It is not arguable that during the current downturn economy, managers are over occupied with immediate issues and seemed to have postponed their career development goals. They do not necessarily have to.
What can be done is the reduction in time spent on achieving the long-term goals. It is important, however, with your current job, to keep the focus and take effective measures.
Another step is to reduce the horizon from let’s say ten years to a minimum of two to three years. When the economic situation is to improve is a million dollar question right now. Therefore, planning for a very long-term goal may not be advised by most successful business personalities.
Lastly, managers should plan and organize their career development activities and should keep two or three alternatives in mind rather than staying on one path.