For many, career planning has been largely accidental. Only a select few have proactively and systematically reflected on their future, their skills, or how to develop them—usually only doing so when circumstances force them to.
Today, however, career planning is more relevant than ever. As organisations chart the course for strategies born out of the pandemic, they’re reassessing every individual’s skills, strengths and aspirations. While business development may be impossible to predict, a curious, continuously learning workforce is the most reliable fuel for renewal and competitiveness. In fact, learning agility and adaptability are fast becoming some of the most valued meta-skills in the modern workplace.
Whether you’re actively job hunting or just beginning to envision your next career steps, now is the time to consider what skills, attitudes and knowledge you’ll need to evolve. What future-facing capabilities are you strengthening in your current or next role? If you could shape a role where you provide the most value to your organisation, what would it look like? Where do you want to head? Are you open to change—and eager to keep learning?
A sense of agency in a changing world
Career adaptability means being able to flex and adjust to evolving roles, contexts, and assignments—constantly scanning your environment for emerging opportunities.
It’s about maintaining a sense of direction and agency, even amid uncertainty. Career adaptability rests on self-awareness, confidence in your skills, and an appetite for growth and discovery.
And to trust in your skills, you first have to recognise them. In our coaching and career programmes, we’ve seen that even seasoned recruiters—people who assess talent for a living—often struggle to identify and articulate their own strengths. With a career coach as a sparring partner, that knowledge starts to crystallise. Your development needs and capacity for renewal become clearer.
When you truly know yourself—your strengths and your learning edges—you’re better equipped to face uncertainty, make sound decisions, and choose the path that fits you best.
Why career adaptability is the skill of the future
The pandemic has only accelerated the upheaval of working life. Some roles, even entire companies, have disappeared—but many new ones have emerged in their place. Adapting to these changes calls for active self-leadership: identifying your strengths, refreshing your skills, acquiring new capabilities, and staying open to what’s next.
In short: career adaptability may just be the next essential life skill.
👉 Curious about how career coaching can help you or your team develop career adaptability? Learn more about our coaching services.