2020 reality check: Jobseekers and workers adjust career goals, expectations

The COVID-19 job market has forced Australians to adjust their career expectations, with many finding occupations appealing that they would never have previously considered.

The turbulence of 2020 has given Australians a career reality check, with more than half seeing their jobs and others in a new light.

Research from insurance comparison service Choosi reveals 48 per cent of Australian workers have lowered their expectations of finding the “perfect job” and 53 per cent have changed their perceptions of roles as they now value security (66 per cent), stability (62 per cent) and personal safety (49 per cent) above all else.

Career and workplace performance expert Shadé Zahrai says there may be some benefits to the career reality check.

For example, school leavers that previously dreamt of being TikTok influencers and YouTube stars may make more feasible choices.

Career expert Shadé Zahrai says the pandemic has encouraged people to be more realistic about their careers. Picture: Supplied

“A lot of the time young people say ‘I just want to be rich or famous’,” she says.

“There was a strong push towards entering entertainment and influencer spaces but this is making young people consider the reality of their choices and how they have an impact on the rest of their lives.

“(The COVID-19 job market) may be making perceptions more realistic.”

Zahrai says it is likely more people are choosing to pursue public sector roles that may not have considered them in the past as they place more value on job security.

Similarly, she says perceptions of shelf stacking roles and other essential services has changed.

“There is an increase in respect for essential roles and that includes people in the grocery stores,” she says.

National Apprentice Employment Network chief executive Dianne Dayhew says more young people are realising that trades are a good option, too.

“Never before in history has a school leaver had so much insight into what happens during an economic crisis,” she says.

“Often, challenges in the economy happen outside the school bubble or over the other side of the world or it’s something that happens to business people, but this time there has been a direct impact for so many people, including people at school.”

She said the government’s decision to adjust the funding of some university degrees has also made trades more appealing.

Skilled trades have become more appealing to young people. Picture: iStock

“If you are thinking of studying in the humanities, that is fine but it’s going to cost you a lot more,” she says.

“If your family has been impacted by the economic crisis of the year, you may be thinking ‘do I want to put that additional burden on myself for a study pathway the government is telling me there are not opportunities in?’.

“There has been heightened ability for young people to rethink their choices.”

“There is more interest in the skilled trades as a result.”

Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) Queensland president Jennifer Luke says Australians who value job security should have their sights set on healthcare and social assistance.

“It’s the number one growth area – it was before COVID and it will be after,” she says.

“Health and social assistance is not just the medical jobs you think about, either.

“In a hospital you need IT and maintenance and catering and cleaners and logistics and warehousing.”

Samantha Connelly had not considered a career in the beauty industry until after the COVID-19 pandemic. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

TAFE Gold Coast general manager Karen Dickinson says vocational education and training (VET) is a good option for people hoping to shore up their employment or transition into a new field.

She says it is a fast and reliable way to acquire new skills.

“Microcredentials, skills sets, short courses, units, or a pre-apprenticeship qualification are great training options if you are wanting a taste of a different industry,” she says.

“This type of training will provide you with hands-on skills and industry insight to help you determine if your desired career path is for you, allowing you to confidently commit to a full qualification or an apprenticeship.”

Former belly dancer Samantha Connelly, 48, decided on a new career in the beauty industry after the pandemic forced her to return to Australia following many years living overseas.

She says job security was one of the factors that made the industry appealing and encouraged her to enrol in the Certificate III in Beauty through TAFE Gold Coast.

“There is always going to be a customer base in the beauty industry,” she says.

“I have decided to continue studying next year then hopefully I am looking to work for myself and generate my own clientele and business.”

CDAA's Jennifer Luke recommends considering work in a health setting. Picture: Supplied

HOW TO CHOOSE A REALISTIC CAREER

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Look at job boards and company websites, and ask yourself:

– What is being advertised?

– What does the job involve?

– What skills/experience/qualifications are required?

– Is it an entry-level job?

– Is it something I might enjoy even if I have not contemplated it before?

SEE IT AS A STEPPING STONE

It may not be the career you imagined but you can still get a lot out of it, including:

– Broad experience

– Transferable skills, such as communication or report writing

– Networks that may be helpful down the track

DON’T GIVE UP ON THE DREAM

Even while working in a different field:

– Think about the steps needed to eventually land your dream role

– Keep building your networks in your goal industry – in person or online

– Volunteer in your goal industry outside of work hours

SOURCE: CDAA Queensland president Jennifer Luke

Originally published as 2020 reality check: Jobseekers and workers adjust career goals, expectations