This past week, I did a free webinar called, “5 Ways to Leverage a Layoff." (You can watch the recording for free here.) I was inspired to host it after hearing about the 27,000 expected layoffs at HP. Over 400 people tuned in to hear how a layoff might actually work to their advantage. Age isn't the Issue In the session, I pointed out it's not “age" discrimination but “experience" discrimination that hurts people after a layoff. The key point being: With age comes experience - and with that comes the assumptions made about people with experience (i.e. set in ways, higher priced, slow to change, etc.). After that session, I had a lot of participants connect with me via social media and say it was the first time they had ever heard discrimination explained that way. It made me realize that a lot of people are being held hostage by age discrimination. Here's why... You Can't Change Your Age! They say “age is just a number," but it's an irreversible number. You can try to hide your real age, but let's get real: Time marches on. So, if we believe we are being discriminated against for our age, we feel helpless to do anything about it. Good New: Experience Discrimination Can Be Reversed The good news is if you can shift your thinking and realize you are being discriminated for your experience, you can do something about it. It's a simple communication process designed to redirect the perspective of the person doing the discriminating. In fact, I created a Turbo Tutorial (a 10-minute power video lesson) for my CareerHMO members that outlines the four steps you can take to conquer Experience Discrimination. (Sign up here for our 30-day risk-free trial and you can access it.) Can't Crush Discrimination if You Don't Try The key to fighting back is getting in the game. Tweaking your resume and cover letter isn't enough. Crushing Experience Discrimination comes from proactively networking to get people looking at you differently. As a business-of-one looking for their next client (a.k.a. employer) it's up to you to build a marketing plan that gets them to say “yes" instead of “no." I hope this article inspires you to look at discrimination in a new way. More importantly, I hope it motivates you to do something about it!
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.