Stepping into the New Year, we will all be faced with new challenges in our personal and professional lives. If some of the challenges involve career advancement or even changing your career, you are not alone. Know who you are, what makes you happy and what you can bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from those who have accomplished the goals that you too would like to achieve.
In a 2017 Gallup poll, participants shared that work is more of a source of frustration than fulfillment and that they are actually emotionally disconnected at work. Millions of people spend the majority of their time at work while never feeling satisfied. It’s no wonder why 85% of workers hate their jobs.
Many people choose jobs based on salary alone. But, when we find a career that provides us with a competitive salary and joy – well, we inherently do a better job. We feel confident and it shows in our performances. Some follow the path that others in their family set out before them, regardless of personal interest. While others may not have a clue as to what they want to do in life. All of these issues can lead to poor career choices.
As stated by Korn Ferry, a management consulting firm, we should take the time to develop our skills and try not to jump from job to job too quickly (say in 18 months to 2-year increments) because this won’t allow us to develop the functional expertise needed for true career growth. If what you are looking for is career advancement, use your time to build up new skills for addressing work tasks in a new manner. Simply put, the future of work is flexible and according to a California Management Review research report of 8,000 employees, managers and c-suite executives have seen up to 54% of the workforce stating that their digital skills have improved during the crisis with resultant increases in both productivity and quality levels of the work. But living in a DIY world, it appears that more companies and organizations offer less and less formal training, causing there to be new and uncertain situations without any blueprint as a guide. If you are feeling a little stuck in the office then perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate your career and try to break out of your work-related routine. Not every work atmosphere is encouraging and supportive. Keep in mind that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. So, it’s your choice to assess what will make you feel appreciated and valued as a person and an employee.
Whether you’re looking to advance in the role you’re currently in or ready to make a change-understanding where you want to be, takes work. Here are the top 6 do’s and don’ts to help get you out of the work rut so you can take back your professional power.
- Do take note of your passions, interests, and skills.
Never stop learning, it keeps you ahead of the game. It’s your responsibility to discover how to capitalize on what you are best at.
- Don’t let the company you work for define you.
Figure out how you’re being perceived within the organization and then understand exactly where your power lies.
- Do take the time to invest in your network.
Seek advice, partners, mentors, and people with different perspectives. A new career path could be hiding in your network. Meet peers and compare notes.
- Don’t feel pressured to stay inside the corporate world.
Sometimes finding a job outside the corporate world may be the answer to your sleepless nights. The corporate world can be competitive, cut-throat, and ruthless and not everyone is motivated by profit and promotions.
- Do make it a point to verbalize your contributions.
We must speak up to thrive. It’s human nature to need to feel like we matter and make a difference. What we can contribute to the workplace is experience, skills, and qualifications for the role.
- Don’t rely on your leadership to invest in your development.
Heighten your self-awareness and understand where your strength lies. Learn new skills and make personal development a priority and make it an ongoing commitment.
Ask yourself a few questions:
Do you enjoy the nature of your job responsibilities?
Do you like the values and culture of your workplace?
Are you satisfied with your work hours?
You can get an idea of what it is that will make you motivated to stay or leave based on your answers.
Take control of your career and be confident in the choices you make. Don’t feel intimidated by a bad hand that you may have been dealt in the past. Show those around you that you are willing and able to put your best foot forward and remember just as in playing poker, it’s a game that takes a minute to learn but a lifetime to master.
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