Prepare yourself for the "gig economy"

Many believe the "gig economy" is here to stay and will continue to get bigger. I heard a futurist speak at a conference a couple years ago, and he predicted there will be a "match.com" for employers and workers. Work will become more project-based with workers not necessarily being employees of a company but functioning as independent contractors. With Microsoft's recent purchase of LinkedIn, Microsoft may see LinkedIn as that matchmaking site. I will be asking our educational speaker next month for her thoughts, but I recommend professionals do the following: 1) Update your LinkedIn profile and clearly define your skills. Create a recurring task to review and update your profile quarterly.

2) Always be networking. Even if you love your job and have job security now, the future is unknown. I see many people who feel secure with their positions only to be let go due to a company sale, re-location, or structural change within their industry.

3) Reflect on what you are good at and enjoy doing. I just read the book, Spark Joy. The author is a decluttering guru from Japan, Marie Kondo. Her childhood stories are just as entertaining as the organization methods she developed and illustrated in the book. As a child, she would wake up early to organize her family's kitchen, and she practiced until she perfected a system for organizing every cabinet and drawer in her house. While she drove her family crazy at times, I am sure they couldn't deny she had a skill that she was very passionate about.

4) Create a vision of what you want to be doing in the next 5 years. Document everything you need to do to reach that goal. Break the action items into achievable goals for each of the next 5 years.

Linda Rogers, CFP®, EA, MSBA is the owner and founder of Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR). Originally from New Jersey, Linda services clients throughout San Diego county and nationwide. She leads the design of PWR's investment portfolios which utilize broad, low-cost investments that integrate environmentally, socially, and governance (ESG) factors.

Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR) is a fee-only and fiduciary wealth management firm offering one-time comprehensive financial planning, ongoing impact-focused investment management and tax preparation services in San Diego and nationwide. PWR is a woman-owned firm that specializes in busy professionals and impact investors. Planning Within Reach, LLC and their advisors do not receive commissions and do not hold any insurance licenses or brokerage relationships.