In our current situation this is a vitally important subject on how we manage ourselves, our careers, self-development in the short and long term so we can be of value and relevant in what is going to become a very competitive job and career market.

We are all like a commercial company; we sell our knowledge, skills, ideas, time, expertise and our wisdom to our employer. In return we get a salary and receive other benefits.

But all good commercial companies are great at developing new ideas, products and services for their customers. They employ people with the right skills and attributes, develop succession planning and invest in new technologies and skills. They diversify before the market changes. These companies think one step ahead or, if they are really good, two steps ahead of the game with strategic thinking and excellent planning.

For us as individuals, do we do the same? Are we looking after ourselves? Are our skills, experience, knowledge and thinking up to date? Do we sit and analyse what our employers are going to want in the future from us? Do we consider how the skills market is changing and what is needed in the next 5 to 10 years?

Do we treat our employers as customers and consider what do they need from us, now and in the future as their markets change?  Are we looking after ourselves, so are we are fit and strong enough to still be of value to our employers in the future and, in return, making ourselves employable for the rest of our careers?