Whilst at university in the late 1990s, the graduate goal was to find a company to “climb the ladder” in. One that would give job security, a nice paycheck, training opportunities and have an ever-changing job title (that would eventually have the word ‘Director’ in it). If I was lucky I’d end up with a long-service award!  I know I wasn’t alone in the aspiration to find a job for life. That was the message we were all raised on; often our parents would have found a career or company based on the potential pension pot. Bizarrely life after retirement was the success measurement. Granted, this was a time when you could retire in your 50s! Since entering the world of career coaching and recruitment, it is obvious to me. It is the beginning of the end of the job for life.

I often jest that anyone working now is unlikely to retire. Not the way of the previous generations. In 2010, the UK Equality Act banned employers from unjustifiable compulsory retirement ages; this, combined with the state pension age rising on what feels like a daily basis, means that people are likely to be working well into their late 60s. At the time of writing, I will reach state pension age on 21^st August 2047. I’ll be 68 years of age!

You may have already moved jobs or companies yourself recently or maybe it’s been on your mind. Research* has found that globally, on average, people change their jobs every four and a half years. So, it stands to reason a university-educated person, such as myself, would change their job nearly 10 times over the course of their working life (between 21 and 68 years of age). Sometimes this is for career progression, sometimes it is forced through redundancy or family reasons, but, ultimately we aren’t sticking to the one company or job like before.

There is no doubt that moving internally or externally can give you the career satisfaction and progression you need and deserve, but it often impacts the feeling of job security and stability if you are going through a recruitment process on a regular basis!  That, combined with the reality we are going to need to work well into “old age” means one thing:

WE NEED TO HAVE A CAREER WE ENJOY.

But, is it just me that feels this way? I recently asked on my Facebook page “Do you believe that a job for life exists anymore?” 93% of those that answered said “No”. Quite overwhelming don’t you think!

So, what does it mean for us, and the generations of workers to come if work isn’t as linear and permanent as it once was?  It goes without saying when we are career planning, that income is essential, but as it’s likely that our working life means we could work alongside our grandkids or junior family members (imagine!), it essential we do something that we feel valued, motivated and engaged.

Here are five areas to consider now the job for life is over:

1. Understand your purpose
If you are due to move jobs, organisations, launch into self-employed or develop a portfolio career then understanding WHY you do what you can really help. To successfully navigate any career change, knowing how you do your job well and which skills you use is essential. But understanding the impact you want to make on the world can make a massive difference to your motivation and the types of roles open to you. Be sure of the values you hold dear and use these are a blueprint for the decisions you make.

2. Redefine work
Don’t get caught up in living by other people’s definition of career success and what is “worthwhile work”. Many more people are working in a portfolio career or working in stints of “mini-retirements”. The concept of mini-retirements, where you have a set of intentional breaks in your career, was coined by “The 4-Hour Work Week” author Tim Ferris. If you change your perspective on what a successful career looks and feels like, it can help you develop avenues that work for you and your family.

3. Network and connect
Often others can see your skills and contributions when you are blind to them. They can offer you new perspectives on work, connect you with people who are looking for new talent or provide you with role models about the way you can take control of your career. By being open-minded with the people you connect with in-person and online, can help you move around and develop a career that works for you.

4. Manage your money mindset
A job for life used to mean financial security; now it’s being in control of your income stream(s). Your salary may dip if you go part-time or be inconsistent as a self-employed person. It’s important to not hide from this, and to treat money as a means to your end for the life you want. Don’t bury your head in the sand on the figures or spend as a way of demonstrating success.

5. Never stop learning
Your current annual targets may mention Continuing Professional Development. You might be saving up for new accreditations. Or, you may be a fan of a personal development book. Either way, keeping your skills and qualification up to date helps you traverse the needs for job changes or open you up to a completely new career.

So what do you think? Am I getting cynical in my old age? Are there certain sectors that give us a job for life? Or are we moving into a new era of work-life balance? Let me know here or join the supportive Facebook Group Creating Careers to Enjoy.

Clara Wilcox is a straight-talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time you had a career to enjoy, not endure? Talk to me NOW about how I can help.

*Link updated to research published in 2023