How to Maintain Long-Term Job Security in Web3

Image showing a Web3 professional working on her laptop. — Source: FreePik

Securing a Web3 job is a significant achievement, but the journey doesn't end there. Once you've landed the position, maintaining professionalism and becoming an indispensable asset to your employer is crucial.

The CNBC|Momentive Workforce Survey for Q4 2023 reveals that Web3 workers express less confidence in their ability to swiftly secure new employment compared to their fully in-office counterparts.

Job security in the Web3 sector is an important but often overlooked aspect. It hinges on the clear connection between your daily tasks and the company's financial success. To strengthen your job security, it's essential to demonstrate how your role helps the company you work with make money. When this link is unclear, your job may be at risk. Therefore, it's vital to establish and communicate the impact of your work on the company's bottom line. So, how can you fortify your professional status?

In this article, we will show you the key factors that contribute to long-term job security in web3, drawing on insights from various reports and resources. These strategies will not only help you keep your job but also position you as a valuable team member your employer would want to retain.

Why is Job Security Important?

Experiencing the fear of potential job loss can cause a genuine sense of job insecurity. But, what is job security?

Job security entails having the confidence that your position is not at risk of being eliminated. It represents the assurance that you can continue working in your present job for the foreseeable future. This assurance brings a sense of protection, guarding against circumstances such as bear market layoffs, economic downturns, and other influences that might affect employment.

Here are five reasons why job security is essential:

Enhances Employee Value PerceptionIt's unsurprising that when employees enjoy job security, they feel valued. Establishing a sense of security makes employees feel recognized as individuals first and employees second.

Reduces Employee Stress and AnxietyPrioritizing employee well-being is crucial. The connection between employee well-being, encompassing stress, anxiety, burnout, and performance is well-established. The looming fear of job insecurity can significantly impact mental and physical health, leading to prolonged anxiety, anger, and burnout, resulting in manifestations such as sleep problems, substance misuse, weight gain, and depression.

Boosts Employee Engagement (and Reduces Turnover)Research indicates a negative correlation between job insecurity and employee engagement. Betterup's study supports this, revealing that employees with job insecurity are 37% more likely to be disengaged. Conversely, a secure, valued environment fosters employee engagement, contributing to better retention rates, reduced turnover, and improved business performance. Job security plays a pivotal role in fostering a strong connection between employees and their organization.

Enhances Employee ProductivityThe positive effects of job security create a ripple effect, leading to increased employee productivity.

8 Most Secure Web3 Jobs and Why Companies Need Them

Image depicting a female Web3 developer working remotely with her laptop. — Source: FreePik

When it comes to job security, some professions are more bulletproof to external factors than others. Based on analysis and rankings, we discovered companies vying for a foothold in this decentralized frontier are searching for skilled professionals who can navigate the challenges and unlock the immense potential of this new paradigm. Here are 9 of the most secure Web3 careers right now and why companies need them:

1. Blockchain Developer: Without skilled blockchain developers, companies lack the technical expertise to create secure and scalable dApps, smart contracts, and other blockchain-based solutions.

2. Smart Contract Developer: Imagine building a house without nails or screws. That's essentially what companies trying to develop dApps without smart contract developers are attempting. Their expertise is essential for ensuring the secure and reliable execution of code within the blockchain.

3. Web3 Project Manager: Without a skilled Web3 project manager at the helm, companies risk facing chaos and mismanagement. Their expertise in planning, communication, and problem-solving is crucial for ensuring the success of Web3 initiatives.

4. Data Scientist: Data scientists with a specific focus on Web3 are the key to optimizing performance, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions. They extract valuable insights that can fuel innovation and growth.

5. Cybersecurity Specialist: Companies operating without skilled cybersecurity specialists are sitting ducks for cyberattacks. Their expertise in risk assessment, penetration testing, and incident response is vital for building trust and securing their operations.

6. Metaverse Designer/Developer: As the metaverse takes shape, skilled designers and developers are needed to craft immersive experiences and virtual worlds. Companies entering the metaverse without skilled designers and developers cannot create engaging and functional virtual spaces that attract and retain users.

7. Community Manager: The Web3 landscape is redefining collaboration and governance. Community managers foster vibrant communities, drive engagement, and ensure smooth decision-making processes. Web3 companies without skilled community managers lack the guidance and direction needed to navigate collective action and achieve their goals.

8. Content Creator: Educating and informing the public about Web3 concepts and projects is crucial for its widespread adoption. Without effective communication, companies in Web3 risk being overshadowed by misinformation and confusion. Content creators help them bridge the gap, attract potential users and investors, and build a strong brand identity within the Web3 community.

8 Effective Strategies to Maintain Long-Term Web3 Job Security

Maintaining job security might seem beyond your control. However, as an employee, you hold the reins of your career, and there are aspects within your control that can significantly affect your job security.

