Before you can create and claim your own personal brand, you must first clearly define your values and vision. Most people have never really thought through these processes. But if not you, who? No one can determine your values and vision but you.
Even if you still have your job intact you probably have a close friend or relative who is diligently looking for work. It seems almost no one is immune to the stressors of worrying about job security.
Keeping yourself up-to-date in your field always makes good business and personal sense! But it makes extra special sense in the job market today. Human beings are set apart from the rest of the animal kingdom because we are goal-driven. It is in our human nature to enjoy growth of the mind. Learning keeps us active and engaged.
I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma.
~Eartha Kitt