Career Coach: The Illusion of Job Security Is a Trap

Photo by Kristian Waldeck, WalmedPhoto

"The illusion of a permanent job can be a trap. For many who buy into that idea, it creates a false sense of security, causing them to settle in and stop growing. That can make them miss out on opportunities, even within the company," says career coach Tina Persson.

Once we've landed a job we plan to stay in, we shouldn't view it as permanent. We can't lean back. Quite the opposite—it’s now that the real work begins. Stay updated on the latest developments, read books, take courses—and don’t forget to network. That’s Tina Persson’s advice.

"We don’t invest in our own careers. We think the responsibility lies with someone else. But every penny you invest in yourself will pay off. You'll automatically stay relevant in the workplace," she says, adding:

"If you don't keep up with changes, you won't be relevant in the job market going forward. And then your 'permanent' job won't be so permanent anymore."

Not long ago, changing jobs was seen as taboo. Both the Swedish, German, and French labor markets strived for a regulated, stable environment.

But that’s a relic of a bygone era, says Tina Persson. Today, it's rare to spend an entire career at the same company. Traditionally, the life sciences sector has been slower to change, but with rapid technological advances—especially in AI—that’s about to shift quickly.

"The life sciences sector is unique. Many who enter the field have chosen it deliberately, have long educations, and many roles take years to master. Yet even the pharmaceutical industry is being challenged by AI. Some jobs will be taken over, others will change completely."

To navigate this development, it's about daring to stay open to new opportunities, according to Tina Persson.

"We don’t invest in our own careers. We think the responsibility is someone else’s. But every penny you invest in yourself will come back to you,"
—Tina Persson

"It’s very easy to get stuck in your expert role, but that alone doesn't sell. You have to dare to showcase your expertise and make others aware of your presence. That’s what drives your success."

At the same time, there’s a lot to gain from changing your mindset.

She advises those she coaches to view their job more like a school. It’s about meeting new people, learning new skills, and adopting new perspectives.

"Stay curious and open. It’s about embracing completely new perspectives. Dare to work across departments within the company so you become a bit more agile and avoid sitting in your corner becoming irrelevant," says Tina Persson.

This article was originally published by LifeScience Sweden.

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