Just as the weather fluctuates and the seasons come and go, so does the economic climate for project managers. While the growing demand for project managers remains at an all-time high and project managers are seemingly able to withstand some of the most pressured circumstances and environments, the unlikely event that there are unforeseen shifts in employment patterns still remains and that can have a devastating effect on some of the most seasoned and highly regarded project managers within the industry. Downsizing, organizational restructuring, cost cutting and outsourcing are all some of the most unsettling and disconcerting causes of job loss. Whether or not you are gainfully employed, transitioning roles or in between jobs, knowing these five tips will keep you in the game — even in the toughest times. 

Know your purpose. In the unforeseen event that you find yourself in the talent pool among hundreds of others, it’s easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of the career journey you’ve so begrudgingly worked towards — especially when you’re sending out resumes by the dozens to roles that you can’t even imagine your future self taking on. It’s this belaboring process that takes a toll on your ego, your self-esteem and your self-worth. Take a moment to think about the defining characteristics that have given you purpose and driven you to where you are today, and write it down. What do you like to do? What are you good at? What is your heart telling you? Like every Requirements Brief you’ve ever put together, your purpose informs the decisions you make and will ultimately lead you to your next move. Listen to your purpose and remain true to your intentions. The rest will follow. 

Be your authentic self. Many times when you walk into an interview, you generally feel prepared because you’ve done so much work to align yourself to the job description — everything that your hiring manager is looking to hire. You even become the job description because everything you say and do defends each bullet point. While you are busying yourself trying to become everything on that piece of paper, you are blinded by the very qualities that define your authentic self. While it is important to meet the criteria and check the boxes, it’s even more important to lead with the very qualities and values that define your character and steer your moral compass. True and worthwhile relationships form when you instill trust and share the same values. 

Tell your story. Each of us has a story to tell deriving of learning, unlearning and relearning moments. Every chapter is filled with unique obstacles, challenges, ambitions and goals that propel your personal and professional life journey. Don’t be afraid to embrace your fears and shortcomings head on. You do this by removing what Brene Brown would call, vulnerability armour. You show up and come to the table leading with your values and integrity, and you confront those challenges and things holding you back. As Brown says in her book, Dare to Lead, “You can’t fully grow and contribute behind armour”. When you live each moment and come face to face with fears and vulnerabilities, you learn, you develop, you grow and you continue to write and tell your story. 

Try new things. What makes the role of project management especially noteworthy is how each project manager fulfills each phase of the project journey. As you recall, the very definition of a project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. That means, you have to get rid of that one-size-fits-all mentality and do away with the very idea of “templatizing” your approach to meet your project’s needs. You need to continue to refresh your current set of skills, upskill to enhance both your strategic and operational approach to deliver, and reskill to tackle various kinds of projects. It’s easy to go into the archive and say, “It worked the last time around, so I’ll just do it again” — the exact same way. But recall, you are steering a completely different project, with a different team and a different skill set. Throw away that carbon copy as a means to exercise clear-sighted thinking. 

Dream big. With each completed project whether deemed a success or failure, you learn, develop and improve your project management posture. At the same time you enhance your capabilities and diversify your skill set, you also open yourself up to new ways of thinking and doing — and that breeds curiosity. Embrace those moments as a means to grow your potential and develop your core competency. Take on new types of projects, deepen your knowledge in a particular field, dive into a new industry or vertical — but most importantly, dream big and go after that dream. 

While uncertainty and fluctuations in the job market are everyday stressors that can weigh down your emotions and take a toll on your confidence, it’s important to stay true to yourself and know your purpose. Your career journey is still a chapter to be written, and as you do so, lean into the very qualities that define your authentic self, show up and tell your story to others, and don’t be afraid to try new things.