For the most part, most jobs can transition or evolve into something else. It's a good idea to figure out 1 or 2 other roles you can get into, determine how strong of a contender you are for them, and keep those alternatives in your back pocket.

Scenario planning is a strategic approach to navigating your career’s future. Rather than predicting one outcome, it involves mapping out various potential paths based on industry trends, technological advancements, and market changes. By crafting different narratives of possible futures, you prepare for a range of scenarios, from promotions to career shifts. This foresight equips you to adapt proactively, ensuring you’re well-prepared for whatever the job landscape may bring.

Starting with scenario planning involves identifying key variables impacting your career, such as industry trends, skill demands, and economic conditions. Consider both internal factors—like your skills and aspirations—and external factors, including market volatility and technological disruption. By pinpointing these elements, you can build diverse scenarios that reflect various potential futures. This foundational work is essential for gaining a comprehensive view and preparing for the range of possibilities your career may encounter.

Developing detailed scenarios involves crafting narratives about how your career might unfold under various circumstances. For example, one scenario could explore how advancements in technology enhance your current role, while another might consider a career pivot due to industry changes. This process demands creativity and insight into the driving forces in your profession. The goal is to visualize not just the most probable future but a spectrum of possibilities, allowing you to prepare for a range of outcomes and stay adaptable.

Developing scenarios can easily go wrong, if you are feeling unhappy and unappreciated in your current job. It might be a challenge to look into the future and try to think of anything positive at all. Try creating one positive, one negative and one neutral scenario? It’s still important to recognize your thoughts and feelings, try to categorize them and see what appeals to you most.

An example from my own experience during the COVID-19 downturn shows the effectiveness of scenario planning. I anticipated potential challenges by creating different scenarios, considering budget cuts and the need for upskilling. This proactive approach helped me pivot quickly, retain my job, and even earn a promotion when the market improved. Scenario planning proved to be a practical tool for navigating career changes and making informed decisions, rather than just an academic exercise.

Embrace uncertainty. You can’t prepare for every scenario - but life has the ability to unfold beautifully on its own. Scenario planning helps you think ahead, sure - however, stay flexible in your approach. Leave room for the unexpected and trust your ability to adapt.