It's no surprise that people who are in career transition focus a lot of their time and energy on updating their résumé, networking, brushing-up their interviewing skills, compiling accomplishment stories, etc. But what about those of us who are currently working – in jobs that may even seem quite stable? It's human nature to become "career complacent" when you have steady work, focusing all your energy on "doing a good job.”

In today's work world, this approach just won't cut it. Today’s workplace is too unpredictable and jobs are too readily changed or eliminated. Every individual – regardless of career status – should consider adopting a different approach which I call, Perpetual Career Management.

The term ‘Perpetual Career Management’ means that instead of being focused completely on your current job performance, you should focus on managing your entire career. In practical terms, Perpetual Career Management means engaging continually in a variety of activities that you thought were necessary only for job Seekers – so you'll always be prepared, no matter what happens in your company or your job. Instead of feeling devastated, stuck or powerless when changes in your job occur, you'll always have career choices and a sense of control.”

To become a "Perpetual Career Manager," there are ten vital activities that everyone – regardless of job status – should always be doing:

1. Keep all your career documents up to date – résumé, reference list, letters of recommendation, accomplishment stories, etc. By keeping these documents current, you will be ready to leverage them at any point of transition (employment reviews, promotions, job changes), whether these events are planned or unplanned!
2. Put time aside every week for active networking to maintain established relationships and develop new ones - both inside and outside the company where you work. You should always be positioned to leverage your professional and personal contacts when the need arises.
3. Join and take leadership roles in appropriate associations and trade organizations. This will boost your visibility and enhance your credibility in your industry.
4. Write articles or do presentations focused on your area of expertise in any venue – clubs, conferences, publications, etc. This type of exposure demonstrates your level of "trade skill" and expertise – and people will take notice!
5. Continue your career education and maintain your industry credentials through seminars, academic classes, lectures, professional events, conferences, new certifications/degrees and the like. No one wants to hire someone whose base of knowledge isn't current.
6. Research and be aware of the competition – whether it be information about other companies or other professionals in your industry. Always know who they are and what they're doing. Endeavor to "know the competition better than they know themselves!"
7. Offer to help people in your network even though they may not be in a position to "help you back" at this time. These people will remember your good will – and as they say, "what goes around comes around." So, go the extra mile!
8. Look at other job openings and investigate other opportunities even if you're not job- hunting at this time. This will help you to know the market, gauge various aspects of your current position, and stay "plugged-in."
9. Always ask yourself, "how can I contribute more?" Doing a good job isn't good enough. The people who move up in the organization and get the best assignments are the ones who clearly demonstrate their value to the organization in measurable ways – every day, every week, every month.
10. Practice your interviewing, negotiating and related skills on a regular basis. Don't wait until a career crisis arises to polish your job-seeking skills. You never know what's going to happen. While you can expect the best at work, you should always be prepared for the worst.

Never be complacent with your career, and don't ever assume you're 100% safe in your job. The only real security is in developing and maintaining your knowledge and competitiveness in the marketplace. By committing yourself to the ‘Perpetual Career Management’ strategies outlined above, and implementing these behaviors in a consistent manner, you will always be in top career form and have plenty of professional options!