Several years ago, I believed I was ready to take the next step in my career. I had achieved the role of Treasurer at my last company but I was ready for something more. While I was there, we merged with another company and I was traveling back and forth to both offices as Treasurer of both companies. Unfortunately, and as I had anticipated, senior management wanted me to move to where the other company was located, and I declined. So, with a strange twist of events, I found myself unemployed. Related:3 Signs You’re Sabotaging Your Job Search Right as I was leaving my company, a recruiter contacted me saying they were conducting a search for a company in need of a Treasurer. And with my industry experience, there was no doubt it was a perfect match. I met the recruiter, he believed I was right for the job, and he submitted my resume. After three weeks with no response, I contacted the recruiter and he told me the company hired the first person they interviewed! I was astounded! I thought “That can’t be. I am a perfect match for that job! I have excellent Treasurer experience and I have worked at major companies in their industry. This just isn’t right.” Every day, I lamented the fact that I had not been given an opportunity to interview for that position. Finally, three months later, still lamenting the lost opportunity, my computer hard drive crashed rendering it unsalvageable. Also, not one interview, phone call, referral, or response to a resume submission came my way during those three months. Life has a funny way of making a point to us. This was a clear message to forget about the past. I immediately started laughing knowing the message. Therefore, the next day I put the past behind me and re-focused on my networking. Later that week, while meeting with a new connection, I was referred to a particular recruiter. My contact highly recommended I call her. I called her the next day and she answered (that was a good sign!). She told me my background was perfect for a job opening they just received looking for a Treasurer. But there is much more to this story. As I mentioned, I really was looking for the next step in my career, and wanted more than just a Treasurer role. She informed me that this person would also head up Investor Relations, thereby making this a very strategic role. I would be continually working with the CFO, CEO, and senior management because of these two responsibilities. I landed that job. Within three months, I was given additional responsibility: Budgeting, Planning, and then Public Relations. The job was exactly what I had my heart set on. Looking back, it was a massive mistake to be looking back. What I learned was:
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.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.