your CV, giving you a sense of pride and confidence in your abilities.
   
   

3. Engage with Professional Communities
   Join professional associations, online forums, or LinkedIn groups related to your field. Participating in discussions can keep you connected to the industry and help you network with potential opportunities. [To become a LinkedIn Top Voice in your field, consistently share valuable insights and engage with other professionals in your industry.]
   
   

4. Volunteer Your Skills
   Offer your expertise to non-profits, startups, or small businesses that could benefit from your experience. This will keep you practising your craft, broaden your network, and provide compelling stories to share during interviews.
   
   

5. Undertake Personal Projects
   Start a project that allows you to apply your skills differently. For instance, an accountant could create a financial literacy blog, or a marketer might design a campaign for a cause they care about. These projects not only keep you engaged but also highlight your initiative and passion.
   
   

6. (My favourite) Seek Mentorship or Become a Mentor
   Engaging in mentorship, whether as a mentee or mentor, keeps you in tune with industry challenges and solutions. Mentoring someone else also enhances your leadership and communication skills.
   
   

7. Conduct Informational Interviews
   Reach out to professionals in your field and request a chat to understand how the industry is evolving. These conversations keep you connected and might even open doors to new opportunities.

Why These Actions Matter

Taking these steps keeps you relevant and demonstrates resilience and initiative—qualities employers value highly. Imagine walking into your next interview and sharing how you used your time out of work to complete a certification, contribute to a community project, or launch a personal initiative. These powerful stories highlight your proactive approach and unwavering commitment to your craft.

Moreover, these actions are not just about ticking boxes but about maintaining confidence and purpose during a transitional period.

Conclusion

Being out of work does not mean being out of relevance. Recognising the potential impact on your career currency allows you to take control, turning what might feel like a setback into an opportunity to grow and evolve. By staying engaged, sharpening your skills, and seeking new ways to contribute, you can maintain your currency and enhance it in ways that set you apart in the job market.

Call to Action

Reflect on how you can actively maintain your career currency today. Start by choosing one action—enrolling in a course, volunteering, or reconnecting with a professional community—and taking the first step.

Remember, every effort you make now is an investment in your future success. Let’s reframe this period as a time of growth and opportunity.