Once you have your 9-5 job it is easy to be complacent and not look beyond your current role or what the next promotion opportunity may be. However, it is important to plan your career path yourself and not just expect your company or HR department to make your future decisions for you.
There is a difference between having a job and a career. Job security is important, and you should be planning ways in which you can satisfy your goals and ambitions, rather than sit back and hope they work out themselves. It is time to broaden your short term thinking and manage your career by planning and working to obtain new skills, capabilities, and experiences.
Cranmore have worked with many companies and candidates to fill recruitment positions and we have gathered our top tips for managing your career to realise and reach your goals:
Take Ownership of Your Career
Don't wait for things to happen; make them happen. Take responsibility for your career by actively mapping out your goals and devising strategies to achieve them. Your work hours should be more than just a means to pay the bills. By seizing control of your career, you can revitalise your professional life and plan for the future, including any potential opportunities or challenges that may arise.
Identify and Leverage Your Strengths
Discover your passion and focus on what you excel at instead of trying to turn weaknesses into strengths. Recognise your strongest skill sets and capabilities and commit to further developing them. This approach will lead to a more fulfilling work life and enable you to advance in a field you genuinely enjoy. Even if you're already skilled in an area like negotiation, remember that continuous learning and growth are essential for long-term success.
Benefit from Career Coaching
Sometimes, planning your career can be overwhelming or leave you feeling stuck. Engaging a professional career coach can guide you through the process and hold you accountable for achieving your goals. A career coach can provide expert advice on relevant training courses and additional skills to acquire. They can also serve as your mentor, keeping you focused and on track.
Expand Your Network
Once you've identified your strengths and mapped out your path, networking becomes crucial. Learn from others and remain open to potential opportunities. Engage in conversations with as many people as possible, showing a genuine interest in their accomplishments and career journeys. Remember, personal relationships are key in business, and you never know who might be able to help you in the future. Update your CV and LinkedIn profile regularly to showcase your skills and expand your professional network. This way, you'll increase your visibility and be among the first to hear about upcoming opportunities. If you aspire to progress within your current company, make sure your boss is aware of your career goals and your commitment to contribute significantly to the organisation.
Achieve Work-Life Balance
Success should not come at the cost of excessive stress. Disregard the workaholic culture, as it often leads to sacrifices in other areas of life, such as family or health. Striking a healthy work-life balance is key to long-term success. Taking time off can actually enhance productivity rather than hinder it. It's important to manage expectations, be honest about your limitations, and avoid overpromising deliverables that will only lead to unnecessary stress. Adopting a positive attitude, honing your skills, and mastering time management and organisation will set you up for a successful future career.
If you're seeking to hire top talent or looking for your next career move, contact Cranmore at 028 9692 2069 for expert recruitment advice tailored to your specific needs.
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