Career coaches and social media experts are in an uproar about the recent decision by LinkedIn (LI) to allow teenagers fourteen and above to join the site. The concern is that allowing teens on LinkedIn will bring an unprofessional air to the social media site and that executives will then lose interest in using it. Amazing. I guess I’ll have to go on it all day, like I do on Facebook.” This, like much of what my 13-year-old daughter says these days, was dripping with sarcasm. She’s not being disrespectful here; she’s just trying to be cute, asserting her individuality from what she knows is a very important online tool to her mother. Plus, she’s just not that interested in social media. Since the whole point of teen development is to assert one’s independence, my feeling is that you won’t find many teens jumping at the chance to sign up for a LinkedIn account. Especially if it’s a parent that suggests it, hoping their kid will use the site to explore data LinkedIn will be listing on its new “Colleges” pages. In his post for Forbes magazine titled, Precocious! 14-Year-Olds Can Join LinkedIn, Size Up Colleges, George Anders agrees, saying, “If the ensuing battle for teens’ attention is measured by time spent on sites, Facebook is guaranteed to super-poke LinkedIn into oblivion.” My 17-year old son’s response to my asking if he’ll want to set up an account: “Are you going to force me to join it?” I asked if teens will be interested in using LinkedIn, and he remarked, “Not unless the teenager is a really professional weirdo.” Before you think my kids are total slackers (which they are not – both excellent students, Shakespearian actors, avid readers, talented musicians – all around good kids, if I do say so myself), their response was not unique. I surveyed some teen friends on Facebook, and the response was underwhelming. Actually, there was no response — the only respondents were adults. (And, I have quite a few teenaged friends!) But, if teens do sign up for LinkedIn accounts in droves, and decide to create obnoxious, fake profiles, will this turn execs off to using the website? Or, is this any different from what we already see on LinkedIn? There have been problems with scammers, “adult” entertainers, and other illegal activity on the site. Are these profiles irritating? Yes. Does it ruin my LinkedIn experience? No, because I just ignore them. It’s a pretty simple solution! Will all teens cause problems on LinkedIn? Of course not. There are many responsible kids who would benefit from using the site. But…after all, on social media, kids will be kids. To LinkedIn’s credit, they do encourage teens to “Remember that the way you conduct yourself on LinkedIn is a reflection of who you are. This means taking a moment to think before you post, and being thoughtful when you do so.” I can see where LI thought this was a good idea. I think they want to help kids think about their futures from an early age, and figured there was a market for that service, but whether this will actually happen in reality is another story. I mean, I tell my kids to do things that are good for them all the time, but do they always do it? LOL. I wish! Overall, I don't think we've got much to worry about here. I highly doubt teens will flock to LinkedIn and undermine our professional efforts. Kids want to be where the other kids are. Not where grown-ups think they should be. Plus, we do have to give teens a bit more credit. Not all are completely immature or incapable of handling themselves appropriately. Could that be a problem? Sure. Will every teen be a trouble maker on LI, though? I don't think it's fair to assume they'll be the demise of LI just because of their age. What do you think? I’d love to know in the comments below. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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.