Coming off of the year everyone just had, it’s natural to be looking toward 2010 with a critical eye on your career status. What follows are 10 new year’s resolutions from OI Partners, a leading global career transition and executive coaching firm, intended to take the edge off of your work anxiety:
1. Unlike so many other New Year’s resolutions, your career isn’t something you can afford to let fall by the wayside. After all, you spend the majority of your waking hours at your job, so it had better be something you like and find fulfilling.
2. Prioritize your career goals. Focus first on the most achievable ones, but keep your longer-range objectives in mind.
3. Did you make career resolutions last year? How did they pan out? Honestly assess what you ended up doing—and what you would’ve done differently.
4. An improved economy won’t immediately lead to more full-time openings. Contract, freelance, and part-time opportunities will materialize first, so take advantage of these.
5. Always have a backup plan. This isn’t just advice for the laid-off: Even if you’re currently employed, you may decide to transition into another field with more available opportunities.
6. Keep your skills current. Staying up-to-date with technology and the latest developments in your field will maintain your relevance to potential employers and customers.
7. Seek out guidance. A mentor—someone trusted and experienced with whom you can strategize career options and ideas—is an invaluable resource.
8. Communication is key. Being able to effectively get your message across to to bosses, subordinates, colleagues, and prospective employers will get you much further along in the rat race.
9. The old standby: Update your resume. Ditto for keeping your professional network current, which includes your online presence on job search and social networking sites.
10. Before deciding to jump ship, make a good-faith effort to work out problems with your current employer. Whether it’s a negative performance appraisal or missed bonus at issue, try to talk things out with your immediate supervisor. Nothing may ultimately come from your effort, but at least any career decision you subsequently make will be free of second-guessing.
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