Advance Your Career

Is it time for you to advance your career? If you've been taking care of everyone else except you, you may be looking around now wondering what happened to my career dreams? When you were younger, you were very clear about what you wanted to do and how much money you wanted to make. Now 10, 15, maybe even 20 years later you realize that you never achieved your goal. It's not so much that it changed, but more like you put everything else before fulfilling your own goals.

It's not too late if you're willing to invest some time into advancing your career. Here are 5 tips to get you started:

Assess Where You Are

Do you feel stuck in your current position because you feel it provides you with security? It can be scary to leave that security to pursue your dream. But what is that security costing you when it comes to fulfillment? Are there new skills that you need to master? Have you passed up opportunities to take classes or workshops that could better position you for advancement? Can you do a better job at balancing your time without taking on unmanageable stress? Are there some activities you can set aside so you can focus on your goals?

Focus, Focus, Focus

You have to have a plan in place. Do your research to determine how to proceed with your plan to get closer to your dream. You may find that there are several options available to you. Choose the best one that will keep you moving in the right direction.

Seek Advice

Who do you admire within your professional support network? Can you set up a time with them for a quick call or meet with them for breakfast or lunch to discuss your options? Now would be a great time to establish or reignite those relationships. Hopefully after meeting with them you will have more clarity about how to proceed. If you don't have someone to reach out to, search the Internet for websites that may provide more insight.

Consider the Cost

Does your dream career involve the need for you to return to school, get a certification, or take a workshop? These days you cannot depend on your employer to pay for or even reimburse you in this area. In fact, some employers will take your desire to advance more seriously if you're willing to invest in yourself.  Don't get discouraged if you don't have the funds on hand. You may need to save, obtain a loan, or see if a scholarship is available.

Set a Realistic Timeline

If you haven't made any advances for the last few months or years, it's probably not going to happen overnight now that you've decided you want to move forward. Set a timeline that doesn't involve over stressing yourself. Figure out how much time you can devote each day or week toward reaching your goal.

Once you've decided that you're ready to advance your career, you'll find like everything else it takes time and consistency. Keep working towards your goal and eventually you will find yourself in your dream career!

These few tips can make a positive difference in getting started toward advancing your career. Remember, each step you take is one step closer to achieving your goal. If you could use more support, take the time to contact Family First Psychotherapy Services LLC. Your needs are our priority.