Treasury Minister Eddie Teare says a flexible workforce will be key to improving the fortunes of the Manx economy.
In last week's budget, Mr Teare announced a growth expectation of three per cent in the coming year, despite the squeeze.
He said a varied picture's unfolding, with traditionally buoyant sectors like finance contracting while some niche industries grow.
Three hundred government posts are to be closed in the next three years and a new initiative's to be announced soon to halve the number of long-term jobless to 100 over two years.
Speaking on Sunday Opinion, Mr Teare said government and the working population have to make the most of the opportunities available: