The Best Investment You'll Ever Make: Yourself
A few people have recently reached out to me for professional advice—whether about navigating career transitions, refining their personal brand, or exploring new opportunities.
And a common theme keeps coming up: career paths rarely go as planned.
The destination will change. Probably a few times.
Many of us build careers around institutions, believing that stability comes from tenure, loyalty, or reputation.
But in higher education and the nonprofit world, the past few years have made one thing clear: even the most committed professionals aren’t immune to change.
As I mentioned in last week's newsletter, four months ago, my role was eliminated. While unexpected, I wasn’t unprepared. The steps I took before that moment made all the difference—building relationships, diversifying experience, sharing expertise, and consulting on the side.
Since then, I’ve gone from guesting on podcasts to hosting my own, taken on consulting projects, established partnerships, launched this newsletter, and—just this week—began a major contract role with UCLA to help them prepare for their next comprehensive campaign. Along the way, expanding my network in ways that weren’t possible before.
I’ve also been sharing insights at marquee higher education conferences like the AMA Symposium, CASE District 2, and CUPRAP last week—focusing on helping institutions strategically elevate alumni and philanthropic engagement. Later this year, I’ll be published in the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing, further contributing to this important conversation.
My intention isn't to brag but share this critical lesson: few of these opportunities would have been possible if I hadn't taken active ownership of my professional growth years ago.
This isn't just my story. It's a reality many professionals face. Career stability isn't about where you work—it's about how well you've prepared for what's next.
With no end in sight to all the disruption in the U.S. right now, if you abruptly lost your job tomorrow, how well-positioned would you be?
Let's find out.
How Well Are You Investing in Yourself?
A quick self-check: Give yourself a ✅ for each statement that applies to you.
- I have a professional network that extends beyond my institution.
- I create or share insights regularly (writing, speaking, posting, etc.).
- I have skills that make me valuable outside of my current role.
- I understand my professional value and could articulate it clearly if needed.
- If I needed to make a career move, I have options and a plan.
How did you do?
- 4-5 checks: You’re in a strong position—keep building!
- 2-3 checks: You’ve got some work to do, but you’re on the right track.
- 0-1 checks: Now is the time to start investing in yourself.
So what can you do today? Here’s your Career Resilience Playbook.
5 Steps to Build Career Resilience
✅ Start Writing & Sharing – Whether it's LinkedIn posts, conference speaking, or guest authoring, put your expertise out there. Your future opportunities may come from people who know your thinking—before they know you personally.
✅ Expand Your Network – Connect with professionals outside your organization. Strong external relationships can open doors when you least expect it. Set a goal to reach out to three new people this month.
✅ Learn a New Skill – Invest in areas that increase your adaptability—whether it’s AI tools, digital marketing, or public speaking. Don’t wait for your employer to dictate your growth. If professional development budgets are tight, pitch creative solutions, like covering your own travel if your employer covers registration. Or, embrace it as an investment in your future rather than just an expense.
✅ Create a Financial Safety Net – If consulting or a side project is appealing, start exploring it now. Even small income streams can give you confidence and flexibility, leading to other opportunities.
✅ Think Beyond Titles – Focus on the impact you create, the problems you solve, and the expertise you offer—not just the title on your business card. By nature, most employers want to keep you in a box. It's your responsibility to break outside of it.
Final Thought: The Best Time to Invest is Now
None of these opportunities happened by chance. They were built over years of consistent effort, long before I ever needed them. The best time to invest in yourself isn’t when change happens—it’s well before.
So, I’ll leave you with the same question from earlier: If your job disappeared tomorrow, would you be ready?
If the answer is “not yet,” pick one action from the playbook and take your first step this week. And the week after. And the week after that.
Here’s to building something that lasts.
Dan
