Often when we embark upon a New Year we pause, reflect upon what we have gleaned. The new skills learned or expanded upon. The relationships we have built. The talents we have utilized and those perhaps that have become less relied upon in our current career trajectory.
A New Year allows us to reflect upon a blank canvas. While we may remain employed at the same employer and perhaps even amidst our same role there are still opportunities for growth abounding.
I wanted to take a moment to provide a list of simple solutions as you start 2024 to help catapult you towards the career trajectory of your dreams!
- Review/update your resume/cv - in today's market it is imperative you always have an updated resume that accurately reflects not only current skills, but highlights the transferability of those skills towards the next level career you are seeking. Quantifiable results demonstrating success are invaluable items to incorporate.
- Consider hiring a career coach, life coach or headhunter/recruiter. This person will be your biggest advocate, cheerleader and honestly most trusted advisor on gaps/deficiencies but also highlight your skills.
- Perhaps it is time to work on an exit strategy? Is your workplace filled with a toxic environment? Do you feel yourself filled with Monday blues every Sunday afternoon/evening? You do not have to remain trapped in an career with lack of growth or poor leadership.
- Find a role that excites you, that utilizes your professional skills and experience, one in which you can truly make an impact within an organization that values ingenuity, insight, creativity.
- Take a risk - leave a traditional 9-5 role, take your years of experience and try the entrepreneurial route - become your own boss.
- Identify organizations you admire - whether it is for the products/services they provide or the value they and respect they treat their employees, connect, network and follow the organization. Be honest about your interest and connect with people at the company.
- Turn a hobby or passion project into a full fledged business opportunity by starting a freelance, consulting or virtual assistant business. Sometimes you may have to start small with a "side hustle", but done strategically you can find a way to turn that into a replacement career.
- Improve your performance within your current role. Ask about additional projects of interest, continue to network and collaborate with other cross-functional leaders and colleagues.
- Take an online class or two relevant to upcoming trends within your specific industry. Learn a bit more about AI within business, it is a growing trend that is becoming more widely accepted.
Remember the famous quote by Lao Tzu: "The Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step." We have to be willing to close the door to our past in order to open the door to our future. Somedays taking the big breath and leap of faith may feel impossible, but the opportunity to start a new chapter in your life will always be worth the risk!
I will leave you with a quote by Walt Disney: "All Our Dreams CAN Come True, If We Have The COURAGE To Pursue Them."
VP Operations First Class Customs Managing Partner at HealthQ2
1 年Jennifer, thank you for sharing! Now we have a great quote that can be attributed to you. Very profound and great advice. "We have to be willing to close the door to our past in order to open the door to our future. Somedays taking the big breath and leap of faith may feel impossible, but the opportunity to start a new chapter in your life will always be worth the risk! "