Well guys, I hate to be the one to break this to you, but the job market is pretty crappy right now. But does that mean you're destined to be unemployed after school? Not exactly. Being unemployed isn't a requirement if you carefully plan your job search strategy. Now, some of you will read this and Google the nearest grad school, and some of you will polish your resume for fall – hunting season in the corporate world – and brace yourself for a double-wide. (Cubicle, that is.) And some of you will develop a side hustle. Side hustles used to sprout from an entrepreneurial passion. We’ve all heard stories of the widget-maker with a dream who hits it big. But more often these days, they come as a result of economic necessity. Regardless of your driver, it’s never been easier – or cheaper – to get started. All you need is a good idea, a good computer, and a good coffee shop that won’t kick you out after one latte in five hours. (If you really want to be successful, you’ll also need an unearthly amount of faith and blind ambition – but hey - at least you won’t have to sell your plasma anymore.) I know I’m making this sound simple. As an entrepreneur myself, I can tell you first-hand it’s not. Of course, being one of the 1 million+ unemployed graduates in the U.S. isn’t exactly Disney World either. Hey Gen Y, still feel “entitled?” “The ‘work hard, get good grades and go to college to get a job’ mantra is dead,” says twenty-something self-confessed hustler Scott Gerber, author of Never Get a “Real” Job: How To Dump Your Boss, Build a Business and Not Go Broke. So, here’s the deal: You are on the cusp of a truly defining moment. That is, if the current trend holds, you will become the most unemployed generation in recent times – OR the most entrepreneurial ever. Do you see the patterns forming? If you are destined to become the most self-accountable cohort in human history – what better time to get started then right now? You don’t need to wait until you’re out in “the real world” to take full responsibility for your success. “The real world” is BS anyway. It’s a myth. You’re living in the real world now. A piece of cardstock with a seal on it really isn’t going to change that much. So, students – start hustln’. Photography, dance lessons, web design, editing, baking, baby sitting… whatever. Find something (legal) that will allow you to build a business and see where it goes. At best, you’ll earn enough to stay afloat for the long haul. At worst, your initiative will help you land a ‘traditional’ job post-graduation. Of course, by then the double-wide may not look so hot after all.
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.