For many years, I was a hardworking and loyal employee of a major, public company. I embraced the responsibility that came with promotions and titles. I gave a good deal of thought and consideration to my team members – setting goals and creating opportunities that were intended to enhance their careers. There was a lot of business travel (which I often enjoyed) that required me to spend time away from my home and family. There were also projects that became all-consuming as far as focus, hours worked, stress and worry. Honestly, I don’t regret any of this. On the other hand, there are choices I made that I do regret, so here’s the free advice:
• Regularly make time for experiences that will provide growth opportunities for YOU. Sign up for training, classes, and conferences. Get that certification that will enhance your career profile.
• Keep your resume updated, as well as your LinkedIn profile. It doesn’t mean you are looking for a new job. It just means you are ready if something interesting falls into your lap.
• Take advantage of the availability of consultants. Good ones probably have experience you don’t, and will share with you. Not only can you learn from them; having their assistance can make you look good and be more successful.
• Nurture positive relationships with your service providers. They also have things to teach you. They are more than bodies that take work off your plate.
• Know where to draw the line on what you give to your job. Eventually you will crash and burn if you don’t protect your mental and physical well-being.
• Use your vacation time! You need to rest and refuel to stay healthy and be productive.
• Be visible in your field of expertise. Do interviews. Write articles. Speak at conferences. Join organizations. Get your name known.
• Network, network, network. Meet people outside your immediate professional sphere, and cultivate mutually-beneficial relationships.
If you think there is no time for these things – no time for you – then you are making a big mistake. Your job is a big part of your life, but it is not your life.
Fantastic advice and so true!
ReplyDeleteThanks and keep it up
Some really good tips. I will confess that I have not necessarily done the majority of these things in my career which has mitigated my progress now that I’m in transition. I really like the suggestion to take advantage of training, classes and conferences and get certified in what you like to do will only benefit your marketability.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you can, take advantage of consultants or mentors at your company or in your industry. Their insight and experience can really help you during challenging times or when you feel “stuck” in your career. Again, this is not something I directly experienced but in retrospect, it would have helped me significantly.