What is the best time to start job seeking?

These days, the only stable job is the one you haven’t lost yet. Job seeking shouldn't start when you've lost your job - start now before it's too late!

Remember our parents saying, “You need to study hard, get good grades, get a good job, work 50 years and then retire to enjoy life”?

Well, that story doesn’t exist anymore.

Whether you’re an IT contractor moving from project to project or a full-time employee in what feels like a “secure” role, the threat of workplace change is constant.

Contracts end. Teams restructure. Technology automates yesterday’s skillset overnight. And WHAM...you're out of a job.

The numbers tell the truth: in Australia, over 22% of roles turn over every year, and the average person stays just 3.3 years in one job (or 1.9 years for contractors).

More than half the workforce has been in their current role for under five years - and that tenure is shrinking even further as workplace disruption accelerates.

And there’s no doubt AI will have a massive impact on the workplace - on your career prospects, and on your current employment. Roles will change, merge or vanish entirely.

I see it every week - skilled professionals caught off-guard. A project wraps early. A budget gets cut. Suddenly, the search begins…only now, it’s from a standing start.

Unemployment costs people dearly, and most don't realise until it's too late.

The reality? Your best insurance against workplace disruption is to never stop looking for your next move.

And here’s the bonus: when you’re always scanning the market, you keep yourself open for your unicorn role - that dream job or perfect contract you never thought existed. Don’t let it pass you by because of loyalty to an employer or client, or simply because you weren’t looking.

Here are some tips to help you become prepared for the inevitable:

For IT Contractors:

- Never stop looking for your next role…ever. You’re only 10 working days away from the unemployment line.

- Start contract extension discussions 8 weeks out from your end date—earlier if you can.

- Keep your LinkedIn activity high - visibility drives opportunity.

Stay in touch with recruiters and direct clients between gigs.

For IT Employees:

- Redundancies normally come unannounced and as a shock. No one acts well in shock - so don’t wait to be blindsided - so be prepared.

- Keep your resume and LinkedIn updated even when you’re “happy” in your role.

- Grow your network outside your current company - future you will thank you.

- Upskill regularly, especially in emerging tech and AI.

- Follow your industry’s movers and shakers to stay ahead of trends.

Because in the modern job market, the most ready candidate wins.

Stay visible. Stay connected. Stay ready.

Need some help? DM me, book a meeting or come along to one of Talentology's free events. Take your career seriously - you're worth it.

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