1. Visibility through Repeatable Tasks

The cornerstone of job security lies in the execution of repeatable tasks. These aren't just mundane routines; they are strategic actions intricately tied to the company's profitability. These repeatable tasks showcase your proactive involvement in activities directly influencing the company's financial health. Fulfill your commitments, and if challenges arise, communicate with your teammates promptly to resolve issues before they escalate.

2. Punctuality is Key

Apart from unforeseen circumstances, being consistently on time for team meetings and submitting tasks demonstrates reliability and a genuine commitment to your role. Punctuality may seem like a small factor, but chronic lateness can erode trust. Employers value reliability, and being consistently tardy can jeopardize your long-term prospects.

3. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Your attitude significantly impacts your work environment. A positive demeanor not only fosters a better atmosphere for everyone but also enhances your relationships with colleagues. Negativity can turn away both customers and co-workers, potentially affecting the quality of work and displeasing the higher-ups.

4. Continuous Improvement

Refrain from settling into a routine; actively seek opportunities for self-improvement. Engage in company-provided training sessions and invest time in personal development. Learn from YouTube, take courses, and join live training sessions that happen within vibrant Web3 communities to expand your knowledge and skills and open doors to new possibilities within your role.

5. Initiative and Sharing of Knowledge

Go beyond the expected by taking the initiative. Share your expertise with colleagues when they need assistance. Becoming the go-to person for help not only elevates you but also positions you as an invaluable asset at your workplace.

Image depicting a diverse group of web3 professionals collaborating on a long-term project. — Source: FreePik

6. Balancing Socialization and Productivity

While excessive socializing during work hours is discouraged, complete isolation is not the answer. Participate in company activities, both within and outside the office. Building connections with co-workers fosters a positive work environment and contributes to a sense of trust and collaboration.

7. Accepting Feedback and Seeking Help

Constructive criticism is a pathway to improvement. Be open to feedback and don't hesitate to seek help when facing challenges. Most colleagues are willing to assist, recognizing that an improvement in your work benefits the entire company.

8. Have a Personal Mentor or Coach

If concerns about job security are on your mind, seeking an external viewpoint can be beneficial. Having a mentor can serve as a guiding force to build your career path. If uncertainties arise regarding your next career steps, rely on your mentor. If you find yourself unsure about how your skills can transition, your mentor is there to also assist in identifying the most fitting direction for your career.

Healthy Practises For Web3 Professionals Seeking Job Security

As an experienced Web3 professional, you may have observed that enhancing your job security doesn't involve the directive to "work harder." Striking a balance between diligence and avoiding burnout is crucial. Given that 55% of employees are experiencing languishing, and burnout rates are increasing, pushing oneself to the limit is not a healthy approach.

If you’re aiming for job security, consider these 2 tips to help create a balance;

Don’t sacrifice too much for the sake of your work. We’ve long been conditioned to think that our worth and value are tied to our outer work. How many hours are we putting into the day? How many meetings do we attend? How many projects do we manage to get done every quarter? It might feel like you have to work 24/7 to keep the lights on. But the reality is, you’ll likely burn out. Try to keep work-life balance a priority as much as possible.

Secondly, you know life happens and job security is not always guaranteed even when you have done your part. You might need to re-examine your budget and evaluate priorities in case of job loss. Consider ways you can cut down your expenses without too much impact on your overall well-being.

Try to build a financial wellness plan that requires a holistic view into what makes you financially well: debt, retirement, savings, budgets, and more. Even if you’re in a place where you might not think financial wellness is possible, you can still create a plan that’s catered to your needs.

Conclusion

In Web3, the secret to job security lies in the daily repetition of tasks that unequivocally tie your efforts to the company's financial success. It's not just a means of retaining your role; it's a pathway to continuous growth and advancement within the organizational hierarchy. So, identify those repeatable tasks, connect them to the bottom line, and watch as job security transforms into a springboard for your professional ascent.

At EkoLance, we are committed to helping professionals like you navigate the job market and succeed in your careers. That's why we organize training and mentorship programs where professionals can build and advance in their Web3 careers. Our trainers are not just experienced but also have a proven track record of success in the blockchain space. They provide invaluable insights and guidance, sharing their experience and knowledge to help you develop your skills and build your career.

EkoLance built techFiesta; an online hackathon platform where professionals can participate in hackathons, developer challenges, and crowd tasks. This platform helps you gain more hands-on experience and you get to earn in stablecoins, get jobs, and grant opportunities to explore entrepreneurship. Click here to sign up now!

About EkoLance

EkoLance revolutionizes the future of work by empowering professionals in Web2 and the blockchain industry. EkoLance has two products: an educational platform with training programs for upskilling in the blockchain space and a developer activation platform called techFiesta, where companies launch hackathons, developer challenges, and crowd tasks. EkoLance has a community of over 8,000 blockchain professionals.